Book written by Jill Rigby, published by Howard Books, 2008.
Many people gave negative review about the book. Saying that there isn’t anything much in the book that they already know. I kinda agree, but I think its not that real bad, its still readable. The book argue that we does not need a children with high self-esteem, instead we need children with manners, humble and compassionate. Rigby argued that, this can be achieved using religion.
In the book, Rigby highlight parent who being a Deflector who asked children make decision which they are net yet capable doing. For example for kid in 3-years old, they should not asked to decide what they want to eat, instead parent have to decide for them. Then there are Depriver parent, who always help their children doing things. Rigby argue that if the children already capable of doing something, we should not do it for them instead. If we do, we deprive them necessary life skill which they should be learning. Children should learn life skills such as cleaning, cooking and money management.
To nurture necessary life skill, children should be given task and chores appropriate with their age. For example for 3 years old, they should learn how to put their dirty clothes in laundry basket and put their toys in the box. For 6 years old for example, they should be given task to wash fruits and vegetables. As they getting older, they should help buying groceries, cleaning the house, cook for the family.
Rigby also pointed out the need to develop tradition in the family to keep them intact and foster togetherness. Dinner for example, should be a compulsory family time, where all members of the family will sit together and all the electronics should be put away. Broken family bears children who would join illegal arm and drug gang. In this gang they try to find their sense of ‘family’.
After finishing this piece, I strongly believe that the title should be ‘Raising Christian Children’ instead of the current title, the book was heavily accompanied with passage from scripture. But, in all, it does give some good and sensible recommendation on how we should re-think our parenting style. Even if you are not really into religion, this book surely will gave you some good recommendations.
Author of several books including Berfikir Tentang Pemikiran (2018), Lalang di Lautan Ideologi (2022), Dua Sayap Ilmu (2023), Resistance Sudah Berbunga (2024), Intelektual Yang Membosankan (2024) and Homo Historikus (2024). Fathi write from his home at Sungai Petani, Kedah. He like to read, write and sleep.
You are a very bright person!
You are a very smart individual!