Things I Wish I’d Known Before We Became Parents- Review

How many times have you heard someone say that parenting doesn’t come with an instruction manual? What if I were to tell you that I’ve found the closest thing to it?

Things I Wish I’d Known Before We Became Parents, by Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages, and Shannon Warden, assistant teaching professor at Wake Forest University, is a treasure trove of information for new and expectant parents.

This book covers topics such as: how much a child changes your schedule, the costs of parenting, the uniqueness of each child, how to keep your marriage strong, and even thoughts on preparing for your child’s education, among many others. In fact, there are several ideas broached here that even I- a mother of 11 children- have never consciously thought much about. 

Expecting a child or being a new parent is a wonderful thing. In my own experience, those times were lived in the moment, and I honestly didn’t give much more thought to the future than what labor and having a new baby would be like, what outfit my newborn would wear on the way home, and whether I was going to breast or bottle feed. This isn’t something that I’m proud of, but it’s the truth, and I’m pretty sure I’m not alone.

Chapman and Warden did an excellent job of bringing to light very practical things that all parents should think about before starting this amazing journey. One thing I loved about this book were the real life examples provided by the authors of their own personal experiences, successes, and shortcomings. It’s so much easier to connect with and apply what’s been written when you know that the authors have been through it, too.

Additionally, this book was written in a very easy to read fashion and would be very manageable for even a tired, new parent to peruse in no time at all.

I can only imagine how much easier life may have been for me had I the opportunity to consider the points made by the authors and actually had ample time to prepare for situations all parents inevitably go through. It really is a comprehensive, yet concise, manual for parenting, so…

…when people tell you that parenting doesn’t come with a manual, you can say,

No, but I know where to find one!

Now on to the giveaway!!

Are you an expecting or new parent? Do you know of anyone who is? From today through November 6, 2016, you can enter to win a free copy of this book!* All you have to do is subscribe to my blog and leave a comment saying that you subscribed.

It’s that simple!

If you’re already a subscriber, leave a comment saying so, and you’re in, too!

The winner will be randomly chosen on November 7, 2016 and will be notified via email.

Maybe it will be you!!!

*Entries limited to U.S. residents only.

Gary Chapman, Ph.D., is an author, speaker, and counselor who has a passion for people and helping them form lasting relationships. He is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The 5 Love Languages® and the director of Marriage and Family Life Consultants, Inc. Gary travels the world presenting seminars and his radio programs air on more than 400 stations. For more information, visit 5lovelanguages.com.

Dr. Shannon Warden is an assistant teaching professor at Wake Forest University where she teaches in the graduate counseling program. She is also the director of counseling and director of women’s ministries at Triad Baptist Church in Kernersville, NC. As a professional counselor, Shannon has counseled children, families, young adults, women, and couples since 1998 and has served as an assistant to Dr. Gary Chapman since 2003. Shannon is married to Stephen Warden and they have three children. For more information on Shannon’s ministry, visit: www.shannonwarden.com.

(Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.)