How To Raise A Crook

The tract was printed years ago by

Faith, Prayer and Tract League out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

At $.20 per dozen, or $1 for 100,

the prices were inexpensive,

but the thoughts are priceless,

and timeless.

1.  Begin from infancy to give the child everything he wants.  This way he will grow up to believe that the world owes him a living.

2.  When he picks up bad words, laugh at him.  It will encourage him to pick up "cuter" phrases that will blow the top off your head later.

3. Never give him any spiritual training.  Wait until he is twenty-one and then let him decide for himself.

4.  Avoid the use of the word "wrong."  It may devlope a guilt complex.  This will condition him to believe later when he is arrested for stealing a car that society is against him and he is being persecuted.

5.  Pick up anything he leaves lying around - books, shoes, clothing.  Do everything for him so he will be experienced in throwing the responsibility onto others.

6.  Let him read any printed matter he can get his hands on.  Be careful the silverware and drinking glasses are sterilized, but let his mind feed on garbage.

7.  Quarrel frequently in the presence of the children.  Then they won't be too shocked when the home is broken up. 

8.  Give the child all the spending money he wants.  Never let him earn his own.  Why should he have things as tough as you had them?

9.  Satisfy his every craving for food, drink, and comfort.  See that every desire is gratified.  Denial may lead to harmful frustrations.

10.  Take his part against the neighbors, teachers, and policemen.  They are all prejudiced against your child.

11.  When he gets into real trouble, apologize for yourselves by saying, "I never could do anything with him." 

12.  Prepare for a life of grief - you will have it.

Train up a child in the way he should go;

 and when he is old,

he will not depart from it. 

Proverbs 22:6

Even though this tract describes a parent who is completely negligent, we can still challenge our own parenting lives for areas where we have been

...a little too careless

...a little too tolerant

...a little too lenient
...or just unBiblical.

The beauty is, we can ask for wisdom, and it will be given.  It is a commodity the Lord is eager to bestow upon His people.  His requirement?  Ask in faith.

Using the Word of God as our rudder, we can course change at any given time. 

Sometimes the Scriptures will reveal a new destination, a new goal.

Sometimes we will be convicted about our errors.

Other times we just need the encouragement to finish well.  Just as our kids long for those words of praise for their accomplishments, so our hearts are longing for those words,  "Well done, good and faithful servant."


But daily, we go for strength and help in one of the hardest jobs on earth, raising precious souls for Him.

(This tract is still for sale,  although the prices are a little higher and the words slightly changed.)