The Intentional Parents Podcast Facing Dysregulation + Family Dysfunction as Bringers of PEACE (Christmas Special)
It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also one of the most stressful. In our Christmas episode, we explore how to foster peace — not striving for perfection, but accepting the Spirit’s invitation to enter the season with intention, humility, and grace. The holidays can stir up dysregulated kids, busy schedules, grief, and unrealistic expectations, so we walk through the acronym PEACE as a reminder of how we might bring peace to our families this season.
We start with Presence, setting aside our phones to be fully available to the people in front of us. Engagement draws from Philippians 2:2–4, reminding us to stay curious, humble, and willing to disagree without being disagreeable. Affection encourages slowing down to show loved ones that they matter, while honoring different comfort levels with touch.
Compassion and Care helps us look beyond outward behavior to the burdens others may be carrying; instead of asking “What’s wrong with them?” we ask “What might they be walking through?” And with Empathy, we practice feeling with others rather than trying to fix them, living out 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 as those who comfort because we’ve first been comforted by God. Anchored in Scripture, we remember that Christ, the Prince of Peace, is the one who makes true peace possible.
Prayer from Amy Carmichael:
Love through me, love of God.
Shine through me, joy of God.
Speak through me, word of God.
Flow through me, peace of God.
Scripture Mentioned: Psalm 26:2-3, Philippians 2:2-4, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Colossians 3:15 + John 14, Isaiah 9:6
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