Instructing a Child's Heart

INSTRUCTING A CHILD'S HEART excited my soul with a biblical vision for effectively discipling children and adolescents! Trained in secular universities in earning a B.S., M.A., and Ph.D., I was steeped in the beliefs of "behaviorism." Run a maze, earn a prize. Positive and negative reinforcements moved schoolchildren through "successful approximations" of the "desired behaviors." Ring a bell to condition a response. I actually worked in a college office/classroom complex which always made me think about those mazes, dead-ends, and guinea pigs So how refreshing it was to read INSTRUCTING A CHILD'S HEART, which calls the reader to better understand the roots and hearts of of children's behaviors. All of us -- children and adults alike -- reap what we sow, and we must better understand WHY we do WHAT we do. This book helps the reader do just that. I was so impressed with the book that I bought another Tripp book, and I plan to give both of my daughters, parents themselves, with one or both of the books!

Tedd Tripp is an excellent writer and biblically based. We gave this book, along with Shepherding a Child's Hart and Shepherding a Child's Heart: parent's Handbook to our son and daughter-in-law as one of our gifts at the birth of their first child. Have done something similar at child-parent dedications at church too. Definitely an excellent set of books for parents to give them extra insights, wisdom, and direction in raising their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord while being cognizant that (1) children are children and (2) character development, not just living by rules.

This book is amazing! A great sequel to Shepherding A Child's Heart. The author goes into great detail explaining methods of discipline that are clearly outlined in God's Word. Tripp opened my eyes to correct and incorrect forms of discipline with an emphasis on instructing by using teachable moments. I learned what I was doing wrong and how to fix it. He illustrates imperative conversations that must take place in the home by giving clear explanations. Very important for parents to read and implement the instructions in this book.

I have the audio version of this book, and have been listening to it (read by the authors, by the way. It is a blessing to hear them read their own words with passion.)... It is not just giving me the inspiration and focus to instruct my children, it is changing my heart as well.I feel so strongly about it, I would say, if there is only ONE book you could buy on raising your children, this would be it. I have 4 children, 12,11, 10 and 7...and my eyes are now wide open to things that need to be undone from the past, the challenges of our current interactions, and the blessing and honor of the task I have ahead of me...for the last half of their childhoods.Truly a blessing.

I wish I had this book when my children were young. I use it now for our grandchildren. It is wonderful. It helps you get to the real root of the problem as you're raising your kids. We are Christians, and thought we were raising our children right, but I think we dwelt more on the behavior instead of getting down to the real reason "why" - the issues of the heart. Where your heart is, that's where your treasure will be.I highly recommend this book.

Wonderful book with lots of insight into going beyond behavior modification to actually reaching your child's heart. Doing a study on it with a group of friends- we think the "lessons" they suggest teaching to children are a bit too long for young children, but the book is very solid, Biblically based, and challenging!

Just get it. 😀 You will be blessed.

Wow! This audio book is a practical and Christ centered guide to Biblical parenting. The Tripps who read the book themselves rely heavily upon the Word of God as they explain the importance of dealing with the heart issues behind your children's behavior. They take serious the Christian responsibility for parents to disciple their own children. The main thrust of the book is formative instruction where parents train their children in the ways of the Lord. It is a great help! I found this material encouraging and convicting. I highly recommend it to you!