Better Than OK: Finding Joy as a Special-Needs Parent

“Every day is joyful. Every day is a gift. Every day I can thank God from the bottom of my heart.”

Kelly Mantoan wasn’t always able to say these words. As a mother of five children, two with profound disabilities, all her energy and attention was focused on her children’s diagnoses and round the clock care. Drained and struggling, Kelly wondered if she had what it took to be the kind of parent they needed. She craved support as a Catholic mother with special-needs children, but felt lost and alone when she tried to rely on secular support groups or well-meaning friends and family who had no experience in the special-needs community.

If you can relate to Kelly’s story, Better Than OK: Finding Joy with Special-Needs Children is the hope-filled book you need today. In her down-to-earth way, Kelly shares the steps parents need to take to shift their focus away from the negatives of a diagnosis and towards acceptance, renewed faith, and joy.

This book is a must-read for special-needs parents, but I would recommend it to any parent who needs a dose of wisdom and encouragement. — Jen Fulwiler, bestselling author and standup comic

Sometimes special-needs parents need practical tips. Sometimes we need prayers. And sometimes we just need to know that we're not alone. … This engaging new book is a true gift to the parents of kids with special needs. — Bonnie L. Engstrom, mom of eight and author of 61 Minutes to a Miracle

This book is a gem for all special-needs parents, by turns funny, poignant, and always honest. It's the book I wish my parents could've had when I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in the 90s. — Emily M. DeArdo, author of Living Memento Mori: My Journey Along the Way of the Cross

A truly important book for Catholic parents of special-needs children, and for family members, friends, and members of parish communities who want to better understand and more effectively support them. — Kendra Tierney, author of The Catholic All Year Compendium

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelly Mantoan is the founder of Accepting the Gift, an online apostolate that provides resources and support to Catholic special-needs parents. She also blogs at This Ain’t the Lyceum about homeschooling, special-needs parenting, and Catholic family life. She enjoys creating useful posts and resources for her followers and speaking to groups about how God’s plan for our lives is often much better than anything we can imagine.