Now is Worthy: Finding Joy Beyond Milestones in Special Needs Parenting
At The Cydney Center, we believe that now , exactly as it is, with every missed milestone and reminder of developmental delays is worth celebrating and enjoying. Not only when progress is closer in sight. Not only when life looks “just right” by textbook standards. Our core belief is simple: Now is worthy, as is.
For parents of children with special needs, this is more than optimism, it’s a bold act of gratitude. To say “Now is Worthy” is to refuse to let timelines, milestones, or comparisons steal our joy. And for some of our most remarkable kids, their very existence is the celebration! Their fight, grit, and sparkle can’t be captured on any progress chart.
Now is Worthy is a gentle rebellion against delay. It’s a choice to live, smile, and belong right here, right now. Because joy doesn’t wait for perfect; it’s built moment by moment in how we choose to see the present.
What This Looks Like in Real Life
Back-to-school season is a perfect example. Yes, there are IEP meetings, goals to set, and endless to-do lists. But there are also ordinary days that are quietly extraordinary waking up first and enjoying coffee with peace and no hurry, the bus driver who goes the extra mile for your kiddo, the neighbor who remembers your child’s name, and the joy of finding a quiet corner in a noisy event and still feeling included.
The goals will still be there tomorrow. But these now moments? They’re one-of-a-kind. Live them. Share them. Celebrate them — regardless.
And don’t skip the little joys: savor the chai tea, get lost in a good read, set out the fresh flowers, and cook with your favorite song on repeat!
Because sometimes the most productive thing you can do… is fully enjoy the life you’ve been given. 💚
Our Invitation: Celebrate and Share Your “Now Is Worthy” Story
We want to see your everyday wins! Share the moments that make you smile, even if they’d never make a milestone chart. Maybe it’s your child’s laugh during therapy, a sibling high-five in the school pickup line, or the way they light up when you read their favorite book for the 50th time!
Share your “Now Is Worthy” moments on social media, tag The Cydney Center, and help us move our kids from the margins into the heart of community life where consideration and accessibility are the starting point, not the exception.
Because when we share these moments, we remind the world: Our kids are a joy, right here, right now, and this parenting journey is to be enjoyed regardless!