What happens when parenting doesn't unfold the way you expected?
For parents raising a child with special needs, the journey often includes unexpected challenges, deep grief, incredible joy, and a daily dependence on God's grace.
In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini, authors of The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected. After more than four decades of caring for a daughter with special needs, Joe and Cindi offer biblical encouragement and practical wisdom for families seeking to thrive—not merely survive—through the unique calling of special needs parenting.
Together, they discuss how to embrace God's purpose in unexpected circumstances, strengthen your marriage, faithfully disciple your children while caring for a child with disabilities, build life-giving community, and trust that God is writing a meaningful story through every season.
Whether you're a parent, grandparent, caregiver, ministry leader, or someone who wants to better support families with special needs, this conversation will encourage you with hope, wisdom, and practical next steps.
In this episode:
- Embracing the life you never expected
- Parenting through grief, exhaustion, and uncertainty
- Modeling authentic faith in difficult seasons
- Celebrating the dignity and worth of every child
- Building a thriving marriage while caregiving
- The importance of church and community support
- Spiritual habits that sustain families for the long haul
- Finding purpose and hope in God's greater story
Special needs parenting may not be the journey you planned—but you don't have to walk it alone.
Be sure to send us your feedback and questions at: [email protected].
Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:
*The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected—Joe and Cindi Ferrini
*Unexpected Journey: When Special Needs Change Our Course—Joe and Cindi Ferrini
*Eyes to See, Ears to Hear: Disability & The Kingdom of God—Charlie Meo