On the Training of Parents

by Ernest Hamlin Abbott

"On the Training of Parents" by Ernest Hamlin Abbott is a parental guide written in the early 20th century. The book discusses principles of effective parenting and child upbringing, urging parents to adopt methods that cultivate good habits in children rather than relying on harsh discipline. Abbott emphasizes the importance of understanding a child's needs and behaviors in fostering a nurturing environment. The opening of the work presents contrasting parenting scenarios: one involving a mother using fear and punishment, and another where a mother employs habits and expectations to instill obedience in her child. Abbott illustrates this through vivid anecdotes, highlighting the struggles and responsibilities inherent in guiding a child. He critiques the "government by collision" approach—discipline through confrontations—while advocating for a "government by habit" that encourages positive behaviors through established routines and self-restraint, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of these themes throughout the book.