Children with special needs offer us a unique opportunity to see the world through a new lens. And in my 20+ years of experience as a special needs parent and coach, I have come to see that they truly are the world’s greatest teachers.
Here are just a few of the profound lessons special children teach us on a daily basis:
- The definition of determination. You haven’t witnessed true determination until you’ve watched a child with special needs. They have to work so much harder than the rest of us to accomplish tasks – but that just makes the victory so much sweeter.
- The importance of celebrating small successes. Special children appreciate all of their victories, because they had to work so hard to accomplish them. Watching them celebrate small successes reminds us to do the same.
- The meaning of unconditional love. Raising my daughter and working with special children over the years has taught me the true meaning of unconditional love. It is pure and light and without judgment.
- They remind us to stop comparing. We have nothing to gain by comparing our children to anyone else. True acceptance comes from honoring our children for who they are, and celebrating their individual successes.
- They are very special human beings. God has not overlooked these children – He has blessed them with a myriad of unique gifts and talents. It’s our job as their parents to celebrate these gifts, and remind our children of how special they truly are.
