The Child at Home The Principles of Filial Duty, Familiarly Illustrated

by John S.C. Abbott

From the author's Preface:

This book is intended for the children of those families to which The Mother at Home has gone. It is prepared with the hope that it may exert an influence upon the minds of the children, in exciting gratitude for their parents' love, and in forming characters which shall ensure future usefulness and happiness. The book is intended, not for entertainment, but for solid instruction. I have endeavored, however, to present instruction in an attractive form, but with what success, the result alone can tell. The object of the book will not be accomplished by a careless perusal. It should be read by the child, in the presence of the parent, that the parent may seize upon the incidents and remarks introduced, and thus deepen the impression. Though the book is particularly intended for children, or rather for young persons, it is hoped that it will aid parents in their efforts for moral and religious instruction. It goes from the author with the most earnest prayer, that it may save some parents from blighted hopes, and that it may allure many children to gratitude, and obedience, and heaven.

Genres: Parenting

88 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1833

About the author

John Stevens Cabot Abbott (Andover Theological Seminary; Bowdoin College, 1825) was a historian, Congregationalist pastor, and pedagogical writer. With his brothers, including Gorham and Jacob Abbott, he was a co-founder of Abbott Collegiate Institute for Young Ladies in New York City.

Reviews

[Ashley Chabrecek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although there is much spiritual instruction to older children in this book, I think a reader today would feel disconnected from some of the content. The companion book to this one, “The Mother at Home” felt very relevant and I was happily surprised by how timeless the advice was from 1833. This book, “The Child at Home” didn’t have the same timelessness. Much of the book is true stories of children or young people reaping negative consequences for their actions to set a warning and counter-example for the reader. It is all very good instruction, but some of the stories are hard to connect with because of how much society has changed since the early 1800s. Still yet, the book is full of sound wisdom. I am glad I read it.

[Emily Allmendinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isnt as good as "The Mother At Home", however it is still a good read. It is grim and with lots of death, sin, and debauchery. But it also paints the picture very well to children that sin starts little and can snowball into something much larger and more shameful. It was written long ago, and therefore some situations arent applicable today. Still the lessons remain the same.

[Aryelle Jenkisnon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, however it was very grim - lots of death, as dark consequence of sin, but also just in general. My children, however enjoyed all the stories that were used to appeal to their hearts and need for Christ. Much more enjoyed The Mother At Home.