Dear Young Peace Scholars,

Today we are talking about families. Families come in all shapes and sizes. Some families have one mum, or two mums. Some families have two dads. Some children are cared for by grandparents, or by foster parents, or by their brother or sister. A family is not about who is related to who. A family is what people make it.

People say that you can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family. In many ways that is true. This should not mean that you avoid your family though.

Family members know how to wind you up. It is often hard work to spend time with people who remember your mistakes. Close friends and family members sometimes disagree with you, like different things, or take advantage. It is sometimes easier to be with people who don’t know you so well.

But your family is central to who you are. You take your genes from your mum and dad, and they have more influence over you than anyone else. You grandparents, and your ancestors going back in time, have shaped you in ways that you may never know or understand.

Some of what your family gives you is very special. Some of it is less useful and needs to be changed into something positive. Many inspiring and influential people in history did not have a good start in life. They learnt how to transform bad experiences into good. Having a difficult family life does not mean that you will not do well in life.

Your family can make you the best person you can be. Some of your biggest challenges in life are to do with your family. Some of the biggest opportunities for growth come from the same place. When you connect deeply with someone in your family, the love goes very deep. Treasure it if you can.

Love from the POP Team.