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To Train Up a Child by Michael and Debi Pearl

August 31st, 2009 | admin | audiobook

Two extremes in child training are prevalent in our day. The first is permissiveness. The modern idea was made popular by Dr. Spock, who taught that discipline hindered the child’s evolution. The other extreme is to spank the child for everything. As stated, these are both extremes and are not consistent with Scripture.

Back in 1994 Michael and Debi Pearl wrote the book To Train Up a Child and this was the beginning of their No Greater Joy ministry. Since then well over half a million copies have been printed of this best seller. The premise of the book is to teach parents how to train up their children rather than discipline them up.

This is not a list of theoretical platitudes but sound advice, illustrated from real family situations and presented in a very readable format. The proof that it works in found in the fact that they successfully raised 5 children who have happy marriages. The teaching continues to be applies in the training of their 14+ grandchildren.

The goal of the book is stated by the Pearls as, “no more raised voices, no contention, no bad attitudes, fewer spankings, a cheerful atmosphere in the home, and total obedience from your children”. If that sounds too good to be true, realize that many have successfully followed these Biblical principles. As a matter of fact, questions and testimonies from readers brought about the magazine No Greater Joy. These articles are compiled into three volumes called No Greater Joy volumes one through three.

This is not a book of secret formulas never before unveiled. Again, from their own pen: “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 emphasis of the book is found in the title, i.e. training. Parents learn how to be proactive in training before disobedience occurs and that without losing fellowship with the child by either being a buddy or a bully.

Here is another quote from their introduction to the book: “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”

Here are a few of the chapter titles: The Rod, Selective Submission, Parental Anger, Potty Training, Safety Training, Emotional Control, Self-Indulgence, and Bullies. You get even more if you purchase it now for recently To Train Up a Child was updated and expanded, yet remains reasonably priced.

Responsible parents don’t want a fly-by-night approach to child rearing. We want to use techniques that apply Biblical principles to real life situations, in short, things that are guaranteed to work. In a mere 122 pages, To Train Up a Child gives you that very thing. If you feel like a parental failure or know someone who does, this six dollars may be a life-changing investment.