This is one of those ‘it will never be finished’ posts. In it I am attempting to make a ‘Recommended Reading’ list. Or, better, lists.
Children’s Books
The wise parent learns and teaches from a variety of sources. Some are of infinite importance, and some teach one or two lessons well;.
The Scriptures: Old and New Testament
For a good understanding of Woodshed Parenting one has to read the Scriptures. Both the ‘how to’ parenting principles, and the principles that should be instilled during parenting are found there. The Scriptures, Old and New Testaments.
There are some other books that I would recommend in addition to the Scriptures, but never instead. As with any recommendations I make, I would recommend that parents pre-read these books before giving them to their children.
The Little Britches series, by Ralph Moody
This series is semi-autobiographical, and takes place in the early 1900’s, mostly in the west of the United States. Issues of hard work, perseverance, responsibility and accountability are paramount. The woodshed is used, but so is the statement and action on clear goals of parenting; especially by the father. I can heartily recommend these books for parents and children. Parental discretion advised, as they include some hard themes and some objectionable language.
Captain’s Courageous, by Rudyard Kipling
This book might almost have been written as a direct antidote to modern helicopter parenting. A spoiled young man is forced to work for his living, and his father (in particular) is forced to confront his parenting failures. Although there is no woodshed in this book (the events taking place on a ship), the woodshed is used metaphorically.
The Sugar Creek Gang… original editions.
These books are marvelous. They weave the principles of woodshed parenting through and through. But I cannot stress enough the caveat… original editions. Not the horrible modern, expurgated, twisted editions which seem dedicated to deleting the very issues we are discussing.
This book series is overtly Christian, and dramatically so. Unquestionably so. I can heartily recommend them for issues of the woodshed, and the helicopter. And I defy Rivka to read them and then talk so glibly about ‘harsh’ and ‘unloving’.
Before I was Born, by Carolyn Nystrom
There are lots of things children need to learn. The most important are character-related: how to love God and love their neighbour. One of the most important ‘neighbours’ that we will ever have is our spouse. And before we get married, there will be sexual temptation from people, not our spouse. Sexual faithfulness should be taught early and often, and this book (not the later books in the series) helps do exactly that. It introduces the young child to ‘the facts of life’ in a way that enables the parent to direct the child down the path of Godliness: toward a faithful and fruitful married life.
The Bobtails meet the Preacher’s Kid, by Arthur Yeomans
This book involves orphans and a widowed aunt, thus the issues of parenting are addressed in crisis. Again, issues of hard work, responsibility, and respect for new authority are paramount. And there is a literal woodshed, literally and metaphorically used.
The Bobtails and the Cousins, by Arthur Yeomans
Aunt Grace and Mr Thacker are married, and they invite all of the cousins and their families to come to the farm, one after another. It includes lazy children learning to work, clean children getting dirty, and helpful children being helpful. It stresses the importance of having children and training them well.
No Ordinary School, by Arthur Yeomans
There is no woodshed in this book, either literal or metaphorical. The main character is a bit past his woodshed days. But this book addresses the issue of, “If my child has a weakness…” and challenges the oft used idea “… I need to not push him in that area”, substituting “… I need to work extra hard in that area to prepare him for life.”
Swallows and Amazons, by Arthur Ransome
No woodshed, at least not onscreen. But a great antidote to helicopter parenting. the children strongly respect authorities and parents. Deals with issues of responsibility and accountability.
Set in England… which is a fun plus. And beautifully written
Understood Betsy, by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
Children need to be exposed to difficult conditions to learn to be strong. But exposed by loving people. A twice orphan comes to a new home and is thrust into a world of chores, walking to school alone and, in a word, responsibility… learns far more than she could have dreamed possible.
Henry Reed’s Babysitting Service
This book is NOT of the depth that some of the other books that I recommend. But it is a very fun book, and is pretty anti-helicopter parenting. Oh, and its part of a series, so if you like it you have more ahead of you
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Classic Books
Pretty much anything by Thomas Sowell. My personal favorite is ‘Conflict of Visions’.
Pretty much anything by GK Chesterton. My personal favorite is ‘What’s Wrong with the World.”
Pretty much anything by CS Lewis. My bizarre favourite is ‘The Horse and His Boy”.
Resources
Everyone should know about Project Gutenberg. Everyone should know about Librivox. They are both free resources, Gutenberg with text, Librivox with audio. Thousands of books, public domain books.
Reminder
This list is in process. Feel free to suggest additions. Stop back from time to time to see how it has changed.
Thanks for sharing these! My middle son got the first little britches book for Christmas but we haven’t read it yet. “The Horse and His Boy” is also my oldest’s favorite Narnia book 😊 I’ll have to add some of these to my list!