It is sometimes said that each child is a thought in the mind of God. But even if we believe this, and approach parenting the children entrusted to us with reverence, we may often feel helpless—whether in the face of a two-year-old’s tantrum or a teenager’s silence.

In this little book, two fathers (themselves a father and son) share their thoughts on the essence of bringing up children, as well as some helpful practical advice. Both lived in Germany more than a hundred years ago, in an era when parents and teachers tended to be overly strict; today most tend to be very lenient. All the same, there is plenty in what they say that is timeless.

---

Responses

Mothers can be right. Today I talked with a parent about her son. He is my class - kindergarten - and he and his comrades likes to compete in maths. His mother was worried - did he learn allright - did he take his time to write nicely, and so on. We had a talk in the classroom about how important it is to do the best one can and that we learn for our selves- for our lives. The same day this little boy came home to his mother and said: "Then you were right, mum!"

Kirsten Petersen,
Broager Denmark

---

When raising my children I learned that when we respect their delicate spirits, they in turn respect our empathy or love towards them. However, there are boundaries that need to be enforced as we "socialize" a child. These can be taught lovingly if one has the heart to pay attention to their level of understanding. In other words it is much easier to teach a child, if we have not forgotten how to be one ourselves. Unfortunate are those children whose parents do not remember how to "come as a little child". Children are the essence of the Kingdom of God. It appears Mr. Blumhardt never lost his child within. Fortunate are those whose lives he touched - old and young!

Elsie Mayyasi from Florida

---

Children are special and we need to instill the right values in them because they are going to be the mother of the next generation to come because Jesus said in His word suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not for such is the kingdom of God.

Leonie from Jamaica

---

I am 100 percent German. I am 65 years old and brought up opposite to your thoughts. I wish my parents could have known what you do. The only reason I survived is because of a very christian bible reading grandma. I did not do as was done to me, but I was not as patient as I could have been. I am sending this to my grown children and my 25 grandchildren.

thanks,
Ronald.L.Hite Sr
from Arkansas

---

Your Turn. Tell us what you thought about this book: