special needs children
Too Young To Die
All parents of seriously ill children have one thing in common — they don't want their child to die prematurely. So how to parents handle the prospect that they will most likely outlive their child? What about ongoing grief? How do you let go? Following are some suggestions from parents of medically fragile children:
- Try to celebrate each day rather than dwelling on a negative prognosis.
- Respect and understand the information given to you by doctors, but realize that they don't always know what will happen.
- Remember that God loves you, and He loves your child even more than you do, even though that seems like an impossibility.
- Pray for a miracle, and remember that God is sovereign no matter what happens. Allow yourself to grieve at intervals, but don't live in constant grief or you'll miss the joy God sends through your child.
- Protect your child from illnesses and dangerous situations as much as possible, but don't smother her with your own fear.
One of the greatest things parents can do is to help their child develop a deep spiritual life. Read the Bible to him, pray with him, play Christian music, watch Christian videos or TV programs and answer any questions he might have about heaven or dying. As you dispel your child's fear, you also release your own.
If you're the parent of a medically fragile child, you may be experiencing anger, resentment and bitterness. If so, immerse yourself in Scripture. Do an in-depth study of heaven and of God's glorious love. Joni Eareckson Tada's book Heaven is an excellent reference. When heaven and God's glory becomes real in your own life, you're better able to release your ch ild to a loving heavenly Father.
Even if your child is unable to ask questions or understand deep spiritual concepts, he still understands the love of Jesus and will enjoy Christian music and the Bible. His heart is very tender, and he may have a deep longing to see Jesus. Allow him to foster that same longing in your own spirit — a burning desire to see Jesus in your daily life and then face to face in heaven.
Receiving a disheartening diagnosis can often be too much of a burden for parents to handle alone. If you feel you might need to speak with a counselor, visit our Consider Counseling page to find out more about the counseling services offered by TroubledWith.
Background Information
Why So Quiet?
These are some causes and signs of autism, and what parents can do about it.
Working Through Grief
As a parent of a child with Down syndrome, you have to grieve for the child you expected before accepting the child you have.
Questions and Answers
Where can parents of special needs children find support groups?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
Eliana Joy
When Eliana Joy died from severe brain abnormalities, her parents faced the toughest test they'd ever faced.
Adam's Story
Special Needs children require faith, lots of love and courage
Our Son Joe
The following letter was written from the father of a child born with Spina Bifida.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
In His Image
Her genetic makeup said she was flawed, but her Father thought otherwise.
A Spiritual RX for Healthy Mind and Body
A new study of bereaved spouses shows a significant link between religious faith and the ability to heal after a loss. It's just one more confirmation of the faith/health connection.
Bearing the Burden of a Child's Illness
In the midst of a devastating diagnosis, sometimes all you can do is to trust God.
Divine Wisdom
If you're struggling with any of the questions below, these thoughts and scriptures may help.
Related Topics
Transitions: Having a Baby, Preparing for Adolescence
Life Pressures: Working Moms, Stay-At-Home Moms, Time for Family
Relationships: Parents and Adult Children, Blended Families
