If you’re a parent of a child with special needs, you know this truth better than anyone:
Progress rarely comes in a straight line.
There are slow seasons, challenging days, and moments when you wonder if anything is improving at all.
And then
out of nowhere,
your child surprises you.
It might be something small.
It might be something only you would notice.
But to you, it means everything.
These are the moments that remind us:
Our children are growing, even when we can’t see it yet.
Our Story:
A Moment We’ll Never Forget
There was a time when we weren’t sure our son would ever identify his colors.
We worked on them every day.
Red, blue, green… nothing seemed to stick.
And then one morning, as casually as if he’d said it his whole life, he pointed to a toy and said the color out loud. Clear. Confident. Certain.
It was one word
but that one word carried years of hard work, patience, and hope inside it.
No one else would have understood how big that moment was.
But we knew.
We felt it.
That’s the thing about unexpected wins, they belong to you and your child. They don’t need to impress anyone else.
Why the Small Wins Matter
Parents sometimes wait for the “big” milestones:
• catching up academically
• learning to read
• mastering a new skill
• becoming more independent
But the truth is, the small wins are what get us there.
Small wins are the foundation.
Small wins are the motivation.
Small wins are proof that progress is happening.
Here’s why they matter so much:
• They build confidence in your child
• They show that teaching is working
• They remind you that your advocacy matters
• They create momentum for the next skill
Slow growth is still growth.
Quiet progress is still progress.
And sometimes, the quietest moments are the ones that speak the loudest.
How to Catch the Unexpected Wins
Here are some ways to notice and truly appreciate those beautiful surprises:
1. Pay attention to everyday routines
Children often show new skills during the most ordinary moments:
putting on shoes, choosing a snack, following a direction, or trying something on their own.
2. Celebrate immediately
A smile, a hug, a “Wow! I’m so proud of you!”
Your child needs to feel that their efforts matter.
3. Write them down
Start a notebook or notes app labeled “Wins.”
On tough days, reading it will remind you how far you’ve come.
4. Share them with the team
Teachers love hearing about home wins.
They may be seeing similar progress in school, too.
5. Don’t compare
Your child’s pace is the right pace for them.
Comparison steals joy. Your journey is unique and meaningful.
A Simple Printable: “My Child’s Wins” Tracking Sheet
Include this directly in your blog so parents can print and use it:
My Child’s Wins Tracking Sheet
This Week’s Wins:
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New or Emerging Skills:
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Moments That Made Me Smile:
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What I Want to Remember About This Week:
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Encouragement for Parents
Your child’s journey may not look like anyone else’s.
It may be slower, quieter, or filled with extra steps.
But it is still a journey forward—full of growth, resilience, and unexpected victories.
Celebrate them all.
Honor them all.
These moments are not small.
They’re everything.
Your Turn
What’s a moment your child surprised you?
What unexpected win reminded you that they are moving forward?
Share in the comments your story may be the encouragement another parent needs today.
Coming Up Next…
Next, we’ll talk about something every parent experiences:
“When School Breaks Throw Off Routine and How to Bring Your Child Back on Track.”
A practical post filled with tips, structure ideas, and realistic tools to help children transition after vacations, holidays, or sick days.
