Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Became Parents - Paperback

by Gary Chapman (Author), Shannon Warden (Contribution by)

Dr. Gary Chapman has helped millions prepare for marriage.
Now he helps you prepare for kids.

Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Became Parents has one goal: prepare you to raise young children.

Dr. Gary Chapman--longtime relationship expert and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The 5 Love Languages--teams up with Dr. Shannon Warden--professor of counseling, wife, and mother of three--to give young parents a book that is practical, informed, and enjoyable.

Together they share what they wished they had known before having kids. For example: children affect your time, your money, and your marriage--and that's just the beginning. With warmth and humor they offer practical advice on everything from potty training to scheduling, apologizing to your child, and keeping your marriage strong... all the while celebrating the great joy that children bring.

From the Preface: "Our desire is to share our own experiences, as well as what we have learned through the years, as we have counseled hundreds of parents. We encourage you to read this book before the baby comes, and then refer to its chapters again as you experience the joys and challenges of rearing children." -- Dr. Gary Chapman

Back Jacket

Gary Chapman has helped millions prepare for marriage.
Now let him--with Dr. Shannon Warden--prepare you for kids.

Parenting is one of the most harrowing and exciting adventures you'll ever embark upon. It's humbling and hilarious. Demanding and delightful. Filled with peril and pitfalls. But could some pain, mistakes, and heartache be avoided with real tried-and-true wisdom?

Gary and Shannon share what they wished they'd known before having kids. Things like: children affect your time, your money, and your marriage--and that's just the beginning. With warmth and humor, the authors offer practical advice on:

• the emotional and physical health of your child
• education--both social and academic
• potty training
• the importance of apologizing
• keeping your marriage strong
• celebrating the great joy that children bring. . . and more

"Our desire is to share our own experiences, as well as what we have learned through the years, as we have counseled hundreds of parents. We encourage you to read this book before the baby comes, and then refer to its chapters again as you experience the joys and challenges of rearing children." -- Gary Chapman and Shannon Ward

Author Biography

GARY CHAPMAN, PhD--author, speaker, counselor--has a passion for people and for helping them form lasting relationships. He is the #1 bestselling author of the 5 Love Languages(R) series and director of Marriage and Family Life Consultants, Inc. Gary travels the world presenting seminars, and his radio programs air on more than 400 stations. Learn more at www.5lovelanguages.com.

DR. SHANNON WARDEN is an associate professor of counseling for Liberty University. She also is a licensed counselor, who for more than 20 years, has specialized in counseling families, couples, and women. She has been interviewed on numerous radio programs and podcasts and is a popular conference speaker. Among other writing projects, Shannon has co-authored two books with her friend and mentor, Dr. Gary Chapman. She and her husband, Stephen, have three children and reside in North Carolina.