10 Things Parents Must Teach Their Children

by Edith Schaeffer

10 Things Parents Must Teach Their Children (And Learn for Themselves)

Genres: Parenting, Christian, Nonfiction, Family

220 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1994

About the author

EDITH SCHAEFFER is the widow of Francis Schaeffer, and with him co-founder of L'Abri Fellowship. Her many books include A Celebration of Children and The Life of Prayer. She passed away in 2013.

Recognized internationally for his work in Christianity and culture, Francis A. Schaeffer authored more than twenty books, which have been translated into a score of languages and sold millions worldwide. He and his wife, Edith, founded L'Abri Fellowship international study and discipleship centers. Schaeffer passed away in 1984, but his influence and legacy continue worldwide.

children: Susan Schaeffer Macaulay

Reviews

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book is such a misnomer--that is, if it leads you to think it's a "parenting book." Rather, it's a marvelous, thorough, and grace-centered exposition of the 10 Commandments that is incredibly relevant today even though the book was published nearly 20 years ago. Meaty and worth reading.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting reading and stopped as I read other Ten Commandment books. Didn’t realize until months later that Edith Schaefer’s other book I was reading (Lifelines) is a the original of this book.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of the book is a lesson within itself: You are the role model for your children therefore what to teach is really for the self. The title threw me off but as I understood what Edith meant, I started to embrace the book and really munch on it. It was a heavy and personal read worth re-reading every so often. It's basically an amplification of the 10 commandments and a heart check. Do I follow Christ's example? Do I truly represent Christ? This book is the epitome of the parable of log/sawdust in eye. I'm disciplining my kids for not obeying me when I don't obey my parents or God.

Edith Schaeffer has the realistic view that we are humans in a broken world, yet she reminds us to hold our standards to Christ's. Don't give up but have grace. Each chapter (sometimes dragged on) was a clear and relatable explanation of that commandment. Some of her examples I didn't think of which made me feel called out realizing the work of the Holy Spirit. (Which is why I would recommend a re-read every so often).

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the back cover: "Edith Schaeffer has mined the rich, God-breathed wisdom of the Ten Commandments and applied it to the challenges of family life. Writing in the imaginative and endearing way that has won her millions of readers, Schaeffer opens the stone tablets presented to Moses and makes the precepts leap off the page for modern readers. You will turn again and again to this manual to feast of these rich and timeless truths. If you crave some good old-fashioned 'rules' for your life, you will find them in this biblically based 'instruction book.' Comprehensive and unconventional, this treatment of the Ten Commandments is positive and action-oriented, applying biblical principles to family living."

My review: Edith Schaeffer really knows the scripture. She is able to bring so many passages to bear on each of the commandments. She also really understood her times and was able to interpret the culture (perhaps with some help from her husband). Anyway, she meanders a good bit in each chapter, but I was quite happy to follow all her pleasant rabbit trails. And she doesn't talk too much directly about instructing children, but she does talk a lot about how important it is that the next generation cling to the words of God in the face of a godless culture.