I finally ordered some stuff from NGJ ministries. I really have enjoyed their newsletters and thought I should check out their parenting books.
Well, after reading “To Train Up a Child” by the Pearls, I have to say that that book (out of all the gazillion of parenting books I have read) was the BEST one ever. I feel like I am learning everything from scratch as a parent, because though I love my parents, I am a first generation born again Christian, such a one who has vowed to live as Biblically as possibly, following Christ in every area of my life (not a perfect overcomer by far, but I am definitely resolved in my beliefs.)
At any rate, that book is “revolutionary” (more like old-fashioned values and parenting models of our founding leaders that have been lost along the way) and is totally changing the way I parent. I am (by the grace of God) trying not to get angry when my children do “childish” and “spoiled bratty” things, because I know that everything they are is a direct result of my conditioning and training of them. I can hold no one else responsible for their behavior other than myself. If I do not like something they are “weak” in, then it is an opportunity for me to re-train them correctly where I have not been diligent.
Since reading that book, I have been trying to use each opportunity as a training session. If you do your training correctly, there will be little to no need to discipline later anyways. I have found that if there’s disciplining that has to be done, it’s because of a lack of training or diligent consistency in that area.
I have gleaned so much from that book. I find it hard to ever agree with everything I read in a book, there’s always something there seems that I don’t quite agree with. But with this book I have not come across anything I do not support or now agree with completely. I love their stuff so much, I am also reading “Created to be His HelpMeet” and the 4 volumes that go along with “To Train Up a Child“. It’s probably the best investment I have ever made in a parenting/marriage education.
Anyways, just thought I would share:)
April 1st, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Oh, rats, I probably have a couple of those books that I could have given to you. Extras.
I run across them every once in awhile and think, “I really need to find somebody to pass these on to.” You have to be a little careful who you give them to, some people might be less than grateful. 
I’m not following TTUAC, per se, but I have started to change my tactics with the boys. No more ‘asking’ them to do something or stop doing something 5 times before they experience consequences. They have been informed that I expect first time obedience or punishment will follow. End of story. No whining, no debating, no asking for explanations or giving editorial comments (on their part, haha). I was thinking about this and realized I had been doing what I was doing because I didn’t want to be a “Because I told you so” type of a parent and I also wanted to give them plenty of opportunity to do the right thing. Well, that hasn’t worked, so I’m giving that up and adapting. Haha. We’ll see how this goes.
Sorry so long - just had kind of an epiphany on this topic. It sounds like you’re doing a great job! It’s a lot easier to train them right in the first place than to have to re-train them later (as I’m finding out!).
Now if I could just train myself to go to bed at a decent time. It’s after midnight and I’ve spent I don’t know how long trying to find our copy of Charlotte’s Web. I’ve seen it so many times lately and now that I need it, it’s disappeared. Time to clean out the school storage area(s) again. But not tonight!
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Thanks Jodi for the nice comment and for sharing:) I know that I am definitely NOT mainstream in my thinking, my parenting, or my beliefs and though I am thankful for that, it sure feels like you’re the only one trying to make a difference:) So, I am refreshed to hear that you are still learning and trying to change things up. I know I am constantly learning as a mother and wife. Glad I am not alone:) You going next Monday?
April 9th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
I am so thankful for the Pearls, too. I think you will enjoy their “Jumping Ship” book, too. Have you read it? I read their series on that a while back and now it is compiled into a book.
April 12th, 2008 at 12:29 am
Hi! To train up a child is the best parenting anything I have ever read too. Ever. Also the NGJ series that go with them, are wonderful. Those leave me feeling depressed sometimes at the mistakes I have made. But thanking God I can see myself and repent, change and move on. I like advice that isnt ‘new’ or a ‘fad’ but stood the test of time and has actually bore some good fruit! Well, just wanted to post a quick hello. And agree with you on that book. love the Pearls! Ps. I think Joey & Amy saw him shopping at Opry Mills. lol He lives here near us in Cane Ridge. I think thats the city. Cane Creek or something. talk to you later, its so late! -S
April 12th, 2008 at 12:30 am
Ps. Rachel- We have jumping ship. Its incredible. Ernie and I both have read it. We keep it out and re-read it. Its something I need to really read and read. So much great info in it.