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Child Training Tips
Child Training Tips is not just another interpretation on how to train a child-this book has no equal! In this updated edition of the original classic, every chapter consists of lists of symptoms that identify behavior problems and expose trouble spots in parenting.How can parents tell if they've given control of their home to their children?? How can a child be trained to obey quickly when spoken to calmly and only one time? What's gone wrong when chastisement doesn't work? How can appropriate punishments be determined? What are the most subtle signs of rebellion? How do parents accidentally train their children to disobey them? What can be expected of children at what ages? What exactly is sass and how can it be stopped? Pastor and family counselor and minister Reb Bradley answers these and many more questions like these in this best-selling child-rearing book.
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First published January 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 8, 2009
This book is very effective at pointing out what the author calls "blind spots" - signs that your "child training" is not going smoothly. However, in many accounts it fails to tell you what to do to improve the situation, apart from generalizations like using physical chastisement. I thought that most of the "tips" given are common-sense in raising a child, like being their parent and not their friend, not bribing in exchange for obedience, taking away privileges as punishment, etc.
However, it seems that the author's goal in raising children is this sort of extreme parental control, and the child's complete self-denial. To counter one point the author makes, I don't think we should discourage our kids from asking "why" in the attempt to get complete obedience from them. We need to teach them how to make their own decisions by telling them how we make ours.
However, it seems that the author's goal in raising children is this sort of extreme parental control, and the child's complete self-denial. To counter one point the author makes, I don't think we should discourage our kids from asking "why" in the attempt to get complete obedience from them. We need to teach them how to make their own decisions by telling them how we make ours.
October 14, 2024
Useful reference book for troubleshooting where things might be going wrong in your approach to child training. Focuses heavily on the discipline and correction side of things, but makes sure to emphasise the importance of also encouraging and rejoicing in your children.
February 25, 2015
If I could, I would give this four-and-a-half stars, only because I believe the book's easy-to-read organization with subheadings and bullet points could lead some to quickly skim this book and possibly even quit reading it, believing the author is too black-and-white or even lacking in compassion. He makes no apologies for basing any parenting philosophy solely on biblical principles. "With God’s Word offering such an abundant resource of absolute Truth and godly wisdom, we must draw our basic principles for child training strictly from the Bible."
A closer reading reveals Mr. Bradley's loving cautions to parents, encouraging them to set boundaries and to help their children turn from their self-centeredness to God- and other-centeredness, but also encouraging them to love -- and like -- their children in additional, tangible ways. It's easy to become so focused on helping our children overcome sin that we fail to communicate a godly love to them -- a love that doesn't wait until they're perfect, but one that loves them at every stage of their lives.
I believe this book offers a needed counterbalance to those who are looking to the positive parenting movement for answers to parenting questions and challenges. Here is solid, biblical counsel, founded on a love for God and a desire to show that same kind of love to our children. The reader will just need to be patient and read beyond the bullet points to understand the reasons behind much of what the author says. We won't agree with everything, but there is much wisdom to glean from this book.
A closer reading reveals Mr. Bradley's loving cautions to parents, encouraging them to set boundaries and to help their children turn from their self-centeredness to God- and other-centeredness, but also encouraging them to love -- and like -- their children in additional, tangible ways. It's easy to become so focused on helping our children overcome sin that we fail to communicate a godly love to them -- a love that doesn't wait until they're perfect, but one that loves them at every stage of their lives.
I believe this book offers a needed counterbalance to those who are looking to the positive parenting movement for answers to parenting questions and challenges. Here is solid, biblical counsel, founded on a love for God and a desire to show that same kind of love to our children. The reader will just need to be patient and read beyond the bullet points to understand the reasons behind much of what the author says. We won't agree with everything, but there is much wisdom to glean from this book.
April 4, 2011
Own. Recommended by Brandy.
This is a little book, written in outline format, so it covers a lot of bases quickly with little to no development. This presents an approach and areas to address, but it does not take the time to offer many nuances nor convince you nor acclimate you to a new paradigm. There is a time and place for such a direct, straight-up-the-middle style. Because of its format and style, it is obvious that the parent needs wisdom and knowledge in his own circumstances to apply the principles. It isn't a magic formula to be rigidly applied, though his basic approach has been presented by others in that way.
I think this would make a good quick review for when I know something is off, but I can't quite put my finger on it. It would also loan it out or give it away to someone who wouldn't be prone to applying it woodenly or taking offense. Overall, though, I quite agreed with all his tips -- they are pretty much all ones we have tried to implement to one degree or another (and I think the degree varies with families and styles) and so felt a little vindicated, which is encouragement in a way.
This is a little book, written in outline format, so it covers a lot of bases quickly with little to no development. This presents an approach and areas to address, but it does not take the time to offer many nuances nor convince you nor acclimate you to a new paradigm. There is a time and place for such a direct, straight-up-the-middle style. Because of its format and style, it is obvious that the parent needs wisdom and knowledge in his own circumstances to apply the principles. It isn't a magic formula to be rigidly applied, though his basic approach has been presented by others in that way.
I think this would make a good quick review for when I know something is off, but I can't quite put my finger on it. It would also loan it out or give it away to someone who wouldn't be prone to applying it woodenly or taking offense. Overall, though, I quite agreed with all his tips -- they are pretty much all ones we have tried to implement to one degree or another (and I think the degree varies with families and styles) and so felt a little vindicated, which is encouragement in a way.
January 20, 2015
This book was recommended to Rachel and me by an older couple who had reared seven impressive young people. This book helped expose some blind spots in our own child rearing. This book is "an ounce of prevention that's worth many pounds of cure." Read it and reread it, parents, before its too late. It's easier to train than to untrain bad habits.
September 27, 2024
This is a very good example of the kind book that Christian parents need to stop reading and pastors need to avoid recommending at all costs. The author claims to be a specialist in biblical parenting but, while there is some common sense here and there in the book, the core parenting methods advocated to this text are unbiblical to the core. In addition, these methods are cruel and abusive. Mr. Bradley if very free in talking about the meaning of Hebrew words, but he cites no lexicons and claims meanings for some words that do not exist in any lexicon. The most notorious example is his definition of the word khanakh (“train” Prov 22:6), which he defines as meaning “To twist into greatness.” No lexicon lists this definition, and one cannot guess where Bradley got the idea because he references no word study tool. Likewise, he uses a fabricated quote from the Minnesota Crime Commission of 1927, with which he bolsters his misapplication of the doctrine of total depravity to support his theology of evil children (p. 24). While the Minnesota Crime Commission Report of 1927 is very real, and can be found at this link: https://www.leg.mn.gov/docs/2008/othe..., the quote that Bradley attributes to it is nowhere in the document. One cannot judge whether he fabricated these things himself or found them in a secondary source which he does not cite, but either way, we see an unwillingness to do proper, primary source, research from a man claiming to be a specialist in the field.
While misuse of scripture is the greatest concern for a Christian reader, the harsh discipline tactics he advocates can easily lead to child abuse, as they have done in many cases. Bradley speaks out of both sides of his mouth, cautioning against abuse in some sections while advocating it in others. His training methods are explicitly about control. Unlike the author of Proverbs (cf. Prov 1:8-19), he believes children should be forced to obey without knowing why. He advocates repeated chastisement with an implement until the parent deems the child is truly repentant, boldy assuming parents will be able to judge a child’s heart by the tone of their cry.
While much could be said to refute Bradley’s misuse of scripture and discuss the potential harm of the methods he advocates, we must note that the real goal of his parenting is control. This goal is explicit in his section “Keys to Establishing Control” (p, 63). One of the most frightening statements in the book comes soon after: “A chief characteristic of those in authority is that they are not accountable to those under their control” (p. 64). Every sane parent understands that parents must teach children to obey, and on some level that could be considered a form of control, but even a cursory reading of Bradley’s book demonstrates that he means much more than this. Parents are encouraged to control children’s thoughts and feelings. And they are warned that a failure to do so might be the cause of their children going to hell (e.g., p.41, 221). The fact that parent’s are not made accountable implies that he believes children have no legitimate recourse to seek help if they are being abused.
Speaking as a professor of biblical studies, including biblical languages, and as a pastor, I believe that Bradley promotes parenting methods about which the Bible knows nothing. Unfortunately, books like this one sell like hot cakes in many conservative Christian circles, especially homeschool circles. Popular in some of these circles since the nineties, we now see that Bradley’s book, and similar books like Michael Pearl’s “To Train Up a Child,” have done damage to the church that is difficult to calculate. Untold adults want nothing to do with the Christian faith because of the use of these kinds of methods in what were supposed to be Christian homes. Researching testimonies online, Bradley’s name is one of those that often come up in connection with childhood abuse. It is high time for Bible believing Christians to speak candidly about the damage done by these sorts of books.
ADDENDUM: For those wanting to know what parenting books I would recommend, I believe Gene Getz’s treatment in “The Measure of a Family” is an excellent place to start. I also Recommend Howard G. Hendricks, “Heaven Help the Home.”
While misuse of scripture is the greatest concern for a Christian reader, the harsh discipline tactics he advocates can easily lead to child abuse, as they have done in many cases. Bradley speaks out of both sides of his mouth, cautioning against abuse in some sections while advocating it in others. His training methods are explicitly about control. Unlike the author of Proverbs (cf. Prov 1:8-19), he believes children should be forced to obey without knowing why. He advocates repeated chastisement with an implement until the parent deems the child is truly repentant, boldy assuming parents will be able to judge a child’s heart by the tone of their cry.
While much could be said to refute Bradley’s misuse of scripture and discuss the potential harm of the methods he advocates, we must note that the real goal of his parenting is control. This goal is explicit in his section “Keys to Establishing Control” (p, 63). One of the most frightening statements in the book comes soon after: “A chief characteristic of those in authority is that they are not accountable to those under their control” (p. 64). Every sane parent understands that parents must teach children to obey, and on some level that could be considered a form of control, but even a cursory reading of Bradley’s book demonstrates that he means much more than this. Parents are encouraged to control children’s thoughts and feelings. And they are warned that a failure to do so might be the cause of their children going to hell (e.g., p.41, 221). The fact that parent’s are not made accountable implies that he believes children have no legitimate recourse to seek help if they are being abused.
Speaking as a professor of biblical studies, including biblical languages, and as a pastor, I believe that Bradley promotes parenting methods about which the Bible knows nothing. Unfortunately, books like this one sell like hot cakes in many conservative Christian circles, especially homeschool circles. Popular in some of these circles since the nineties, we now see that Bradley’s book, and similar books like Michael Pearl’s “To Train Up a Child,” have done damage to the church that is difficult to calculate. Untold adults want nothing to do with the Christian faith because of the use of these kinds of methods in what were supposed to be Christian homes. Researching testimonies online, Bradley’s name is one of those that often come up in connection with childhood abuse. It is high time for Bible believing Christians to speak candidly about the damage done by these sorts of books.
ADDENDUM: For those wanting to know what parenting books I would recommend, I believe Gene Getz’s treatment in “The Measure of a Family” is an excellent place to start. I also Recommend Howard G. Hendricks, “Heaven Help the Home.”
April 16, 2025
Reb Bradley writes in a concise and easy to understand way. This is one of the more direct parenting books I’ve read. It reads quickly but leaves you with lots of practical wisdom founded on Scripture. My biggest takeaways are: young children can handle more than you think, they need to learn responsibly, and parents need to train children to love their neighbor as themselves. It is not enough to teach children to cease doing evil. They need to learn to do good. This book will be a great reference to go back to as my children mature.
July 21, 2025
Great read! Encouraging and challenging, emphasizing the pursuit of a deeper love of God and how that affects our parenting. Also highly practical!
July 26, 2025
HIGHLY recommend
May 31, 2013
This book contains some very sound parenting advice, I'd recommend it for anyone with children. If you have a newer baby, don't wait too long to read it -- Bradley offers some tips for babies as young as 9 months, and several of his recommendations are things I wish we had implemented before my son was as old as he is now (22 months). It's an extremely short and easy read, and easy to pick up and put down and skip back or ahead to sections for quick reference. I give it 4 stars rather than 5 simply because it is really a pamphlet as much as a book, with lots of subheadings, bulleted or numbered lists, etc.
So, pick this book up if you're a parent and you hope to raise a child who is obedient, respectful, and can practice self control even from a young age. But, a caution: prepare to be offended by an author who actually looks at EVERY facet of life from an entirely biblical perspective and dares to suggest that maybe it is of greater importance for you to raise your children to obey authority and, ultimately, God, than to ensure that they are constantly and supremely happy and satisfied. Pleasant reading!!!
So, pick this book up if you're a parent and you hope to raise a child who is obedient, respectful, and can practice self control even from a young age. But, a caution: prepare to be offended by an author who actually looks at EVERY facet of life from an entirely biblical perspective and dares to suggest that maybe it is of greater importance for you to raise your children to obey authority and, ultimately, God, than to ensure that they are constantly and supremely happy and satisfied. Pleasant reading!!!
October 20, 2019
I think it would be very edifying and good for our country if ever Christian parent (or really every parent) read this book. We were familiar with many of the concepts in the book, but as we went through it a few things stood out that we need to work on. We are thankful for that. That being said, this is far from a definitive work on the subject of child training. He touchs on a small, though critical part or raising children. We are listening to a long series of sermons on child training from Al Martin. Thus far the subjects covered have been completely separate, but both are good and necessary.
Bradley does have one major error in this book. He says that children are not to be spanked with a "rod" as in a dowel or branch that we might think of, but a flexible switch. He argues this based on the Hebrew word, but only a couple minutes of research into the word and where it is used show that it is completely wrong. Also, numerous other verse in Proverbs show that he is wrong (see Proverbs 20:30).
Bradley does have one major error in this book. He says that children are not to be spanked with a "rod" as in a dowel or branch that we might think of, but a flexible switch. He argues this based on the Hebrew word, but only a couple minutes of research into the word and where it is used show that it is completely wrong. Also, numerous other verse in Proverbs show that he is wrong (see Proverbs 20:30).
August 27, 2013
"Child Training Tips" is an excellent and practical book on how to raise children so they will grow into moral and responsible adults. Most of the book is taken from Richard Fugate's popular child-rearing manual, "What the Bible Says About Child Training" but condensed for busy parents. This is a very good resource for parents to have on their bookshelves because it is so well organized and easy to follow. Each chapter contains bullet-points to summarize the information and topics are sorted in a way that particular topics are easy to find when situations arise at home.
April 14, 2022
This book is definitely an eye opener and gives insight as to the difference between modern day discipline versus chastisement in a biblical perspective.
The book is very well laid out and the table of contents so straightforward I can jump to sections I needed easily. I absolutely loved that many of the teachings were in bullet points which made sections a fast read!
Would definitely recommend friends and family to read this, it covers ages zero to young adult and how you can re-program children who’ve already learned unfavorable habits.
The book is very well laid out and the table of contents so straightforward I can jump to sections I needed easily. I absolutely loved that many of the teachings were in bullet points which made sections a fast read!
Would definitely recommend friends and family to read this, it covers ages zero to young adult and how you can re-program children who’ve already learned unfavorable habits.
January 12, 2015
My parents, having raised 8 children, have often recommended this book as their favorite child training resource. It was about time Aaron and I read it. I found it full of sound biblical wisdom and lots of good practical insight. Very helpful and a good reference I will be referring to again and again.
February 13, 2011
I highly recommend this book to parents who want to train their children according to the Word of God. This book helped me to see some blind spots I had in my parenting. Make sure to get the most updated version of this book though - a chapter of utmost importance has been added.
April 23, 2012
Good and practical. The book is what it says it is: tips for child training. For more theological grounding in child-rearing, I'd recommend Douglas Wilson's "Standing on the Promises". I will say that the sections in this book on what a mature Christian is will convict almost anybody.
September 14, 2010
This book from Reb Bradley along with grace from the Almighty got us through our son's first three years of life and beyond.
December 10, 2010
This book was so helpful! Good specifics to think through.
September 16, 2015
This is the best parenting book I have ever read. Not only is it based on biblical principles, but it gives clear applications. Very practical and well organized. Highly recommended!
November 28, 2022
This was a helpful book on biblical child training.
May 5, 2025
Hands down the BEST book on parenting and discipline I’ve ever read. As a mom of 4 and child development specialist I’ve read dozens and dozens of books on parenting, both Christian and secular. But nothing compares. This books is incredibly applicable, biblical, consistent, emphasizing the right things, convicting, and wise. Read many parts with Felipe. This books has already changed our parenting in these last 7 months, especially since we’ve been able to apply its wisdom post-adoption with two of our kids. 🙌🏼 it’s one of those books I’ve kept in my kitchen, so when I’m feeling inconsistent with discipline or frustrated by my kids fighting, I can read a few bullet points and get back on track. 😅🙈
November 6, 2021
This book has a very specific perspective on child raising. I did not agree with it all, but I have used many of the philosophies and steps that he recommends and feel like it was a helpful guide on raising children. In some senses, it is a “harsh” parenting book, with a lot of focus on the parent as the authority figure and obedience being demanded, versus other books that focus on connecting with the child and helping them understand emotions. I didn’t like that it seemed to be so strict, but so see why he leans that direction. Definitely a helpful resource to build a parenting plan and disciple structure off of.
November 29, 2025
One of the best parenting books I’ve read and has helped me tremendously in not disciplining for the sake of discipline, but being mindful of gospel truths that we are trying to instill in our child and how that’s the whole point. Loved the book
September 3, 2023
Book has some good advice, especially for parents who may tend to be too lenient with their children. But also too formulaic, too performance oriented, too strict, too unrealistic in expectations.
February 4, 2025
A short, easy read on parenting from a biblical perspective. Practical and to the point, great for any soon to be or current parent. Highly recommended!
July 2, 2025
A must read!
July 11, 2007
This is one of the most practical discipline books I have read, and I have read many. I first read this book as a teacher. Some one had given it to me after I had been discussing that I was at a loss to figure out the root problem in some of my student's behavior. This book is very Biblically based, every point and position the author holds is supported with scripture. Bradley is really good at pointing out the faults with our societies current popular view of parenting and he gives multiple examples of what using those techniques may develop in your child and home.
That said, he has a very strict view of discipline and child training. And ultimately one needs to use this as a resource and tool to use with discretion, applying it appropriately in your own home. It is easy to see what is his personal oppinion and what is Biblical mandates in the book. He is also very careful to note that parents aren't to be unloving drill sargents that have the only goal of an obedient child. This is stated several times. His last chapter is about LOVE (being the ultimate thing we must teach our child) states that all the training and discipline is for nothing with out teaching our children to love others first.
I guess what I really love is that it is a no nonsense book, that states things simply and straight forwardly, no jargon and fluff here. It is wonderful at breaking down the goals of parenting and what the Bible truly says about training, spanking, and teaching a child about responsibility and love!
That said, he has a very strict view of discipline and child training. And ultimately one needs to use this as a resource and tool to use with discretion, applying it appropriately in your own home. It is easy to see what is his personal oppinion and what is Biblical mandates in the book. He is also very careful to note that parents aren't to be unloving drill sargents that have the only goal of an obedient child. This is stated several times. His last chapter is about LOVE (being the ultimate thing we must teach our child) states that all the training and discipline is for nothing with out teaching our children to love others first.
I guess what I really love is that it is a no nonsense book, that states things simply and straight forwardly, no jargon and fluff here. It is wonderful at breaking down the goals of parenting and what the Bible truly says about training, spanking, and teaching a child about responsibility and love!
February 2, 2015
good book. a 3 1/2. insightful, practical, biblical. every parent can glean something from this book if not fully overhaul their child-training philosophies. easy to read and full of easy to implement tips, mixed with philosophical points of view that whisk the reader through the book. recommended for all parents.
February 17, 2009
Almost the polar opposite of the other parenting book on my shelf by Greg Popcak.
I'll split the difference and be set.
I'll split the difference and be set.
April 9, 2015
Difficult and occasionally off-putting, but even partway through it yielded results.
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