What Keeps Me Going? Lived Experiences of Parents Having Children with Disabilities

Raising a child with a disability is a journey filled with love, sacrifice, and resilience. This qualitative phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of ten parents in Banaybanay District, Davao Oriental, as they care for children with disabilities. Guided by Resilience Theory, the study delves into how parents face challenges, adapt to ongoing demands, and experience personal growth. Through open-ended interviews, parents shared stories of daily struggles—managing behavioral issues, medical needs, school difficulties, and financial stress. Yet, alongside hardship, they revealed strength: emotional control, patience, faith, and support from family, community, and institutions. Three main themes emerged: challenges, adaptation strategies, and developmental outcomes. Many parents discovered deeper empathy, stronger relationships, and better coping skills along the way. This study brings attention to voices often unheard, offering insights to guide programs and policies that support families navigating similar paths with compassion and understanding.