Train up A Child – Part 1

TimeWatch Editorial
January 03, 2016

Benjamin McLane Spock was an American pediatrician. In 1946, Spock published a book entitled: The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care. At first glance, such a book might not appear earth shaking, but the fact is that during the first six months, he sold 500,000 copies and it has since been translated into 39 languages, selling 50 million copies.

Jane Brody of The New York Times published an article entitled: Final Advice from Dr. Spock: Eat Only All Your Vegetables, on June 20, 1998 in which she says the following:

“In the seventh edition of his world-famous book, ''Baby and Child Care,'' issued last month by Pocket Books just weeks after his death at age 94, Dr. Spock recommends an approach to childhood nutrition that many experts, including his co-author, Dr. Steven J. Parker, consider too extreme and likely to result in nutritional deficiencies unless it is very carefully planned and executed.”

''We now know that there are harmful effects of a meaty diet,'' the book says. ''Children can get plenty of protein and iron from vegetables, beans and other plant foods that avoid the fat and cholesterol that are in animal products.'' As for dairy foods, Dr. Spock says, ''I no longer recommend dairy products after the age of 2 years. Other calcium sources offer many advantages that dairy products do not have.'' Jane Brody, New York Times, Final Advice from Dr. Spock: Eat Only All Your Vegetables.

The idea expressed by Dr. Spock created serious debate among his colleagues. It was clear that many were not drawn to the idea of a vegan diet. There were a few who thought it would be fine, but their concern was that such a diet would demand much from the parents who would have to prepare the meals.

Dr. Spock ultimately made some concessions for parents who could not switch to the full vegetarian routine. He suggested that they gradually experiment with the vegetarian choices and “to serve meat-less meals where possible.'' But his stated position was quite clear.

“The book says placing children on an all-plant diet will reduce their risk of developing heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and certain diet-related cancers. Several studies have shown that, in general, vegetarians are leaner and at lower risk of such diseases.” Jane Brody, New York Times, Final Advice from Dr. Spock: Eat Only All Your Vegetables.

Surprisingly, however, as positive as Dr. Spock’s opinion on diet might have been, there are other counsels regarding the training of children that have been seen as destructive. Reb Bradley, writing for the World Net Daily website on January 27, 2009, titled his article: “How Dr. Spock Destroyed America.”

“In America the reason that baby boomers and their children have grown up with less mastery over their passions than previous generations is because in the late ’40s a new voice of authority on parenting rose to prominence, and parents of the ’50s and ’60s began to raise children differently than before.”Reb Bradley, World Net Daily,January 27, 2009, “How Dr. Spock Destroyed America.”

Reb Bradley is not the only person who has commented upon the negative influences of this particular professional, whose book has been evaluated by some, as second only to the Bible in translation and sales. Reb Bradley continues:

“In 1946, Dr. Benjamin Spock first published his infamous book “Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care,” which was unlike any that came before it. Instead of stressing the importance of teaching self-denial and respect for authority, Spock discouraged directive training and emphasized accommodating children’s feelings and catering to their preferences. No longer did children learn they could endure Brussels sprouts and suffer through daily chores. Using Spock’s approach, parents began to feed self-indulgence instead of instilling self-control – homes were becoming child-centered. As parents elevated children’s “freedom of expression” and natural cravings, children became more outspoken, defiant and demanding of gratification. In fact, they came to view gratification as a right.” Reb Bradley, World Net Daily, January 27, 2009, “How Dr. Spock Destroyed America.”

Bradley continues to describe the results of this method of child care.

“In the early ’60s, under Spock’s influence, parents were watching their children become sassy and contentious, and increasing numbers were seeing them become juvenile delinquents and criminals. As the crime rate started to crawl up, SAT scores began to drop. Teenagers began to exercise less moral restraint and revealed an increasing contempt for authority. The free-love hippy movement and student protests were inevitable for children who had been raised to think too highly of themselves.” Reb Bradley, World Net Daily, January 27, 2009, “How Dr. Spock Destroyed America.”

If there is one thing that was made clear by the effects of the shift influenced by Dr. Spock’s counsel, was the fact that parental influence is paramount. The long term impact of the early years completely support the counsel found in the book of Proverbs, chapter 22 and verse 6.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Cameron A. Bowen