This 1905 manual on child-raising expounds to mothers the wisdom of the age; charts are included with precise amounts of fluids to be given to week-old children to prevent drunkenness in later life, and parents are exhorted not to provide money for chores done, lest they strive to gain possession of their parent's estate when they are old. Interspersed are age-old proverbs and practical advice, all with the end goal of raising up strong Christian children of character. Based on principles practiced at the Haskell Home-Training School, this guide to raising a successful family focuses on the whole child, discussing obedience, self-control of mind and body, truthfulness, helpful activities for children, and much more. Recommended by Elisabeth Elliot. 368 pages, softcover. 368 pages, softcover.

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Customer Reviews for Studies in Character Building

Review 1 for Studies in Character Building

Overall Rating:

5 out of 5

A first hand evaluation of Kelloggs Home

Date:April 25, 2012

Mamaaaaaa

Age:45-54

Gender:female

For my husband and myself we deeply appreciated studying this book. It is very good way to "ask the neighbors" what they do. It presents a gentle approach to training the children.

"Parents, in the training of your children, study the lessons that God has given in nature. If you would train a pink, or rose, or lily, how would you do it? Ask the gardener by what process he makes every branch and leaf to flourish so beautifully, and to develop in symmetry and loveliness. He will tell you that it was by
37
no rude touch, no violent effort; for this would only break the delicate stems. It was by little attentions, often repeated. He moistened the soil and protected the growing plants from the fierce blasts and from the scorching sun, and God caused them to flourish and to blossom into loveliness. In dealing with your children, follow the method of the gardener. By gentle touches, by loving ministrations, seek to fashion their characters after the pattern of the character of Christ. Child Guidance 36
If you will read in the Preface of the book you will find the "Haskell Home" was apparently operated based on the principles taught in this book--Read one mother's opinion after visiting it...

"If I had children whom I would be compelled to leave motherless, I would feel it a great privilege to leave them in such a home."

I was much pleased with my visit to the Orphan's Home. I feel so thankful that the homeless can have so pleasant a home. I have never before seen gathered together so large a number of children, and all bright and cheerful. Their faces are healthy, their eyes clear, their nerves strong. To see them and hear them does me more good than a dose of medicine. The superintendent seems to be well adapted to his position of trust, which he occupies with his wife. This home is an educating school for both boys and girls. If I had children whom I would be compelled to leave motherless, I would feel it a great privilege to leave them in such a home.
I was glad to be able to visit the kindergarten department, and see the little ones working in Bible lines, molding figures of clay to illustrate Bible subjects, thus becoming familiar with heavenly truth. Wherever their
lot may be cast in the future, they will remember this instruction. The seed being sown will bear a precious harvest.
This is the instruction every child should receive in his earliest years. This is the work the parents should do in the home. The family in the Haskell Home is an object lesson for all parents. If children who had parents and a home had one half the patient instruction given to the orphans in the home, there would be a very different condition of things. If mothers would devote less time to cooking and sewing and more time to teaching their children in the love and fear of God, how greatly pleased the Lord would be. But many parents seem to be only grown up children, who have not left behind their childish ways and inclinations. Let parents remember that Satan is playing the game of life for every soul, and that practical sympathy, forbearance, and love is the test of purity and unselfishness.--Letter 70, 1901, pp. 2, 3. (To Dr. and Mrs. J. H. Kellogg, May 1, 1901.)

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Review 2 for Studies in Character Building

Overall Rating:

5 out of 5

Date:March 22, 2009

Alyssa Edwards

This has really caused me to take a closer look at the way I'm raising my children. I don't agree 100% with some of the notions but it's a great tool for stimulating thought and creation of one's own child-raising philosophy. I'm finding that it's focusing me on the critical issues that need to be shaped while my children are very young. I'm glad I have it as a resource.

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