I don't believe that children are born with empathy. It is something they learn by seeing it modeled by others.

The major reason children lie is to escape punishment. The chances are the more a parent or a teacher is harsh, aggressive, or punitive, the more motivated children are to make up a story to protect themselves from punishment.

It is so important that we give our children tools in their tool box called life that will help them resolve conflict peacefully and non-violently.

That right there is a wonderful opportunity for the children. How often do students from all over the community get to interact and learn about one another?

It is our responsibility to teach them alternatives to violence, how to manage their anger, how to deal with conflict peacefully, the golden rule of treating others the way you want to be treated and to think before they act.

Students will use these tools long after they leave school. We are giving them a life skill.