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Continue reading →: To Train Up a Child Book Review: Rethinking RebellionHave you ever been told that your child is “strong-willed” because they question rules, push boundaries, or assert their independence? In To Train Up a Child (TTUAC), Michael Pearl frames this natural behavior as defiance that must be broken. But what if rebellion isn’t a flaw to correct? What if…
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Continue reading →: No, You Should Not Hit Your baby 100 Times A Day
This post might differ from my other posts, because I just gotta interject and say, “NO! You should NOT hit (or “spank”) your 21 month old baby over 100 times a day. I didn’t think I had to say that, but here we are. Let me explain… Dear Michael Pearl,…
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Continue reading →: Why Connecting With Your Kids Triumphs Over ControlParenting is a journey filled with unpredictable moments. Few experiences are as challenging as when your child is completely out of control—screaming, crying, or refusing to listen. In those moments, it’s natural to wonder how to restore peace and guide your child in a way that works both in the…
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Continue reading →: Of Utmost Concern: Parenting Beyond Fear and ControlParenting is one of life’s greatest challenges—and joys. In his article Of Utmost Concern (March/April 2004 issue of No Greater Joy magazine), Michael Pearl emphasizes a fear-based, control-driven framework, focusing solely on children’s strict adherence to religion as the ultimate marker of parental success. While his intentions may be to…
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Continue reading →: What’s Wrong With Conditioning Children Like in To Train Up a Child?Reducing children to subjects of stimulus-response conditioning ignores their emotional and cognitive complexity, fostering fear-based compliance instead of meaningful growth. To Train Up a Child suggests training children using methods that resemble conditioning animals, focusing on stimulus-response techniques. While these methods may result in immediate compliance, they fail to acknowledge…
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Continue reading →: The Problem with Blind ObedienceBlind obedience might produce immediate compliance, but it stifles critical thinking, erodes emotional well-being and creates long-term relational and behavioral challenges. Blind obedience is often lauded as an ideal outcome of parenting, especially in authoritarian frameworks like the one advocated by To Train Up a Child (TTUAC). While strict adherence…
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Continue reading →: Why Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Matters: A Critique of Training Methods in To Train Up a ChildBy setting realistic, age-appropriate expectations, parents can create an environment where children thrive emotionally and cognitively… Parenting advice often comes with varying philosophies, but not all are based on evidence or aligned with the needs of growing children. To Train Up a Child (TTUAC), a controversial book by Michael and…
Hello,
I’m Abigail Kwick
I’m Abigail (my pen name). I have a pen name because I don’t want people to confuse this site with the other blogs and brands I run. I write about the harms of Christian fundamentalism and how we can do better moving forward.
While I was not raised in a fundamentalist household, I have many loved ones who were. I have seen the first hand destruction these teachings had on their lives both in their childhood and in adulthood.
I have been an online blogger/ content creator for over 10 years. My niche was parenting and child care for almost many of those years. I advocate for authoritative parenting, so my specialty is evidence-based parenting.
I have worked in six schools as a paraeducator mostly teaching kids with disabilities. I was also a nanny for over 10 years, and I homeschooled some of my nanny kids.
I often feel helpless to stop my family members from being mistreated by our still fundamentalist Christian family members. Selfishly, I am hoping to learn through creating this blog how to defend the rights of my loved ones who are being mistreated, while still having compassion for those who are still in the Institute in Basic Life Principals (IBLP).
Question Christian Fundamentalism 