Hints on Child Training [Paperback]

H. Clay Trumbull (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1993

This book has been called the "single best volume on the subject of child training ever written." Trumbull, who was responsible for the growth of sunday Schools in America just after the Civil War, wrote this book at age 60 after raising eight of his own children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 193 pages
• Publisher: Great Expectations Book Co. (July 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 188393401X
• ISBN-13: 978-1883934019
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #500,957 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the only book I recommend, October 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Hints on Child Training (Paperback)

My children have benefitted very much from this book. Two of them are very difficult, and one has special learning needs. Other parenting books aimed me at subduing them through moral teaching, and, in the end, force. Of course force was often necessary, for everyone's safety and sanity, but subduing them--forget it. If the choice was between my will and theirs, they planned to fight to the death, and tried, for many years. Other parenting books left me no further suggestions. I had the impossible children. As one expert told me, "No child is going to look you in the eye and say, 'I won't do what you say.' That's why they whine." Well, mine did that every day, year after year, even if I never gave in, even once.

Trumbull offered me a new set of goals. Life was still not easy, but instead of trying to win, I was trying to help them do right. What a difference that made! I did not have to feel like a failure; I had to help them choose right, and after that it was really their problem. It was not my job to force them to do right. (By the way, they chose to do right a lot more often under this system.) Trumbull also addresses issues that most Christian parenting books neglect, because they are focused almost exclusively on questions of right and wrong. This book talks about helping a fearful child, spending time playing with the children, encouraging their table conversation, and choosing friends and books. It gave me a picture beyond win-lose.

If you think all parenting books are either harsh or too soft, you must read this book. It's not a choice between punishing a lot or spoiling--there are other paths. A book from a different age simply brings different thoughts.

37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Time tested truths for tested parents, December 6, 2000

By 

Chad D Carson (Kennesaw, Ga United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hints on Child Training (Paperback)

Wow! what a refreshing book. This subject has been penned into print by many authors; but Trumbull's technique is one of using Biblical virtues and focusing on the very best child training information. This technique results in simple, easy to understand chapters and a very clear understanding of what our little ones face in everyday life. I read the book once, then twice, there is no finality in finding helpful hints in this book. Who better to write on the subject, as Trumbull himself raised eight children, during a time when virtue and character were elevated to high status. Subjects such as: courtesy, dealing with children's fears, scolding, adding value to a child's Christmas, were all written with compassion. All parents should read the chapter "Never punish a child when angry."

Even in the late 1800's, Trumbull did not resort to spanking until all other efforts had failed. Instead, he urged parents to allow the child to choose between punishment or making the right choice. This, according to Trumbull, is accomplished by becoming a police officer not a judge. Does it work? A resounding, YES! I have changed my training technique and my children are now easier to control.

I highly recommend this reading to all parents and soon to be parents. It will greatly improve your ability to deal with your little "angels", when they test you.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wise, precious gems that I have found at last !, February 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Hints on Child Training (Paperback)

I have been searching for books on child rearing, and am very glad to have found this. Being a new mother, it's been a "What should I do" series of questions till I read it. The book gives a thorough and practical treatment of many aspects involved in training a child. Issues like will-training, denying a child for his good, honoring his individuality, training of self-control, appetite, faith, courtesy and many other pertinent areas are covered with practical guidelines.