Contents

 Section I: Home, The First School

1. Importance of the Home School. 17

2. The First Teachers.. 21

3. When to Begin the Child's Training. 26

Section II: Methods and Textbooks

4. Methods of Teaching. 31

5. The Bible as a Textbook.. 41

6. The Book of Nature.. 45

7. Practical Lessons From Nature's Book.... 53

Section III: Teachers Adequately Trained

8. Preparation Is Needed.... 63

9. A Call for Self-improvement... 71

Section IV: Obedience, The Most Important Lesson

10. The Key to Happiness and Success.. 79

11. To Be Taught From Babyhood... 82

12. Obedience Must Become a Habit 85

Section V: Other Basic Lessons

13. Self-control.. 91

14. Quietness, Respect, and Reverence. 97

15. Care in Handling Property.... 101

16. Health Principles.. 103

17. Cleanliness... 106

18. Neatness, Order, and Regularity... 110

19. Purity... 113

Section VI: Lessons in Practical Virtues

20. Helpfulness... 119

21. Industry. 122

22. Diligence and Perseverance... 128

23. Self-denial, Unselfishness, and Thoughtfulness... 131

24. Economy and Thrift. 134

Section VII: Developing Christian Qualities

25. Simplicity.... 139

26. Courtesy and Reserve.... 143

27. Cheerfulness and Thankfulness 146

28. Truthfulness.. 150

29. Honesty and Integrity... 152

30. Self-reliance and Sense of Honor.. 156

Section VIII: The Paramount Task--Character Development

31. Importance of Character. 161

32. How Character is Formed. 164

33. Parental Responsibility in Character Formation... 169

34. Ways in Which Character Is Ruined. 175

35. How Parents May Build Strong Characters 184

Section IX: Fundamental Elements - Character Building

36. Advantage of the Early Years. 193

37. The Power of Habit. 199

38. Study Age, Disposition, and Temperament 204

39. The Will a Factor in Success. 209

40. Exemplify Christian Principles.... 215

Section X: Discipline and its Administration

41. Objectives of Discipline 223

42. The Time to Begin Discipline. 229

43. Discipline in the Home.. 233

44. Administration of Corrective Discipline 244

45. With Love and Firmness.. 258

Section XI: Faulty Discipline

46. Evils of Indulgence 271

47. Lax Discipline and Its Fruitage... 275

48. The Child's Reaction.... 279

49. Attitude of Relatives... 288

Section XII: Development of the Mental Powers

50. What Comprises True Education?.... 293

51. Preparing for School.... 300

52. Choosing the School 303

53. The Church's Responsibility.. 312

54. Teachers and Parents in Partnership.... 318

55. Unity in Discipline 323

56. Academy and College Training. 328

Section XIII: Primary Importance of Physical Development

57. Exercise and Health 339

58. Training for Practical Life.. 345

59. Teaching Useful Trades.. 355

60. Knowledge of and Obedience to the Laws of Life... 360

Section XIV: Maintaining Physical Fitness

61. The Homemaker in the Kitchen. 371

62. Eating to Live 378

63. Temperance in All Things 394

64. The Home and the Temperance Crusade.... 401

Section XV: Fitting Attire

65. The Blessings of Proper Dress 413

66. Teaching the Fundamental Principles of Dress 419

67. The Fascinating Power of Fashion.. 432

Section XVI: Preserving Moral Integrity

68. Prevalence of Corrupting Vices.... 439

69. Effects of Harmful Practices. 444

70. Cautions and Counsels... 449

71. Parental Vigilance and Help.. 457

72. The Battle for Reform... 464

Section XVII: Arousing the Spiritual Powers

73. Responsibility for Eternal Interests... 471

74. Every Home a Church 480

75. Leading Little Children to Christ. 486

76. Preparing for Church Membership... 493

Section XVIII: Maintaining the Religious Experience

77. The Bible in the Home... 505

78. The Power of Prayer 517

79. Sabbath--The Day of Delight.. 527

80. Reverence for That Which Is Holy.. 538

81. Co-ordination of Home and Church.. 548

Section XIX: The Day of Reckoning

82. The Hour Is Late... 555

83. The Rewards... 560 

To the Reader

It is the privilege of parents to take their children with them to the gates of the city of God, saying, "I have tried to instruct my children to love the Lord, to do His will, and to glorify Him." To such the gate will be thrown open, and parents and children will enter in. But all cannot enter. Some are left outside with their children, whose characters have not been transformed by submission to the will of God. A hand is raised, and the words are spoken, "You have neglected home duties. You have failed to do the work that would have fitted the soul for a home in heaven. You cannot enter." The gates are closed to the children because they have not learned to do the will of God, and to parents because they have neglected the responsibilities resting upon them. [MANUSCRIPT 31, 1909.] {CG 13.2}

Light has been shining from the Word of God and the testimonies of His Spirit so that none need err in regard to their duty. God requires parents to bring up their children to know Him and to respect His claims; they are to train their little ones, as the younger members of the Lord's family, to have beautiful characters and lovely tempers, that they may be fitted to shine in the heavenly courts. By neglecting their duty and indulging their children in wrong, parents close to them the gates of the city of God. These facts must be pressed home upon parents; they must arouse and take up their long-neglected work. [TESTIMONIES FOR THE CHURCH, VOL. 5, PP. 325, 326.]

Ellen White. {CG 13.2}