Comfort for Weary Parents

“I just want everyone to see our daughter the way we do,” I confessed to my husband. Then I tucked my chin and headed straight for the public bathroom, hoping no one would see the tears rolling down my face before I could get my emotions under control. Just a few weeks before, another mom had criticized my daughter harshly and I was still hurting. I felt my daughter and I had been betrayed by another Christian who should have modeled patience and forgiveness. Even harder was the reality that she will likely encounter many other adults throughout her childhood who are more likely to offer judgment than grace.

Raising neuro-diverse kids is challenging and exhausting - and it can feel so very lonely. Maybe you’ve been there too. You know your child’s unique strengths and gifts, but all others seem to see are their deficits. Her teacher only comments about her talking out of turn and being out of her seat. His friend’s mom is frustrated by his seeming lack of ability to exhibit self control. Your in-laws, maybe even your own parents, can’t give you an evening out because she just has too much energy and she can never seem to go to sleep.

No one seems to appreciate your son’s exuberance for every moment, or your daughter’s ability to always think outside the box. No one notices her knack for remembering every detail of the most recent animal magazine or the way he can get a whole room full of kids laughing. The last thing you want is for your child to think their identity is in the weaknesses caused by their ADHD, but that seems to be the focus of every interaction.

I hear you and I get it. I’ve been there, and I’m there with you now.

But there is such good news for us and for our unique kiddos in God’s Word. Here are a few verses that encourage my heart when I feel defeated as a parent. I challenge you to join me in memorizing them and posting them somewhere you’ll see them regularly. You can even download a free printable with these verses here. I hope they will strengthen you as much as they strengthen me.

Isaiah 40:11 - He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Friend, your unique child is God’s special creation. He knows her and loves her better than you ever will and He won’t leave you to do it yourself.

Psalm 56:8 - You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? He knows and sees your pain. He takes notice of how hard you are working and how exhausted you are. He’s written your story, and this is not the end!

Psalm 115:14 - May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children. If you’re familiar with the New Testament, you know how much Jesus loved children. I imagine it’s because he had the example of the perfect Father. And the Father’s desire is to see you and your children flourish!

Psalm 139:14 - I praise you, for I am (try inserting your child’s name) fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Your child is God’s creation. I know I said that before, but it’s hugely important. He formed every part of that precious life and His creation is “very good” (Gen. 1:31).

Romans 8:28 - And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Not only did God not make a mistake in His unique design of your child, He has good purposes and plans for your child’s life, and ADHD is a part of that plan!

Can I pray for you? I’m going to be hosting a live Facebook event tomorrow morning (Friday, August 20) at 10:00 am. I’ll be praying these verses over all the weary parents out there. I’d love to pray for you! Can’t be there? I’ll keep it on the page and you can watch it anytime you need extra prayer and encouragement. You can join me on my Facebook page @Fam_Flourish.

Need more help? Book a free Discovery Session here to find out how my Flourishing Home Framework can help your family flourish. Subscribe here to get your free guide “10 Strategies to Calm Your Emotional Child”.

The content found on Flourishing Family Coaching’s website and blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding ADHD, anxiety, depression or any other medical conditions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website or blog.