Love conquers all

The news is so terribly upsetting at the moment, isn't it? The recent terrorist attacks in Brussels have sent shockwaves across the world. Sadly, this seems to be the norm in today's society. Why though? Why must people kill so senselessly? Why must people hate and mistrust other cultures and creeds? Why do innocent citizens have to be murdered....children left without mothers and fathers?

It sickens me to the core that this is the world in which I am rearing my children. I want to protect them from the barbaric truth, from the hatred, from the terror. I want them to celebrate difference, I do not want them to fear it. That is why I am determined that, as a mother, I will launch my own micro revolution against these evil people. You see, it's the little things that we can do in our daily lives that will enable us to stand firm....united against terror. We can love our children with a renewed fierceness. However naive you may think me, I believe that love conquers all.

We can teach our children the difference between right and wrong, how to forgive and how to be kind and compassionate. We can guide our children to follow and respect those who work to protect and educate our communities - such as teachers, nurses, doctors, police officers.

We can demonstrate positive, loving relationships - where women and men stand as equals, empowered and strong.

We can guide our children to understand that violence and killing is not the answer to deal with a difference of opinion. Instead, diplomacy, discussion and debate are what is required.

We can also teach our little ones that reaching out to others, in small ways, can build huge bridges. Things such as allowing a lonely child to join in a game, or hugging a friend when they are sad.

If we can unite our children and show them the care and respect they deserve, the next generation will carry this with them. They will be equipped with an inner force that realises the crucial importance of love and hope. This undercurrent of strength will forever bond our children and will ensure they will never be broken by the misguided beliefs of evil groups.

For me, simplifying and breaking down the darkness that surrounds terror is the only way to destroy it. Our children are the light that will do this and it is our responsibility, as parents, to nurture them....to show them the beauty in the every day and to fill their hearts with love, not hatred.