30 episodes listed below
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Subtitled, "The principles on which a firm parental authority may be established and maintained, without violence or anger, and the right development of the moral and mental capacities be promoted by methods in harmony with the structure and the characteristics of the juvenile mind." This book gives practical advice on how to raise children using "gentle measures" that do not damage the children's emotions or self esteem. Most of the information is as relevant and practical today as it was when published in 1871. (Summary by TriciaG)
A broken knife blade calls for a lesson in steel; you can leave the scolding at home.
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Short reviews from the PlayNext desk, based on the episodes we processed.
A thoughtful case for answering children's questions in small portions that keep curiosity alive.
Children's questions open a quiet route into a child's mind and heart in this patient single-episode review of early education. It makes a clear case for meeting curiosity with welcome instead of correction, especially from mothers, older siblings, teachers, and others close to…
A clear, humane argument for treating children's everyday mistakes as chances to teach, not proof of misconduct.
Children's mistakes can look like defiance when an adult is tired, hurried, or already braced for trouble. This episode slows that reaction down, asking caregivers to separate ignorance, inexperience, and immature judgment from real misconduct before deciding what a child…
Camp Menominee, remembered out loud.
Intentional wellness with bright practical momentum.
Calm, practical feeding help for early eaters.
A classical Christian school talks shop with its parents.
Jacob Abbott’s Section 23, “Wishes and Requests,” distinguishes between absolute parental authority in vital matters and broad freedom in children’s play.
Jacob Abbott’s “Truth and Falsehood” examines why young children cannot be expected to understand truthful speech instinctively, especially when adults use make-believe, politeness, and concealment differently.
This episode discusses principles of religious training for children, emphasizing gentle methods and avoiding controversy.
This chapter discusses the role of corporal punishment in child rearing, arguing that biblical references to the rod symbolize parental authority rather than physical punishment.
This episode discusses the importance of sympathizing with children's feelings to build trust and influence, using an example of engaging with boys playing horse.
Jacob Abbott's chapter 'Children's Questions' treats a child's questioning as 'the open door' to the mind and heart.
["Jacob Abbott argues that many childhood mistakes in Section 16, Faults of Immaturity, come from simple ignorance rather than vice, so instruction should replace censure.", "Johnny, Jane, and James illustrate how boasting and false reasoning can look blameworthy while still reflecting undeveloped judgment.", "Abbott extends the same logic to a broken knife blade, a spilled milk pitcher, and a railway tunnel blasting accident, showing how missing knowledge explains many errors.", "He closes with spelling, ridicule, and stupidity, insisting that children need encouragement, tenderness, and practical teaching when their minds are still immature."]
Jacob Abbott examines punishment through Egbert's seven-year-old dressing habit and a ten-mile carriage reward.