On Valentine’s Day, offer your child your HEART.
No, I’m not talking about those funny candy hearts, nor do I refer to a store-bought card. No, your HEART is something far more valuable.
It’s you, your presence, your understanding, and your unwavering commitment to seeing and celebrating who your child truly is.
Here’s what it means to love your child with special needs with your whole HEART:
H – Honor their strengths and celebrate small victories.
Every child has unique gifts. Your child with special needs is no exception.
Does your child have an incredible memory for facts? A gift for music? An infectious laugh that lights up a room?
Instead of focusing always on whether your child gets a gold star or ticks off their therapist’s milestones, honor these strengths daily.
Celebrate the small victories—the morning they tried a new food, the moment they made eye contact, the day they used a new word.
These aren’t “small” at all; they’re monumental steps in your child’s journey.
E – Encourage their interests and passions.
What makes your child’s eyes light up?
Is it trains, dinosaurs, music, or art?
Is it something completely unexpected?
Whatever brings them joy, lean into those interests.
These passions are bridges to connection, learning, and joy.
Don’t worry if their interests seem intense or different from other children’s—passion is a gift and encouraging it shows your child that it’s who they really are that matters.
A – Advocate fiercely for their needs.
Loving your child means being their voice when they can’t speak for themselves.
It means amplifying their voice when they can’t speak loudly.
Translation: This means fighting for appropriate services, educating others about their needs, and refusing to accept anything less when they deserve better.
Advocacy isn’t always comfortable, but it’s one of the most powerful ways you show your child they’re worth fighting for.
R – Respect their pace and processing style.
Your child may not learn, communicate, or develop on a typical timeline. That’s okay!
Resist the urge to constantly compare them to milestones or to other children, including their siblings.
Instead, respect their unique pace and the way they process the world.
Some children need more time to respond, more space to think, or different ways to show what they know.
When you honor their pace, you’re telling them: “You don’t need to be anyone but yourself.”
T – Trust your instincts as their parent.
You know your child better than anyone.
You see the subtle signs of discomfort, recognize when they’re about to have a breakthrough, and understand what they need even when they can’t tell you.
While professionals and therapists offer valuable expertise, trust your gut.
Your instincts, combined with professional guidance, create the best support system for your child.
Learn more about What Qualifies a Child for Special Education in NJ?
This Valentine’s Day, the greatest gift you can give your child with special needs is the gift of being truly seen, accepted, and loved exactly as they are. When you offer them your HEART, you tell them the most important message of all: I love you just as you are. You are special. And you are enough.
Need help with your child’s school district or getting appropriate educational services? Contact an experienced attorney today at Sussan Greenwald & Wesler.
609-409-3500
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