Parents of children with disabilities face unique challenges that can make the journey of parenting even more demanding. While advice like “practice self-care” is common, it doesn’t always provide the deep, meaningful support parents truly need. So, here are some unique and uncommon ways to find joy and strength as a parent.
1. Celebrate Small Wins Loudly
Parenting a child with disabilities can mean celebrating milestones that may seem small to others but are monumental for your family. Take time to celebrate those moments with pride and joy. It could be as simple as sharing a video of your child’s new achievement with friends or throwing a mini party when they reach a personal goal. Celebrating these moments helps remind you that progress, no matter the pace, is still progress—and it deserves recognition.
2. Create a Personal Joy Journal
A personal joy journal is a space where you can document the beautiful moments of the day—even the tiniest ones. Whether it's a smile from your child or five minutes of peace with a cup of tea, jot it down. Reflect on these small but significant moments of happiness. This can shift your focus from the stress to the joy that often gets overshadowed. Over time, you’ll have a collection of moments that serve as a reminder of the love, hope, and resilience within your journey.
3. Be Intentional About Friendships
Often, parents of children with disabilities find their social circles shrinking. Cultivate friendships that bring you energy and life. Be intentional about reconnecting with old friends who lift you up or forging new bonds with people who truly understand your journey. Encourage reciprocal friendships—ones where you give and receive support without feeling drained. This not only nourishes you but can create a meaningful support network around you.
Image from @scoutcity on Unsplash
4. Engage in Creative Rest
Rest doesn’t always mean sleep or relaxation. For some parents, engaging in a creative hobby can be incredibly rejuvenating. Whether it’s painting, gardening, or writing, engaging in an activity that sparks your creativity can help you recharge emotionally. Creating something of your own allows you to express feelings that words might not capture and can become an outlet for healing.
5. Practice Compassion for Yourself
We often hear about extending compassion to others but practicing it for ourselves is equally important. Give yourself permission to have tough days. On those days, remind yourself that it's okay if things don’t go according to plan, and you don’t have to meet every expectation. Compassion towards yourself also means accepting help when it’s offered and understanding that you don’t need to do everything perfectly.
6. Create a "Village” Exchange
For parents of children with disabilities, it can feel like you’re constantly giving. Create a system with other parents where you exchange small gestures of support—like cooking extra dinner for one another, offering to pick up groceries, or giving an hour of respite care. These exchanges build a sense of community and help parents feel supported without the feeling of burden.
7. Create Personal "Grace Spaces”
In the rush of caring for your child and managing life, it’s easy to forget to give yourself grace. Designate a physical space in your home that reminds you of this—perhaps a corner with comfortable seating, calming music, or meaningful quotes. Spend time here when you need to decompress or remind yourself that it’s okay to pause and breathe.
Supporting parents of children with disabilities means understanding that their journey is unique, and their needs may not always fit into typical solutions. By focusing on meaningful, intentional actions, both parents and those who support them can create spaces of genuine care and compassion.
Written by Terisha Lee, PhD a Practical Theologian and Parent Educator. For more information about Terisha and her work please visit DrTerishaLee.com.
