How I Parent as a Quad Amputee: Real Talk & Real Tools

Let’s be real—parenting is hard, even with all your limbs intact.

But parenting after becoming a quad amputee? That’s a whole new level of surrender, strength, and creativity.

I didn’t know how I was going to do it. I didn’t know how I was going to go back to being the mom I was—or even some version of her. I didn’t know how I was going to discipline, guide, or protect my kids when I couldn’t even reach certain parts of the house.

That Gut-Wrenching Moment

I’ll never forget the first time my son got himself into a space I couldn’t reach.

I don’t remember all the details—but I remember the feeling.
Gut-wrenching.
Helpless.
Invisible.

And it wasn’t just about that moment. It was the beginning of a season where I felt like I was fading from the life I had worked so hard to build. The children I carried for nine months. The home I poured my heart into. The marriage I had built with the man I loved. I was there… but somehow, I felt unseen.

So How Do You Parent Like This?

You try.

You get creative.

You climb out of the wheelchair and crawl into the tiny places your child has gone. You remind them—yes, Mom can still reach you. And more than that—Mom still sees you. Still loves you. Still leads you.

That was the beginning of me becoming Mom 2.0—a newer, wiser, messier, holier version of the mother I thought I had to be.

The Real Talk: It’s Not Easy

Tantrums are hard. Especially when I’m in my wheelchair and physically can’t scoop them up or hold them still.

There are moments where I feel powerless. Moments when my voice doesn’t carry the same authority it used to. Moments when I feel like I’m failing.

But I’ve learned to let those moments humble me—not define me.

What’s Helping Me: Real Tools That Changed My Approach

When I felt like I was drowning, I turned to God first—and then to the wisdom of others. I began reading books on faith-based parenting. I started praying for my children—not just to behave, but to become who God created them to be.

I stopped trying to control everything and started trying to lead with calm, peace, and love—even when I felt anything but.

I’m not perfect. I don’t do this well every day. But when I parent from a place of peace, everything changes—even if the house is still chaotic.

I Wanted to Be Softer

I didn’t want to be the mom who yelled all the time. I wanted to be gentle. But how do you be gentle when your world feels out of control?

You surrender it.
You ask Jesus for help.
You remember that your kids are not just yours—they’re His.

Every Parent Has Challenges—Mine Just Look Different

And that’s okay.

I’ve learned to rest in the truth that my children are resilient. I may not parent like other moms, but I am still their mom—and I am exactly the one God chose for them.

I trust that God has already written their stories.
I trust that He is giving me what I need to guide them.
And I trust that He is helping me become a better version of myself—every single day.

So if you’re a parent facing hard things, I want you to know:
You don’t have to have all the answers.
You don’t have to have full control.
You just need to show up—and ask God to lead you.

He’s doing it for me. He’ll do it for you, too.

“He gently leads those that have young.” – Isaiah 40:11