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The 5 Love Languages
Sharing Love Abundantly in Special Needs Families: The 5 Love Languages® for Parents Raising Children with Disabilities
"With a frank and honest observation on how disability can unravel family unity, this book inspires and equips us to live out our faith as we interact with those we love." -Joni Eareckson Tada, founder & CEO, Joni and Friends Between the worry, the doctor’s appointments, and the thousand small challenges of everyday life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. The idea of showing abundant love to every member of your family can feel like a daunting task. Jolene Philo has been there. And in this wise, warm, practical guide, she and Dr. Gary Chapman show you how the 5 love languages can help strengthen your marriage and family life—whatever your needs. Sharing dozens of stories from parents of children with special needs children, they teach you how Having a special needs child shouldn’t mean sacrificing a full family life. Learn to share love abundantly no matter your circumstances.
176 pages, Paperback
Published August 6, 2019
52 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Gary Chapman
586 books3,547 followersGary Demonte Chapman is an American author and radio talk show host. Chapman is most noted for his The Five Love Languages series regarding human relationships.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 3, 2021
“We hope to equip you to better handle your unique caregiver challenges and to recognize the richness hidden within them. We hope they encourage you to live each day with deep joy and growing confidence, ‘Our family may never be typical, yet we are living and loving well.’”
This book was an incredible blessing from our sweet sister. I really appreciated how it didn’t have a ton of fluff. It was direct, to the point, and super practical. As a mother of a special needs child and another toddler whom we are unsure whether is neurotypical or also has special needs, I so appreciated the parent education aspect that helped me learn basics. And, it was incredibly beneficial to have so many doable examples, ideas, and suggestions to use- recognizing the need to adapt to families that are financially-strapped and lacking in time and resources as is so typical with families such as ours due to the many extra needs of our children.
The organization of the book was on-point. Marriage when you’re parenting a special needs child is DIFFERENT. Parenting that child is DIFFERENT. Parenting siblings is DIFFERENT. But, love is always the most important binding in those relationships. I was even surprised for the tips/experiences geared toward parents who are both teachers and caregivers.
So practical, so succinct, so valuable.
Thank you for this resource a million times over!
This book was an incredible blessing from our sweet sister. I really appreciated how it didn’t have a ton of fluff. It was direct, to the point, and super practical. As a mother of a special needs child and another toddler whom we are unsure whether is neurotypical or also has special needs, I so appreciated the parent education aspect that helped me learn basics. And, it was incredibly beneficial to have so many doable examples, ideas, and suggestions to use- recognizing the need to adapt to families that are financially-strapped and lacking in time and resources as is so typical with families such as ours due to the many extra needs of our children.
The organization of the book was on-point. Marriage when you’re parenting a special needs child is DIFFERENT. Parenting that child is DIFFERENT. Parenting siblings is DIFFERENT. But, love is always the most important binding in those relationships. I was even surprised for the tips/experiences geared toward parents who are both teachers and caregivers.
So practical, so succinct, so valuable.
Thank you for this resource a million times over!
February 16, 2023
This book is short (just 150 pages) and so accessible and inclusive. There are so many different types of examples of special needs families in this book, and even though many do not look like my family, this book made me feel seen in a way that no other book ever has. It's full of practical encouragement, not just "do this and life will be perfect." The authors acknowledge that it is likely that life with a special needs child will always be difficult, but the many stories of families who are choosing love in the midst of difficulties really encouraged me.
If you have a special needs kiddo, this book is a must. But even if you just know someone with a special needs child, this book is an invaluable resource to help you better understand the emotional and physical demands that go on behind the scenes, that are so hard for others not living it day in and day out to understand.
I've always been aware-ish about the love language ideas, but I really appreciated how this book boiled down care for special needs kids (and their siblings and parents) into more manageable pieces by using the love languages.
Despite being a self-proclaimed Valentines grinch, I've really enjoyed leaving notes, stickers, and treats for my kids this week, and noting the different ways they respond, coinciding with their preferred love languages. Highly recommend this book!
August 7, 2019
Overall Review: This book helps you live out the most important fruit of the Spirit- Love. It gives practical, fun, and personable ways to live in abundant love even when the one you love functions in a unique manner. But more importantly, it is a great reminder for the reader that love is love and whether you are loving your spouse, neurotypical child, or special needs child, or friend, the focus needs to be on your heart and the receiver's heart and the goal needs to be attacked not as a fix, but as a way to have a connected, solid relationship with another human being. Joy should be in this connection, in any love language and life. This is the reason we chose to parent a child from a hard place who sought out love in the most unlovable ways. We had the Holy Spirit equipping us to share unconditional love as our only real job.
Things I liked about the book:
Fast, easy read. (less than 2 hours even with interruptions)
Design of the book- for special needs families- but also for teachers, caregivers, therapists, doctors/nurses, anyone who works with special needs kids.
Book formatting
information extras: defines ABLE account, IEP, 504 in a grayscale box
summaries: key questions or tips in grayscale boxes
easy to read and refer back to: headings, subheadings, grayscale boxes, etc.
chapter summaries- some are: putting it all together, others are tips, or bulleted concepts to apply
appendix of resources (those not included directly in the book text)
diverse perspective- 40 families are represented in the stories of this book and their real life examples are the ideas.
Content of the book is beyond the love languages, it includes ways to enjoy and support your child and encouragement that it's not your job to fix anything about your child, but to love them well and remind their team of support people that this is the key to quality life and growth.
The truth: practical tips from experience shared about meeting your child's most important need- unconditional love.
New experts opinions shared and I have new resources to consult for support.
What I wondered about or could be tweaked:
I wanted even more time on ideas, strategies, tips from those in the trenches.
I was surprised at the time spent on loving your spouse, caring for your marriage, and caretaker care, but I do know that all of this truly needs investment even when there isn't time in the stress of parenting a special needs child, but you can love abundantly without your tank being full.
Lack of scripture and biblical input throughout the book
Things I liked about the book:
Fast, easy read. (less than 2 hours even with interruptions)
Design of the book- for special needs families- but also for teachers, caregivers, therapists, doctors/nurses, anyone who works with special needs kids.
Book formatting
information extras: defines ABLE account, IEP, 504 in a grayscale box
summaries: key questions or tips in grayscale boxes
easy to read and refer back to: headings, subheadings, grayscale boxes, etc.
chapter summaries- some are: putting it all together, others are tips, or bulleted concepts to apply
appendix of resources (those not included directly in the book text)
diverse perspective- 40 families are represented in the stories of this book and their real life examples are the ideas.
Content of the book is beyond the love languages, it includes ways to enjoy and support your child and encouragement that it's not your job to fix anything about your child, but to love them well and remind their team of support people that this is the key to quality life and growth.
The truth: practical tips from experience shared about meeting your child's most important need- unconditional love.
New experts opinions shared and I have new resources to consult for support.
What I wondered about or could be tweaked:
I wanted even more time on ideas, strategies, tips from those in the trenches.
I was surprised at the time spent on loving your spouse, caring for your marriage, and caretaker care, but I do know that all of this truly needs investment even when there isn't time in the stress of parenting a special needs child, but you can love abundantly without your tank being full.
Lack of scripture and biblical input throughout the book
January 19, 2026
Sharing Love Abundantly in Special Needs Families ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love the 5 love languages books and this one did not disappoint. I learned that Elliot’s love language is Words of Affirmation.
This book includes great suggestions and stories. Definitely recommend.
I love the 5 love languages books and this one did not disappoint. I learned that Elliot’s love language is Words of Affirmation.
This book includes great suggestions and stories. Definitely recommend.
January 2, 2020
Excellent!
April 5, 2023
Great resource for families, educators, medical professionals, counselors, and pastors...really anyone who interacts with people in this community.
February 28, 2023
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I felt so seen an understood and encouraged. I often discount our special needs because they seem so less significant than what other families are facing, yet this book allowed me to see where we were strained and how we could love each other better!
August 12, 2019
(This is a sponsored review with no restrains or impact on the review.)
The book Sharing Love Abundantly in Special Needs Families is part of the 5 Love Languages that was originally authored by Gary Chapman. This book looks at how parents of children with special needs can incorporate the 5 Love Languages into their parenting model to improve communication between spouses and better love their children.
The original book is a staple for people who want to better communicate with their spouses and has a soft integration of faith within it. From there, Gary has made a whole collection of books including for Children, Teenagers, Men, Women, Singles, and Military Edition.
This book in the series was co-authored with Jolene Philo (to see a video of Jolene talk on a Key Ministry’s Video Roundtable about the book, click the link at the end of the review) who has her own testimonial of raising her child with special needs, having read the original 5 Love Languages book, and applying it to her parenting, which was the source of this text. But they go further in interviewing 40 different families and individuals for the text.
If you are wanting to learn the 5 Love Languages at it’s fullest, this book is not for you. Further, if you want to know all of the ins and outs of raising children in general with the 5 Love Languages, you’ll want to read the book that specifically addresses that. It does give a cursory overview of the 5 Love Languages and the assessment for you to do but quickly moves on.
What’s Right About This Book?
The book reads very personably as it goes into a story after story of the struggles of raising someone with some sort of special needs, whether it is a developmental delay, physical disability, or other impairment. Yet, it does not lose its practicalness with specifically crafted tips for each of the 5 Love Languages. These tips do not all come from the authors either, the people being interviewed shared their own ways of equipping them.
Further, as a professional counselor and a parent of children with limited special needs, I struggle to relate to the day-to-day circumstances these parents share in the text or my clients’ problems they bring into a counseling session. But the book also brings in how extended family members, friends, and professionals involved at some capacity of the individual’s growth and development can support the family. It’s true that it takes a community to raise a child and the unique supports a family with at least one child with special needs even more intentionality in how we love the child with special needs, the other typical children in the family, and the parents.
The book reads clearly and it’s easily scannable for when I want to go back and reference it later. As someone who needs practical applications in a counseling room, this is so beneficial later on.
What Was Wrong With The Book?
The text feels as if it had to do too much. I don’t think you take much out, but it’s also trying to cover two previous books in a very brief number of words which ultimately takes away the focus from the original intent. I was a fifth of the way through the chapters before we started to get to the heart of the topic.
While this is more of a neutral comment than it being wrong, I found myself not really needing the free resources in the back of the book and quickly glancing over twenty-some pages without much desire to go through it.
Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars, noting that it mostly does what it intends and is a great resource for any individual who wants to raise or support a child with special needs.
https://churchandmentalhealth.com/sha...
The book Sharing Love Abundantly in Special Needs Families is part of the 5 Love Languages that was originally authored by Gary Chapman. This book looks at how parents of children with special needs can incorporate the 5 Love Languages into their parenting model to improve communication between spouses and better love their children.
The original book is a staple for people who want to better communicate with their spouses and has a soft integration of faith within it. From there, Gary has made a whole collection of books including for Children, Teenagers, Men, Women, Singles, and Military Edition.
This book in the series was co-authored with Jolene Philo (to see a video of Jolene talk on a Key Ministry’s Video Roundtable about the book, click the link at the end of the review) who has her own testimonial of raising her child with special needs, having read the original 5 Love Languages book, and applying it to her parenting, which was the source of this text. But they go further in interviewing 40 different families and individuals for the text.
If you are wanting to learn the 5 Love Languages at it’s fullest, this book is not for you. Further, if you want to know all of the ins and outs of raising children in general with the 5 Love Languages, you’ll want to read the book that specifically addresses that. It does give a cursory overview of the 5 Love Languages and the assessment for you to do but quickly moves on.
What’s Right About This Book?
The book reads very personably as it goes into a story after story of the struggles of raising someone with some sort of special needs, whether it is a developmental delay, physical disability, or other impairment. Yet, it does not lose its practicalness with specifically crafted tips for each of the 5 Love Languages. These tips do not all come from the authors either, the people being interviewed shared their own ways of equipping them.
Further, as a professional counselor and a parent of children with limited special needs, I struggle to relate to the day-to-day circumstances these parents share in the text or my clients’ problems they bring into a counseling session. But the book also brings in how extended family members, friends, and professionals involved at some capacity of the individual’s growth and development can support the family. It’s true that it takes a community to raise a child and the unique supports a family with at least one child with special needs even more intentionality in how we love the child with special needs, the other typical children in the family, and the parents.
The book reads clearly and it’s easily scannable for when I want to go back and reference it later. As someone who needs practical applications in a counseling room, this is so beneficial later on.
What Was Wrong With The Book?
The text feels as if it had to do too much. I don’t think you take much out, but it’s also trying to cover two previous books in a very brief number of words which ultimately takes away the focus from the original intent. I was a fifth of the way through the chapters before we started to get to the heart of the topic.
While this is more of a neutral comment than it being wrong, I found myself not really needing the free resources in the back of the book and quickly glancing over twenty-some pages without much desire to go through it.
Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars, noting that it mostly does what it intends and is a great resource for any individual who wants to raise or support a child with special needs.
https://churchandmentalhealth.com/sha...
August 5, 2019
When offered the opportunity to read "Sharing Love Abundantly in Special Needs Families," I jumped at the chance! I have read the other versions of the 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman, but he has taken it to a new level in this book, enlisting the help of the wonderful Jolene Philo, a parent who has firsthand experience with both growing up in and parenting in a special needs family.
I loved the easy, conversational tone of the book and how it highlighted the fact that parents who have special needs children are seeking the same kind of support all parents are, but their concerns can often feel multiplied. Add to that the fact that there are some kiddos that can't verbally answer when using the 5 Love Languages Questions, and you see the challenges ahead for parents just trying to best relate to their kids. Chapman offers solutions and suggestions for families to try together or with the help of others.
Often those who don't personally experience the struggles of a special needs family can feel like their help either isn't needed (false!) or that they would not know how best assist. Chapman and Philo are here to facilitate connection with those who live in a special needs family and those who are supporters/ extended family/friends who want to help. Practical, helpful suggestions are found throughout the book on how others can lighten the load.
Another section of the book highlights how those who parent a special needs child can protect and preserve their marriage. I appreciated this perspective, as I have seen many struggle with lack of respite care and marriages falter or end as a result. There is so much giving that happens within the special needs family and often the core relationship can be neglected due to exhaustion or disillusionment caused by the loss of normalcy.
I am a pastor that finds this book a useful tool for those who want to reach out to serve those in the special needs community in a way that is inclusive, supportive and knowledgeable. Learning how to best serve those in our congregations who are differently abled is of utmost importance within the church community. We must not ignore or isolate, we must include.
This is a book that would be helpful for those looking to help special needs families and those families who are afraid to ask for help. We try too hard to do everything ourselves, when God wants us to live in community, no matter what our families look like.
I was honored to read an early copy of this book, thanks to Moody Publishers. All opinions are my own.
I loved the easy, conversational tone of the book and how it highlighted the fact that parents who have special needs children are seeking the same kind of support all parents are, but their concerns can often feel multiplied. Add to that the fact that there are some kiddos that can't verbally answer when using the 5 Love Languages Questions, and you see the challenges ahead for parents just trying to best relate to their kids. Chapman offers solutions and suggestions for families to try together or with the help of others.
Often those who don't personally experience the struggles of a special needs family can feel like their help either isn't needed (false!) or that they would not know how best assist. Chapman and Philo are here to facilitate connection with those who live in a special needs family and those who are supporters/ extended family/friends who want to help. Practical, helpful suggestions are found throughout the book on how others can lighten the load.
Another section of the book highlights how those who parent a special needs child can protect and preserve their marriage. I appreciated this perspective, as I have seen many struggle with lack of respite care and marriages falter or end as a result. There is so much giving that happens within the special needs family and often the core relationship can be neglected due to exhaustion or disillusionment caused by the loss of normalcy.
I am a pastor that finds this book a useful tool for those who want to reach out to serve those in the special needs community in a way that is inclusive, supportive and knowledgeable. Learning how to best serve those in our congregations who are differently abled is of utmost importance within the church community. We must not ignore or isolate, we must include.
This is a book that would be helpful for those looking to help special needs families and those families who are afraid to ask for help. We try too hard to do everything ourselves, when God wants us to live in community, no matter what our families look like.
I was honored to read an early copy of this book, thanks to Moody Publishers. All opinions are my own.
February 19, 2020
This is a wonderful new addition to Gary Chapman's 5 Love Languages books.
This book gives a brief introduction to the 5 Love Languages - Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. Briefly, people tend to respond more to love expressed in a particular language. But we also tend to express love to others in "our" love language - without realizing why the recipient doesn't respond how we expect them to. Chapman, in his books, stresses the importance of determining our loved ones' love languages and then expressing love in the best way THEY can receive it.
I appreciated his honesty in acknowledging that while he had been asked before to write a book geared toward special needs children (he has The 5 Love Languages of Children and The 5 Love Languages of Teenagers), he said he hadn't until now because he felt inadequate, not being a parent of a special needs child. Chapman wrote this book with Jolene Philo, who has written books for the special needs community, is herself the parent of a special needs child, and who uses the 5 languages concept in her home and as an educator.
The book covers ways parents (and educators) can figure out their children's love languages, and deals with some of the challenges parents may face given a child being nonverbal, or having limited physical or intellectual abilities. Philo recounts several examples of children responding to their particular love language and how their parents make it a point to use their love languages.
This is a wonderful book and I recommend it for parents of special needs children. It is a great addition to our parenting tool box, helping us be more intentional in how we express love to our children in ways that they will be able to respond to.
This book gives a brief introduction to the 5 Love Languages - Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. Briefly, people tend to respond more to love expressed in a particular language. But we also tend to express love to others in "our" love language - without realizing why the recipient doesn't respond how we expect them to. Chapman, in his books, stresses the importance of determining our loved ones' love languages and then expressing love in the best way THEY can receive it.
I appreciated his honesty in acknowledging that while he had been asked before to write a book geared toward special needs children (he has The 5 Love Languages of Children and The 5 Love Languages of Teenagers), he said he hadn't until now because he felt inadequate, not being a parent of a special needs child. Chapman wrote this book with Jolene Philo, who has written books for the special needs community, is herself the parent of a special needs child, and who uses the 5 languages concept in her home and as an educator.
The book covers ways parents (and educators) can figure out their children's love languages, and deals with some of the challenges parents may face given a child being nonverbal, or having limited physical or intellectual abilities. Philo recounts several examples of children responding to their particular love language and how their parents make it a point to use their love languages.
This is a wonderful book and I recommend it for parents of special needs children. It is a great addition to our parenting tool box, helping us be more intentional in how we express love to our children in ways that they will be able to respond to.
August 28, 2019
I received an ARC of this book from Moody Publishers. via NetGalley, this review is my personal opinion.
As Special Needs Teacher and aunt of a beautiful eight-year-old girl with cerebral palsy and cognitive delays. I truly enjoy this book for many reasons, all do the concept of the love language is new for me I could see that I've put them in practice with my niece and students, now the difference is that having them define and with specific ideas and recommendations it gives me a new vision on how to approach to different aspect while teaching and on daily life.
As part of a special need family, I know first hand it's a constant challenge one that I know I am not the only that has embraced it, however in the midst of concerns we may want are son, daughter or student to do something, to reach a specific goal and we simply don't know who to do it. This book it's not magical, I won't say that after you put them on practice all well be okay in short time; but like Gary Chapman and Jolene Philo says that knowing your son, daughter or student love language it will help you, to understand them in a profound and more deeply way. With practical and easy advice according to each love language and also with advice to the different people that are involved with the child's life. I believe that this book it's a must-read for anyone that either has a special need family, a professional of the medical or educational field.
As Special Needs Teacher and aunt of a beautiful eight-year-old girl with cerebral palsy and cognitive delays. I truly enjoy this book for many reasons, all do the concept of the love language is new for me I could see that I've put them in practice with my niece and students, now the difference is that having them define and with specific ideas and recommendations it gives me a new vision on how to approach to different aspect while teaching and on daily life.
As part of a special need family, I know first hand it's a constant challenge one that I know I am not the only that has embraced it, however in the midst of concerns we may want are son, daughter or student to do something, to reach a specific goal and we simply don't know who to do it. This book it's not magical, I won't say that after you put them on practice all well be okay in short time; but like Gary Chapman and Jolene Philo says that knowing your son, daughter or student love language it will help you, to understand them in a profound and more deeply way. With practical and easy advice according to each love language and also with advice to the different people that are involved with the child's life. I believe that this book it's a must-read for anyone that either has a special need family, a professional of the medical or educational field.
March 11, 2020
Gary Chapman reviews the Five Love Languages for the uninitiated. Chapman provides a test so the reader can determine which love language(s) they possess. He admits that he does not have a special-needs child, although he has counseled many families in that situation.
To provide a more hands-on point of view, Jolene Philo co-authors this book with Chapman. Philo and her husband are the parents of a special needs child. Philo is also an educator and an author of several books for those dealing with special-needs children.
The chapters alternate with first Chapman, then Philo writing. After a bit of an introduction, they go into ways and examples of using the five love languages in special-needs children. This book is practical and even inspiring, showing what the right love language at the right time can do to make a difficult situation better.
To provide a more hands-on point of view, Jolene Philo co-authors this book with Chapman. Philo and her husband are the parents of a special needs child. Philo is also an educator and an author of several books for those dealing with special-needs children.
The chapters alternate with first Chapman, then Philo writing. After a bit of an introduction, they go into ways and examples of using the five love languages in special-needs children. This book is practical and even inspiring, showing what the right love language at the right time can do to make a difficult situation better.
July 30, 2019
The title of this book says it's for parents raising children with disabilities. It most certainly is that, and I recommend it to any parent who has been placed on that road. But I also found it very informative as a person who doesn't have kids with disabilities. A section is dedicated to people like me, who though we don't have special needs children, know people who do. The practical advice for how to be a friend and supporter of those with special needs in their families is helpful. Sometimes I don't do anything because I don't know what to do. This book provides concrete ideas.
The in-depth look at the love languages and how they translate to special needs is fantastic. And the conversational tone of the writing makes it an easy read.
The in-depth look at the love languages and how they translate to special needs is fantastic. And the conversational tone of the writing makes it an easy read.
August 10, 2019
As a family dealing with special needs kids, I am so thankful for the wisdom and resources provided in this book! They hit every aspect of the special needs journey with the love languages-marriage, typical siblings, special needs child(ren). Every one of these relationships goes so much better when the other person feels loved in the way that speaks to them. I appreciate all the ways they go through each one and provide concrete, and easy to implement ways to practice it. I greatly appreciated the chapter on how others can help as well. Will definitely recommend to other parents who are raising kids with special needs as a quality relationship is the basis for helping, nurturing, and teaching others.
August 9, 2019
I gave this informative book five stars. I'd read the original 5 Love Language book by Dr. Chapman and thought the authors did a great job of applying the principals to people with special needs. It helps the reader determine what is their primary love language within the first chapters. This is important to understand the concept because it becomes easier to put it into practice. The book gave wonderful examples of families who incorporated love language in their home. I found the advice and suggestions spot on. I'd recommend this book to anyone who has a person with special needs in their life. I'm grateful to the authors for providing me with an ARC.
August 19, 2019
I have had the honor to meet the coauthor Jolene Philo several times. The way she incorporated Dr Chapman’s five love languages into the disability community is a masterpiece. I really appreciate how many families put their time and effort into sharing what worked for their children and Dr Chapman’s astute advice to meet your child where they are at mentally. Jolene’s dedication to the disability community and her family shines through in her storytelling. As a disabled individual myself who works sUpporting people with disability, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with a disabled family member.
September 13, 2020
It helps if you are familiar with the 5 Love Languages though the book does have some charts to help you determine your love language.
I felt this was an excellent book for special needs parents but also for others to know how to help them. I am convinced more and more that what needs to happen in the church is gathering together a support network to help families. We need to slow down our lives so we can help and assist.
This book is helpful with numerous illustrations of how parents have used this with their special needs children.
Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book to review. The opinions are my own.
I felt this was an excellent book for special needs parents but also for others to know how to help them. I am convinced more and more that what needs to happen in the church is gathering together a support network to help families. We need to slow down our lives so we can help and assist.
This book is helpful with numerous illustrations of how parents have used this with their special needs children.
Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book to review. The opinions are my own.
January 21, 2025
This is such a great resource for parents (and older/adult siblings) of children or adults with special needs, or even caregivers in any setting. It’s given me many ideas for my own family, in which we have a child with severe physical and developmental special needs as well as a child with autism.
I think my biggest takeaway is the idea to spend one-on-one quality time with one of the siblings while my children with special needs are in therapy. This is time I have to spend away from the home each week and I love that I will now have a way to shower each child with the extra time and attention they need since so much of our time is spent caring for our special needs kids.
I think my biggest takeaway is the idea to spend one-on-one quality time with one of the siblings while my children with special needs are in therapy. This is time I have to spend away from the home each week and I love that I will now have a way to shower each child with the extra time and attention they need since so much of our time is spent caring for our special needs kids.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2025
The great advantage of this book is that you don't have to have read the original book first as the concept of love languages is explained in a straightforward way from the start. Given that parenting a child with special needs is a lifetime challenge and can often seem a lonely one, this book is powerful tool in showing how to break through barriers both with the child, within the family, with health care and educational professionals, and with friends. Heart warming and very practical in equal measure.
October 8, 2021
This book had some helpful tips on how to uniquely love each kid in a family. I liked hearing examples of families that have kids who are nonverbal or have severe medical needs and how they learn their love languages. It was also good to reflect on how our marriage has changed and has different needs now that we are parenting a child with disabilities. However, the book was a bit redundant and self promoting.
January 1, 2026
Parts of this book are helpful, but it seemed like a very basic overview of things most special needs parents would already know.
I don’t totally buy into the fact that there are exactly five love languages and that each person has a primary and secondary; that seems like an oversimplification. I did appreciate the reminder that I may try to show my love to someone else in a way that they don’t feel loved. Instead, I want to understand what makes the other person feel loved.
I don’t totally buy into the fact that there are exactly five love languages and that each person has a primary and secondary; that seems like an oversimplification. I did appreciate the reminder that I may try to show my love to someone else in a way that they don’t feel loved. Instead, I want to understand what makes the other person feel loved.
March 5, 2023
A very quick read but super valuable. While I'll found his first book extremely insightful this was a nice complementary source. It resonated with me the importance of love and showing love to everyone to make them feel loved. It is easy to get lost in the woods of therapists and forget to just love! Thanks J.S.
June 8, 2023
insightful
I found this book insightful as I look for more information to support early interventionists working with families of children with disabilities. No one told us we would be counselors! I hear over and over again. This book found be helpful to some of those overwhelmed with the help giving tasks of their job.
I found this book insightful as I look for more information to support early interventionists working with families of children with disabilities. No one told us we would be counselors! I hear over and over again. This book found be helpful to some of those overwhelmed with the help giving tasks of their job.
September 26, 2024
The front half mostly repeated what all of the 5 love languages books say. But the back half was really pretty good and well though out for families whose loved one has a disability. Refreshing to read something that so humanizes basic relational needs for those with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
August 16, 2022
There were many good ideas and perspectives shared. It was encouraging and refreshing. The coauthors wrote well together to combine their expertise. I had been afraid it was just another demographic segment for Dr Chapman to conquer, but it aptly applied his “process” to special needs families.
December 31, 2025
This book is filled with practical tips on how to help a family who has special needs feel loved. Whether or not you have a family member with special needs this book is helps to better understand what a family goes through and how you can help.
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January 15, 2020#3 of 2020.
April 28, 2020
Worth the read. Just think it could have been done in fewer pages.
June 17, 2021
I’m a huge fan of the five love languages. This book is so good! I highly recommend it to parents and teachers.
July 24, 2022
I appreciated the practical aspects of this book and it was definitely worth the read.
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