I loved this book the first time I read it YEARS ago. But I held off getting it because of the spanking section 
Then I knew that the Clarkson’s had studied out the Rod verses and determined that, in fact, the Bible does NOT teach spanking young children *woohoo* and I read that they had gone back and changed this particular book (among others) to reflect this new understanding. Sadly, having ordered it and begun pouring through it at a time when I need some encouragement for homeschooling while struggling with my health issues, I’m disappointed to report that they still include “physical discipline” as a “necessary” thing–while holding that the Bible does not teach spanking young children, they (lacking Hebraic thinking on the issue) argue that it teaches corporal punishment of adolescents and *therefore what we do in America today is not nearly as harsh* and a *better option* SIGH
That aside, and it’s one small section of the book, this is a wonderful wonderful lovely and encouraging resource. I wish I could offer an edited for the GBD mindset version *giggle* I often feel like *I* didn’t do enough during the day with my children–and then I think about how much THEY did and I realize they have a rich learning environment. I often struggle with them not reading *as early* as I did/their peers/others/etc and I realize . . . I read obscenely early and no one “taught” me–I was just ready. And most children don’t truly show reading comprehension until at least 8–which is when they have both really started growing in their reading skills 
Three others haven’t reached that age yet 
My children are not only brilliant (If I do say so myself ) but they are able to conduct themselves in a wide variety of environments (the staff in the ER was totally smitten with Aidan the other day ), they are active in ministry work, are just whole hearted children *swoon* Their only areas of struggles, I must admit, are in the areas where I personally struggle and so have a low platform for them to jump off from. But I’m working actively to grow in those areas and as I grow I share the skills with them. We’ve all been on a decluttering and organizing and getting the house straightened up kick. Not that it’s “dirty”, but we live in a very small space with 7 people and all our stuff. As we pare down our stuff we are much more comfortable 
The less we have the less we have to clean.
The real life lessons my children get are priceless. We have pets, and ministry work, and dh plays sax, I’m an author and we both love reading–the children are in a very rich environment. When I think about adding the Pokemon Learning League into our curriculum choices I cringe–but my child with autism is very into this. If it was his only interest I’d be working to limit it, but he also loves when I read the Iliad to them so I think he’ll be okay.
So if you’re struggling with knowing if you are doing *enough* for your homeschooled children, this is a great read
If you read the Clarkson’s Heartfelt Discipline book you will see that they actually DO NOT agree with spanking. I don’t remember reading Educating the Wholehearted Child and finding that they condone spanking actually, I will have to go back and look. That is strange.
Although, my husband and I have decided not to spank in recent months (our daughter being 2.5), I have found it difficult to find a good source of tools to parent her and am left feeling helpless when it comes to curbing her disobedient behavior, such as hitting and kicking us and not sitting in time-outs when we put her there, which we call her calming spot. She can get very balistic when told that she cannot do something or cannot have something, even if redirected or has been given choices or give the option of doing something herself or offering her help. Sometimes these things work, a lot of times they do not. So in gracefully parenting my child, I feel like I have a lack of tools to guide her in obeying and honoring us as her parents.
Example would be her being put in her room because she has chosen to hit and kick when she is frustrated, she is encouraged to use her words (which she is wonderfully verbal), and will do so, but when she still cannot have or do something she wants, she will continue to hit or kick. Then she is put in her room. Told, when you can be gentle with mommy and loving with Mommy, Mommy would love to cuddle you and be with you. But, I cannot be with you until you can choose to stop screaming and be gentle with your hands and feet. So after a lot of screaming, A LOT….I go in to try to comfort, and get kicked and hit AGAIN. I feel very helpless.
So if you have any ideas, I would love to hear them.
I have to say that it surprised me to see your post above as I just spoke with Mr.Clarkson today on the phone. Given, it wasn’t a personal call, but I had had some trouble ordering some books, Our 24 Family Ways (I ordered a few to give to friends because I feel it is such a valuable resource) and Educating the Whole Hearted Child, so I called in the order.
I am glad to read your ideas on it. I have been re-evaluating the learning and education of my little ones and feel like I need to see the broader picture. I am hoping the book will help with that.
Then to read the comment above mine. I am right there with Jessica. Haven’t been spanking, learning not to be punitive, but what to do when my girls (nearly 7 yrs. and 5 1/2) are mean to each other downstairs and I am upstairs nursing the baby, or they persist in wild behaviour when I am clear that it isn’t right for the time?
Let me know, if you have a moment to respond, what you would suggest.
Thanks.