Resolving conflicts P.E.A.C.E.fully

Gandhiji’s timeless values of non-violence, ahimsa, satyagraha, and understanding help today too

- Jyothi Prabhakar

Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, known for his philosophy of peace, rooted in the principles of Ahimsa (nonviolence) and Satyagraha (the impact of truth), continues to inspire generations.

But if you thought that the Gandhian principles were only meant to get us freedom from the British and bring about political and social change, think again.

ParentCircle’s Founder and Managing Director, Nalina Ramalakshmi, pioneered the P.E.A.C.E. process—a five-step parenting framework designed to help parents turn challenging moments into learning opportunities. In fact, this process—where P.E.A.C.E. stands for Pause, Empathize, Await, Communicate, and Engage—aligns harmoniously with Gandhiji’s philosophy of nonviolence and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

It’s only normal to feel emotional and agitated when you are faced with a challenging situation with your child or when you are dealing with a defiant child. In this emotional state of mind, it’s natural to lose your temper and react with anger, which in turn can lead to physical and emotional abuse. When this happens, it only escalates the situation, as your child also gets agitated or fearful.

Let's see how we can apply the P.E.A.C.E. process to resolve such situations peacefully.

Step 1: Pause