ReviewsIf you have children at home, discussing marriage without examining the way kids impact your relationship is like trying to explain skiing without mentioning snow. Patrick and Ruth Schwenk address this often-overlooked aspect of marriage head-on in their fine book For Better or for Kids. I wish Lisa and I could have read this thoughtful look at how a married couple can grow closer as their kids grow older when our kids were young.
Dewey Edition23
SynopsisThe transition from "married" to "married with children" can be tough. Before they know it, a once youthful and energetic married couple finds themselves in a minivan loaded with noisy kids and littered with Cheerios, crusty Sippy cups, banana peels, and missing library books. As much as you love your children and work hard to nurture and train them for the future, the challenges that come with parenthood can make the "for better or for worse" promise a hard one to honor. For Better or For Kids will enable couples to: Build a God-centered marriage instead of a Child-centered or Me-centered marriage Avoid the dangers of spouse-neglect and self-neglect Effectively communicate in the chaos Explore ways to parent together as one team Find balance in the busyness For Better or For Kids is about remembering that even when you feel worn out, over-extended, and neglected, you promised to be a team. Marriage with kids may not always be what we expected, but it is good. We need to make a vow to love our spouse with kids in the house., In For Better or For Kids, Patrick and Ruth Schwenk encourage and equip couples to keep their love alive, even while raising kids in the house., The transition from married to married with children can be tough. Before they know it, a once youthful and energetic married couple finds themselves in a minivan loaded with noisy kids and littered with Cheerios, crusty Sippy cups, banana peels, and missing library books. Remember those vows you took at the altar? As much as you love your children and work hard to nurture and train them for the future, the challenges that come with parenthood can make the for better or for worse promise a hard one to honor. For Better or For Kids shows how couples can keep their love alive even when kids come along. Patrick and Ruth have been married for more than sixteen years, have four children, and have served in local church ministry for the past fourteen years. As Patrick has counseled couples who are preparing for marriage, who are working to strengthen their marriage, or who are desperately trying to save their marriage, he frequently reminds them that, in Christ, there is hope for this season in life. For Better or For Kids is about remembering that even when you feel worn out, over-extended, and neglected, you promised to be a team. It is about making a vow to love your spouse with kids in the house. By God s grace, couples can have a loving and intimate marriage regardless of the season."
LC Classification NumberBV4529.S3924 2016