Letting peace lead

For many families with young children, back-to-school season brings excitement – but also tension. Routines are shifting, decisions need to be made, and even small disagreements can feel bigger than they are. Whether it’s choosing a school, managing extracurricular activities, or navigating daily routines, these decisions carry weight, and differences of opinion can feel deeply personal. 

While these moments often arise around parenting, the challenge of handling disagreements thoughtfully applies to all our relationships – whether with a partner, a friend, a colleague, or a family member. How we respond in these moments can either build connection or create distance.

The bible calls us to take responsibility for pursuing peace, even when there is difference. Romans 12:18 (NLT) says, 

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.Romans 12:18 (NLT)

Choosing peace doesn’t mean ignoring differences or avoiding hard conversations, it means seeking understanding, listening with humility, and valuing relationship over simply being right, or having your own way. 

When tensions do arise, we are called to pause, reflect, and respond with grace. 

This can be helped when we remember to focus on what truly matters. For example, in our parenting, focusing on our children’s wellbeing and growth, AND the health of our relationships. When we do, we mirror Christ’s love and create space for both good decisions and healthy relationships. Disagreements aren’t a failure; they are an opportunity to grow in patience, humility, and godly wisdom.

This week, consider – in what situation – whether with your children, a partner, a friend, or a colleague – could you choose relationship and understanding over insisting on being right, and allow God to guide your words and attitude?

For more practical insights on navigating disagreements as children head back to school, listen to PeaceWise mediator and conflict coach Ann Cunningham in her interview When Parents Clash Over Kids’ Back to School Plans with Richelle Wenham on Rhema 99.7 Newcastle.