Finding Peace in the Midst of Busyness: Resting in God as a Special Needs Parent

Parenting a tween comes with its own set of joys and challenges, but when your child has special needs, the journey takes on even deeper layers of emotional, physical, and spiritual demands. You juggle medical appointments, therapy sessions, educational advocacy, and the daily unpredictability of meltdowns or communication struggles—all while trying to nurture your child's faith and well-being.

It’s easy to feel exhausted and overwhelmed, but God has not left you alone in this season. His Word provides peace, strength, and wisdom to sustain you, even in the busiest and most demanding moments.

Embracing God’s Invitation to Rest

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28 (KJV)

God sees the unique burdens you carry—the exhaustion, the worry, the desire to do everything right for your child. In the midst of your daily responsibilities, Jesus extends a personal invitation to find rest in Him. This rest is more than physical; it is a deep, soul-refreshing peace that can steady your heart in the most chaotic seasons.

Reflective Thought: Instead of striving in your own strength, how can you surrender your exhaustion to Jesus today? Even in the middle of appointments, sensory overload, and emotional fatigue, He invites you to come to Him and find true rest.

Finding Stillness in God’s Presence

"Be still, and know that I am God." — Psalm 46:10 (KJV)

For a parent of a special needs tween, stillness may feel impossible. Your schedule is packed, and even when you have a moment of quiet, your mind races with to-do lists, concerns for your child’s future, and the emotional weight of advocacy. But God calls you to be still—not necessarily physically still, but spiritually still in Him.

Practical Application:

• Micro-Moments with God: In the car during therapy drop-offs, while folding laundry, or in the few quiet minutes before bed, whisper a short prayer: “Lord, I trust You with this day.”
• Breath Prayers: When feeling overwhelmed, pause to take a deep breath and slowly repeat a verse like “Lord, grant me Your peace.”

Even when life doesn’t allow for long periods of solitude, God meets you in the small moments.

Trusting God in the Unique Challenges of Special Needs Parenting

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." — Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)

Raising a special needs child often means navigating uncertainty. Doctors give conflicting advice. Therapies may not work as expected. You wonder if your child will ever fully communicate, find friendships, or understand God’s love. The weight of these unknowns can be crushing.

But God calls you to trust Him—even when you don’t have all the answers. He sees the full picture, and He is faithful to equip you for the journey.

Action Steps:

• Pray Before Reacting: When faced with a frustrating or heartbreaking situation, take a moment to seek God’s wisdom before reacting emotionally.
• Share Scripture with Your Child: Even if your child struggles with comprehension, speak simple truths over them: “Jesus loves you.” “God has a plan for your life.” “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.”
• Trust the Process: Progress in a special needs journey isn’t always linear. Lean on God’s timing rather than your own.

Creating a Peace-Filled Home, Even in the Chaos

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts." — Colossians 3:15 (KJV)

Peace can feel unattainable when meltdowns happen, when routines are disrupted, or when exhaustion takes its toll. But peace is not found in perfect circumstances; it is found in Jesus.

Implementation Ideas:

• Worship Music Therapy: Play calming hymns or worship songs to create an atmosphere of peace. Music can also be helpful for sensory-sensitive children.
• Safe Spaces: Designate a quiet, comforting space in your home where your child can regulate emotions, and where you, too, can take a moment to breathe.
• Family Prayer Pause: When stress levels rise, pause as a family to say a simple prayer together, even if it’s just “Lord, be with us right now.”

God’s peace is not based on circumstances but on His presence in the midst of them.

Prioritizing God’s Kingdom in Your Child’s Daily Life

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." — Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

As a special needs parent, faith integration may look different in your home than it does for others. Your child may struggle with traditional church settings, structured Bible study, or even verbal prayer. But faith is not confined to formal practices—it is a way of life.

Suggestions:

• Adapt Faith Teachings to Your Child’s Learning Style: Use hands-on activities, picture books, or music-based worship if traditional Bible study is challenging.
• Model Faith in the Everyday: Pray aloud while cooking, thank God for small victories, and talk about Jesus in simple ways.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Every spiritual milestone—whether it’s your child saying a simple prayer, memorizing a verse, or singing a worship song—is worth celebrating.

God meets each of His children, including your tween, exactly where they are.

Encouraging Your Child’s Spiritual Growth at Their Own Pace

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." — Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

For some parents of special needs tweens, traditional faith instruction may feel discouraging—especially if your child struggles with attention, comprehension, or participation in church. But God’s promise in Proverbs 22:6 isn’t about a perfect formula; it’s about faithfulness in planting seeds that will take root in time.

Tips:

• Engage the Senses: If your child learns best through movement, let them act out Bible stories. If they love music, use scripture songs.
• Celebrate Questions: If your child asks deep or unexpected questions about God, use them as teachable moments rather than dismissing them.
• Give Grace: Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, and God understands your child’s unique needs.

Embracing Rest as Jesus Did

"And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while." — Mark 6:31 (KJV)

Rest often feels like a luxury parents of special needs children can’t afford. There’s always another therapy session, another meltdown to manage, another night of disrupted sleep. But Jesus Himself modeled the importance of stepping away and resting.

Rest Strategies:

• Sabbath Adaptation: Even if a full day of rest feels impossible, set aside moments to pause, worship, and refresh your spirit.
• Tag-Team with Your Spouse or a Trusted Friend: Allow yourself breaks, even if they’re brief, so you can return to your child with renewed strength.
• Find Community: Connecting with other parents who understand your journey can bring encouragement and refreshment.

God’s call to rest is not a burden; it’s an invitation to trust Him with what feels unfinished.

Final Encouragement

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." — Galatians 6:9 (KJV)

You are doing holy work. Every moment of advocacy, every prayer whispered over your child, every tear shed in exhaustion—God sees it all. Keep going, knowing that He is with you, strengthening you, and equipping you for this calling.

You are not alone. You are seen, loved, and empowered by the God who gave you this beautiful, challenging, extraordinary assignment.

BY THE WAY... If you’re looking for a simple way to keep these scriptures close and apply them daily, I’ve created a Printable Scripture Card Set just for you! These cards include the verses from this post along with practical prompts to help you find peace, trust God’s plan, and create a faith-filled home, even in the busiest seasons. Download them today and keep them in your purse, on your fridge, or by your bedside as a daily reminder that God is with you on this journey! 💙 Click here to download your free scripture cards!