Peace Table: What Is It, How To Use It And What Are Its Benefits?
Throughout the process of raising a child, we can use the peace table feature in any stressful or conflicting situation. The Peace Table is a space for relaxation and overcoming tensions, nervousness and irritation. We will tell you how to prepare this space and put this strategy into practice.
The peace table is one of the many Montessori resources for creation. Maria Montessori was a famous Italian pedagogue and scientist whose important legacy for the education of children remains alive thanks to the reproduction and dissemination of her methods by many associations in various parts of the world.
How to build a peace table?
First, we must decide where we will place this table, which will serve for the child’s relaxation. It should be an accessible place that the child can easily use whenever they want to reflect and express how they feel.
Secondly, it is necessary to think about the materials. In addition to the essentials – a table and two chairs suitable for the child’s size – we can also add secondary elements such as:
- Decoration: Plants, paintings and other similar elements can add a personal touch.
- Books: some books related to the expression of feelings, but also others that the child likes.
- A musical instrument: playing an instrument can be a very important moment of distraction and reflection.
- A bell: for the child to ring when he feels better.
Should I let the child use it on their own?
A central point of this method is that obligation never does a good job. Especially if the method is used in times of negativity, which usually happens. Instead, you should try to invite the child to spend time at the peace table whenever he likes. It should be an open space that she can turn to because she knows it will be good and that it will help her to overcome her problems.
When is the time to use the peace table?
It can be a necessary feature in various circumstances. For example, in situations where the child feels frustrated, anxious, angry, sad or worried. Present this table as a place to relax, to think about other things and let go of negative emotions.
On the other hand, it can also be very helpful when the child has a negative experience. By negative experiences we refer to fights between siblings or friends, getting bad grades in school, or a disagreement with parents.
The main benefit of the peace table is that it allows the child to calm down and, later, make room for the parents to approach to talk. After spending time in this place, the child will have another perspective and will be calmer and more receptive to explanations.
In the case of sibling conflicts, you can invite both of you to sit at the peace table. Once in this space, the children will take turns owning an object that will give the floor to whoever owns it. Thus, each one will have its moment of expression. You can also use an hourglass for this.
Benefits of Using the Peace Table
Based on all of the above, we can conclude that the peace table provides great advantages for children. Among the most important are:
- Recognition and internalization of one’s emotions and the emotions of others. That is, it stimulates emotional intelligence .
- Learning methods of expression and communication, especially in situations of stress or conflict.
- Incorporation of negotiation techniques and assertive resources to communicate.
- It improves self-esteem, as the child is able to solve their own problems.
- Promotes healthy interaction with other children.
Finally, it should be noted that each child is unique. Thus, the process of getting used to this new feature will not be the same for everyone. The ideal, therefore, is to make the space attractive and not put pressure on the child: it is more a matter of conquering than pushing.
When they start using the peace table, this space will become a private place of satisfaction for the children. Work with them to design and decorate the place! Enjoy this beautiful moment together!
