Methods of training children often fall in two extreme camps. The first is permissiveness. A view made popular by Dr. Spock decades ago, this taught that children were evolving and discipline hinders their progress. On the other hand, some parents spank their child for virtually everything. These are indeed extremes and neither is taught in the Bible.
The present ministry of Michael and Debi Pearl, No Greater Joy, began with the book, To Train Up a Child in 1994. Now, fifteen years later, the book has proven to be a best seller with over 650,000 in print. The basic premise of the book is to teach parents how to reject discipline thinking and learn training thinking.
Beyond theoretical platitudes, the book is filled with illustrations from real families, including their own, and laced with plenty of humor. Those who wonder if it works need look no further than the Pearl’s five grown children. The teaching continues to be applies in the training of their 14+ grandchildren.
The goal of the book, in the words of the authors, is, “no more raised voices, no contention, no bad attitudes, fewer spankings, a cheerful atmosphere in the home, and total obedience from your children”. Thousands have followed this counsel and have raised happy, obedient children. In fact, this led to the publication of No Greater Joy magazine containing answers to specific questions parents had in applying the principles. These articles are compiled into three volumes called No Greater Joy volumes one through three.
Don’t think the Pearls have come up with some hidden secret. Their answer: “These truths are not new, deep insights from the professional world of research, but rather, the same principles the Amish use to train their stubborn mules, the same technique God uses to train His children. These principles are profoundly simple and extremely obvious. After examining them with us, you will say, ‘I knew that all along. Where have I been? It’s so obvious.’”
The book emphasizes training. The book teaches parents how to train children before discipline is needed, maintaining fellowship with the children without being either a buddy or a tyrant.
The authors promise, “The stress will be gone and your obedient children will praise you and bring joy and peace into your home. Thousands have testified to the amazing results of these profoundly simple techniques”
Some of the chapter titles include, Parental Anger, Selective Submission, Safety Training, Potty Training, Emotional Control, Self-Indulgence, Bullies, and The Rod. Recently the book has been updated and expanded, yet the price is still very reasonable.
Parents don’t have time for a hit and miss approach to child rearing. They want to use techniques that are guaranteed to work. To Train Up a Child does just that in only 122 pages. If you are frustrated with your parenting skills or know someone who is, purchasing this little book may be just what you need.
Related Reading:
