The lessons in The Young Peacemaker may be summarized in Twelve Key Principles for Young Peacemakers:

1. Conflict is a slippery slope.
2. Conflict starts in the heart.
3. Choices have consequences.
4. Wise-way choices are better than my-way choices.
5. The blame game makes conflict worse.
6. Conflict is an opportunity.
7. The Five A's can resolve conflict.
8. Forgiveness is a choice.
9. It is never too late to start doing what's right.
10. Think before you speak.
11. Respectful communication is more likely to be heard.
12. A respectful appeal can prevent conflict.

Children, like adults, can learn to confess their wrongs in a way that demonstrates that they are taking full responsibility for their contribution to a conflict.

• Admit what you did wrong.
• Apologize for how your choice affected the other person.
• Accept the consequences.
• Ask for forgiveness.
• Alter your choice in the future.

Four Promises of Forgiveness

Children can learn to forgive one another in a way that models the forgiveness they have received from God through the gospel of Jesus Christ:

• I promise I will think good thoughts about you and do good for you.
• I promise I will not bring up this situation and use it against you.
• I promise I will not talk to others about what you did.
• I promise I will be friends with you again.

These promises may be summarized in a poem that is so easy a four-year old can memorize it:

• Good thought
• Hurt you not
• Gossip never
• Friends forever