For Better or for Kids: A Vow to Love Your Spouse with Kids in the House Paperback – July 12, 2016

Who knew how absolutely different life would be with kids before bringing the first one home? No one. “For Better or For Kids” does a great job of reminding us of the love we had before the children came and of reiterating how important it is to continue working on that love now that they are here! It is an honest look at life as a Christian family with practical insights to help apply what is being taught.One of my favorite parts of this book is definitely the practical application sections- the “Just the Two of Us” sections- where they don’t leave you with this idea of what should be discussed but actually give you some questions to spark discussion. So often in looking through parenting help books you’ll find ideas of what should be discussed just vaguely put out there but no solid “here, say this” to speak of. The Schwenk’s do a fantastic job of giving good talking points in an engaging way that makes you want to sit down with your spouse with a cup of hot coffee and really talk about life with kids.I’m thankful I was able to read this book- and the practical application was a real wake up call to me that has helped me already if we’re honest- and I hope to continue seeing new titles from these two in the future. They have a real talent for writing in a relatable way that can really reach out and help pull you up from the trenches.I received a pre-release copy and was asked to leave a review. Now that it is finally available, I also ordered a final copy and look forward to reading it again!

This book is great for the stage of life that I'm in with preschool and elementary school aged children, but beyond that I love that it's a book that will help throughout the years until they are grown and on their own. It has bothered me that I have trouble being the type of wife I want to be and the type of wife I used to be before we were blessed with our little ones. I was drained when my husband came home from work, and I was having problems balancing mom me with wife me. Thankfully he's very understanding, but I just knew that it was not how I wanted it to be for the years to come until our children become more independent. It was actually amazing to me to learn that not only am I not alone in that, but it's a big enough thing for a book to be written on the topic. I love that it is written from both perspectives of dad/husband and wife/mom. I have learned things from both. I am a Christian, so I love that element of it. That might turn some people off, but it was a huge plus for me. I did receive an advance PDF copy of the book for free, but I love it so much that I preordered a paperback version because it is just that good. There are some books that I'm okay with reading on my computer or my Kindle, but there are others like this one that have so much good information that I want to take an actual highlighter to it and just enjoy flipping through the pages time after time.

For Better or for Kids is a is another great book authored by Ruth Schwenk and this time joined by her husband Patrick. Our church's ministry for young mothers will be using this book in our Bible Study this year. The book takes a genuine and even funny look at a young Christian marriage. Each chapter tackles an important aspect of marriage and a "homework" type assignment for couples to discuss together. Be encouraged by the book that we all have common struggles in marriages and God's Word has the answers we need.

Priorities matter. God, Husband, Kids, then everything else.

You don't find many marriage books that are hard to put down. Ruth and Patrick are so transparent in their book and allow you to see into their own marriage by sharing stories and examples of how God has taught them to love one another amidst the joys and challenges of parenting. Whether you've just had your first child or are entering the empty nest stage, this book gives practical ways to communicate with your spouse and work throgh topics such as finances, busy schedules, discipline, intimacy, and most importantly giving grace! I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Good book for couples

It was a privileged to receive an advanced copy to read! I love how Patrick & Ruth show marriage from beginning to where they are now honestly and openly. Taking the different aspects of marriage that are only "touched on" in premarital counseling and making them real is very valuable to couples in every stage of relationship- dating to empty nesters. Putting God first while living every day life is not easy, yet Ruth & Patrick give biblical principals and helpful information.

Great book for couples to read together. I have been reading it on my own and am enjoying the way the authors switch who is writing. Very engaging writing style and practical advise. I would and have recommended this to friends and other mom's. I would give this as a baby shower gift to any new moms and a great start to a new part of their marriage.