If you’ve ever ended the day in tears, wondering if you’re doing enough—or doing anything right—you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. Parenting is hard. Parenting a neurodivergent child can feel like trying to read instructions in a language you’ve never learned, while everyone else seems to know exactly what they’re doing.
Let me say something I wish someone had told me earlier: You are not failing. You are navigating a different journey, one that doesn’t follow the same roadmaps others might be using. And that’s okay.
Grace for the Journey
Romans 12:2 reminds us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. That applies to parenting, too. The world might measure parenting success by how quickly a child hits milestones or how well-behaved they are in public. But God sees your faithfulness in the little things—the sensory-friendly breakfast you offer, the meltdown you handle with love, the IEP meeting you pray through.
Every Child Is Wonderfully Made
Psalm 139:14 says our children are fearfully and wonderfully made. That includes every quirk, every challenge, every beautiful difference. God doesn’t make mistakes—and your child was knit together by a Creator who sees the full picture, even when we don’t.
Your child’s struggles do not reflect failure on your part. They reflect a need for understanding, patience, and support that may look different from what typical parenting advice offers.
Let Go of Comparison
It’s easy to scroll through social media or chat with other parents and start questioning everything you’re doing. “Why can’t my child do that?” “Why does this feel so much harder for us?”
But friend, comparison is a thief. It steals your joy, your peace, and the ability to see the beauty of your child’s story. Instead of asking why your journey looks different, try asking God, “What are You teaching me here?”
Practical Encouragement
Here are three things you can do this week to care for your neurodivergent child—and yourself:
- Celebrate the small wins. Did your child try a new food? Sit through half a church service? Make eye contact? That’s a win. Celebrate it.
- Speak life—over your child and over yourself. Replace “I can’t do this” with “God is giving me strength for today.”
- Take a moment to rest. Even five minutes of quiet in the Word can recenter your heart. You don’t need to do it all—just take the next right step.
You Are Not Alone
Whether you’re parenting a child with ADHD, autism, sensory processing disorder, or something you don’t yet have a name for—you are not alone. I’m walking this road too. And I believe God meets us in these messy, beautiful, complicated moments with mercy and strength.
Let’s keep showing up. Not because we’re perfect, but because our kids are worth it—and because God is faithful.
I’d love to hear from you—what parts of this post resonated most? Or what would you like to see me write about next? Leave a comment or reach out—I’m here to encourage you.