Growing Up In The Bonhoeffer Home

In the book,  Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Brief Life by Renate Bethge, we read about the home that Dietrich Bonhoeffer grew up…

The Bonhoeffer children had a harmonious and fulfilling childhood. To be sure, their parents demanded respect from their children, but at the same time gave them a great deal of freedom. They tried to encourage each child in his or her individual interests and abilities. Among other things, all the children had music lessons–Dietrich Bonhoeffer played the piano remarkably well. There was no shortage of books and games. Their mother gave wonderful children’s parties, and governesses took care of the children. Furthermore, numerous visitors to the Bonhoeffers’ home offered many interesting encounters and stimuli for them (7).