Silent Strengths: Lived Experiences of Parents of Children with Special Needs

This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of parents raising children with special needs in Barangay 6, Sto. Niño Extension. It aimed to understand the emotional journeys, daily challenges, coping strategies, and personal growth of these parents. Guided by a transcendental phenomenological approach, the research captured authentic parental perspectives, highlighting how caregiving shape’s identity, resilience, and family dynamics. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with selected parents and analyzed using thematic methods to identify recurring patterns and insights. Findings revealed that parents face multiple challenges, including emotional stress, financial constraints, lack of knowledge or experience, social stigma, and physical exhaustion. Despite these difficulties, parents demonstrated remarkable strengths, such as emotional resilience, practical problem-solving, and spiritual coping, which enabled them to adapt to complex caregiving demands. Support systems from family, community, and government services played a vital role in reducing stress and enhancing parental capacity. The study also highlighted that acceptance of their child’s condition is a gradual but transformative process, fostering empathy, patience, and hope. The findings underscore the importance of holistic support programs, inclusive policies, and community awareness to enhance the well-being of both parents and children with special needs. This research contributes to understanding the multifaceted experiences of caregivers, providing evidence-based insights for educators, practitioners, policymakers, and future researchers to develop interventions that strengthen parental resilience and promote inclusive family-centered practices.