Customer Reviews

Hints on Child Training

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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.

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.

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.

This book is the single best parenting resource I've seen.
I've read it several times; actually, I read it continously.
As others have noted, the English is old and proper, but that's a big part of the charm of the book for me.
It's like sitting and listening to a wise old gentleman/grandfather.....hanging on and soaking up his every word.
I highly recommend it for all parents, regardless of religious background (or no religious background).

This book is the epitome of biblical wisdom, and humility. Henry Clay Trumbull is undoubtedly an expert in his field. He was a father, an educator, an author, and an evangelist. This book is not the "know-it-all" rantings of a new father, but the humble wisdom of an experienced father. The original book was written in 1890, when Trumbull was 60 years old.

In the preface he relates an encounter with a friend who questioned him on his theory of child training...

"`Theory?' I responded. `I have no theory in that matter. I had lots of theories before I had any children; but now I do, with fear and trembling, in every case just that which seems to be the better thing for the hour, whether it agrees with any of my old theories or not.'"

In a world where everyone views themselves as an authority on every subject under the sun, it is refreshing to see one, so worthy of the title, admit with humility that he does not deserve it.

This book is a collection of "hints" from one who has been down this path before. These hints are not presented as a fool-proof method for raising a godly child. They are practical tips, deeply rooted in biblical truth, and proven over time in the lives of this man's children and grandchildren. (He is the great-grandfather of Elisabeth Elliot!)

This book starts off by defining the terms used. So often the idea of "training" a child is used interchangeably with the idea of "teaching" a child. As it is used in the context of this book, "the training of a child is the shaping, the developing, and the controlling of his personal faculties and powers; while the teaching of a child is the securing to him of knowledge from beyond himself." (pg. 1) He quickly points out that although both are a necessity in the upbringing of each child, training is a possibility long before teaching is. In fact, he says, the training is begun much earlier than is the teaching.

Chapter 2 - The Duty of Training Children:
This chapter, in my opinion, is right on target. He starts off by saying, "It is the mistake of many parents to suppose that their chief duty is in loving and counseling their children, rather than in loving and training them; that they are faithfully to show their children what they ought to do, rather than to make them do it." (pg. 5)

He carefully explains how it is both a privilege and a duty of parents to train their children to do and be what they should. Just because a child has natural tendencies in one direction or another, does not mean that he or she cannot be trained to restrain themselves in certain areas, or to develop proper interests in another. He offers a reminder to parents that "there are no absolutely perfect children in this world. All of them need restraining in some things and stimulating in others." (pg. 7)

Chapter 5 - Will-Training, Rather Than Will-Breaking:
I found this chapter particularly interesting for two reasons. I have a stubborn little girl. I often find myself engaged in a "battle of wills" with her over one thing or another. I have always heard that it is sometimes necessary to break a child's will in order to get them to do what is right, even, or especially, if they have no desire to do so. But, Trumbull suggests a different approach:
"To break a child's will is to crush out for the time being, and so far to destroy, the child's privilege of free choice; it is to force him to an action against his choice, instead of inducing him to choose in the right direction." (pg. 20)

As parents, we have to remember that the final choice, and the consequences associated with it, belong to the child, not the parent. It is our responsibility, as parents, to see to it that his will is strong towards right choices, and to guide them in that.

Chapter 11 - Training A Child Not To Tease:
I often read with a yellow highlighter in hand, which I use to mark thoughts, sentences, or quotes that stand out as particularly educational or inspiring. I like to be able to easily reference these portions when I return to the book at a later date. This chapter is exactly why!

It begins by saying that "a child who never `teases' is a rarity." In this chapter more than the others, it is important to remember that this book was written over 100 years ago. "Teasing" is not what we might think of when we hear that word used today. He defines it as "to pull, to tug, to drag, to vex (or carry) with importunity. A child teases when he wants something from his parents, and fails to get it at the first asking." (pg. 57)

He is referring to what we today commonly call "whining!" The practicality of this book is clearly seen in this chapter. He simply states that, "If a child never secured anything through teasing, he would not come into the habit of teasing; for there would be no inducement to him to tease." (pg. 57)

For one reason or another most parents to give in to their child's request after some amount of whining. But, no child should be under the (mistaken) impression that his parents decision was based on his teasing (whining), rather than their own understanding of what is best for the child in a given situation. If a child knows that he can eventually get what he wants by teasing (whining), the parent does not have that child's respect.

It is difficult for parents to refuse to give in to a child's teasing (whining), without exception. But, in this chapter, we are wisely encouraged to give careful thought to our child's request before giving an answer. A quick, or thoughtless reply will only result in furthering a child's belief that he can push just a little farther to get what he wants. A parent's answer should be final, and the child needs to be trained to accept it as such.

Chapter 14 - Training a Child's Faith:
Faith is instinctual in a child. But, the "knowledge of the One on whom his faith can rest with ultimate confidence is not innate." He clearly sees the responsibility of the parents in training a child in a knowledge and understanding of God - a concept that a child is capable of grasping.

"...Children...can receive the profoundest truths of the Bible without any explanation. When they are older, they will be better fitted to grapple with the difficulties of the elementary religious teachings. The idea that a child must have a knowledge of the outline of the Bible story before he knows the central truth that Jesus Christ is his loving Savior, is as unreasonable as it would be to suppose that a child must know the anatomy of the human frame before he is able to believe in his mother's love for him." (pg. 77)

This is unquestionably the most important duty that rests on a parent in the area of child training.

Chapter 30 - Good-Night Words:
Thirty chapters make up this book. It ends, appropriately, with a chapter about saying "good night" to your children. He emphasizes the need for these last words of the day between parent and child to be pleasant, encouraging, gentle words of affection. This is not the time for sharp rebuke. He closes this chapter, and the book, with this gentle admonition to parents:
"Let, then, the good-night words of parents to their children be always those words by which the parents would be glad to be remembered when their voices are forever hushed; and which they themselves can recall gladly if their children's ears are never again open to good-night words from them." (pg. 181)

We would all be wise to carefully consider the words in this book, and "take a hint!"

I came across this book in the 1990's, I was familiar with Elizabeth Elliot, H.Clay Trumbull's great grand daughter, and had great respect for her. I always wonder, about what the parents were like, of a person like Elizabeth Elliot. I was also looking for something fresh on Child Teaching and Training. I wanted a biblical perspecitve but was frustrated for years with the status quo "christian based" parenting books.

Our own family at the time, consisting of 4 sons, one in particular so very strong willed, while the children were doing well and respectful, I wanted more. I wanted to do better as a parent, and to gain new insight.

Now that we have 3 younger daughters, I am enjoying reading this book once again.

It always seemed that the "christian parenting" books were more about how to "control" than disciple.

This book is so refreshing. It is about discipling little ones. It is compassionate, caring and not a "how to" book. I am so thankful for that.

Trumbull makes you look at yourself, are you being tender? compassionate? Understanding? Are you depending upon the Lord for HIS wisdom for your little one? When your child goes to bed, are the lasts words they hear from you harsh or loving?

I cannot say enough positive things about this book.

And I just love, that he dispells the assumptions of modern day parents that in the "olden days" every parent was harsh and beat their children. It couldn't be further from the truth.

I was too. This is one of the ways, I believe God has answered my prayer. I have great concern over my children's development and want the best for them. I was seeing harmful attitudes being picked up, and struggling in dealing with them. Much prayer and concern was shed during this time. I am still in process of course, but God is enlightening me much through His Word - the Bible. God has also given us teachers with which we can learn and be blessed from. H.C. Trumball, I believe is one of them. I was especially blessed by the chapter of "Will-Training, Rather than Will-breaking."

This is not a book for Christian believers only. Any parents seeking hard for good philosophy and practical tips about parenting will found it helpful. I read it many times already and everytime I get new insight and revelation from it. It calms me down when facing parenting issues and it provides hope. We all love our children, but a lot of times we are doing it in such a wrong way that we in reality push our children away and become negative forces in their development. That's why this book so stands out amongst all parenting books because the author's love for children and his profound wisdom on parenting is so evident throughout the book. He was so humble in his tone of writing that you don't feel condemned or pressured but just wanted to read on, read again and again and wish you could listen to him talk...

Of over a dozen child training books I have read, this is the best. Not only that it is full of Bible-centered wisdom, it actually put convictions in my heart on how to be a parent as God originally designed us to be. This is a God-send, so well-rounded in the areas of child training it covers. It does not just rest on the side of discplines nor does it just emphasizes on the role of love. It shows both the loving and righteous sides of our God in a good balance.

This book provides wise, loving, Biblical counsel to parents who are searching for direction. Reading this book requires concentration, but it is well worth it. Mr. Trumbull writes with maturity, experience, and kindness. His love for children is profound. This is an encouraging and helpful book. It is more of a philosophy than a "quick fix." A mainstay in our home library.