Real Pearl

To Train Up a Child by Michael and Debi Pearl

Child training is often viewed from two extremes. Permissiveness is the first. Dr. Spock made this view popular decades ago, based on his belief that children were evolving and to discipline was to hinder their improvement. The other extreme is to spank the child for everything. These are indeed extremes and neither is taught in the Bible.

No Greater Joy, the ministry of Michael and Debi Pearl, began with the publication of their book To Train Up a Child back in 1994. 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. They continue to see it work in the training of their 14+ grandchildren as well.

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”. 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 in No Great Joy books volumes one to three.

Don’t think the Pearls have come up with some hidden secret. In the Pearls’ own words, “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.

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”

The chapter titles include, among others, Selective Submission, Parental Anger, Safety Training, Emotional Control, Potty Training, Bullies, Self-Indulgence, and The Rod. A bonus is that the book has recently been updated and expanded, yet is still very reasonable.

Responsible parents don’t want a fly-by-night approach to child rearing. They demand something that works. To Train Up a Child does just that in only 122 pages. If you are a frustrated parent, or know someone who is and is open to fresh ideas, this six dollars might well be a life-changing investment.

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