Somehow, despite all those classes I took, I managed to miss reading any of Gary Chapman's Love Languages series in college. According to my classmates, this was sort of miraculous because the books were everywhere. I actually remember many cases where someone would mention "love tanks" or ask someone what there language was and blankly stare until I made the connection. However, the book didn't necessarily fit into my focus and I let it be.
Fast forward a few years and my family now includes a husband and two little boys. as well as the dawning realization that, even factoring in the gender difference, there seems to be honest differences in how we expressed and received love. It was definitely time to jump into Chapman's series.
First off, I loved how Chapman laid out his book. Utilizing the expertise of Ross Campbell, Chapman has laid out his book in easy to read, self contained chapters that each bear a quick summary for easy referencing later on. Seeing as this book is geared towards those with children, the ability to read a chapter, put it down after a nap and come back later without interrupting a train of thought made for a much smoother read.
The material itself was similarly easy to read. Pulling on both authors strengths the text clearly leads readers through each language, the process of determining one's language, and even branching out into areas such as marriage or single parent households. I loved how holistic this was looking at the entire family and not just the portion (in this case the kids).
This holistic approach really allowed Chapman to look at his material from all angles./I appreciated his cautions about changing languages as children went through different ages as well as cautions for how to approach discipline without fulfilling a child's need for love. While I think it's infinitely harder in practice, he raises some interesting food for thought.
Overall, I appreciated Chapman and Campbell's work especially as a mom to two young children but can still see the benefit for any who regularly interact with children of any age.
4.5 out of 5 stars
I received this book from Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion. The views expressed are solely my own.
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