In a world torn between desires for peace and desires for revenge, remember that struggles like these are struggles our children, especially young toddlers and teens, go through regularly. Our child's early years are the training ground for trying out all of the different emotions that he or she will experience in his or her lifetime. When you consider the severity of a temper tantrum—a child so caught up in an emotion that it is expressed verbally and physically with very little thought—these are extreme emotions. Or consider the years of the teenager, when political thought first enters their consciousness and they struggle with questions of right and wrong, good and evil. When we think our children are strangers to these emotions, nothing could be further from reality.

Consider your child a supporter as you and your family begin to heal from the recent attack on America. A powerful question to ask children is, “What do you think?” or “How do you feel?” Then listen to their answers. Let them know that their opinions and feelings count. Children have insight that is unavailable from any other source. Connect with your child during this time. Empower him or her by sharing the process of recovery rather than merely protecting him or her. Our children are our future, they are the promise of a more peaceful world and peace truly begins at home.