Wrapping Up The Five Love Languages of Children

(Below are Nicole's thoughts on Chapter 11 and 12, as well as the Epilogue for The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Chapman, M.D.  Please know that what we all learn from a study is usually different.  We'd love to hear your thoughts on this as well!)

This week, I want to wrap up this study of The Five Love Languages.  The book has provided a lot of great tips on how to discover our children's love languages as well as how to deal with anger and so much more.  Chapters 11 and 12 discuss Single-Parenting and Marriage.  There was a lot of great information and strategies on how we can feel our own love tanks as well as our spouses so that we can do the same for our children.

Here are the points that impacted me the most:

Single-Parenting

*  Everything we've said about loving your children is true, whether they reside with one parent or two.  There are many added dimensions in single-parenting families, yet the power of the five love languages is no less.  (p.  163)

*  No matter what your situation, if you are a parent raising your children alone, we know you can effectively show love to your family, particularly by speaking your children's primary love language. (p. 164)

*  If children receive the right kinds of love at times when they especially need it, they can come through the pains of family separation intact and go on to satisfying adult lives.  (p. 172)

*  A single-parent's emotional need for love is just as real as anyone else's need.  Because that need cannot be met by the former spouse or by the child, the single parent often reaches out to friends.  (p. 173)

Marriage

*  To feel loved and to strengthen your child's sense of being loved, you need to speak your spouse's primary love language as well.  (p. 178)

*  Speak each other's primary love language regularly and you will see a profound difference in the emotional climate between the two of you.  With full love tanks you are better able to fill your children's love tanks.  We believe you will find your marriage and family life much more enjoyable.  (p. 188)

Epilogue

*  No matter what your situation is now or will be in the future, God will never forsake you.  He will always be there for you and see you through to the end.  As you raise your children, there are opportunities to develop the spiritual aspects of their lives and your own.  (p. 194)


I especially loved what the authors included on page 194:

    The Old Testament prophet Isaiah, declaring God's words, wrote:
     Fear not, for I am with you;
     Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
     I will strengthen you,
     Yes, I will help you.
     I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

I hope you enjoyed this study as much as I did.  I learned so much from this book.  I believe the most  important thing I've learned about helping our children always feel loved is that we need to constantly fill their love tanks by speaking their love languages.  This will equip them to handle all that live throws at them.