How to Talk to Your Kids About Others with Disabilities

“To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

This verse is a simple yet powerful picture of what God asks of us. He doesn't ask for perfection. He asks for our posture.

To act justly means we choose what is right and fair, especially when it comes to how we treat others.

To love mercy means we show kindness, even when it's hard. We love showing compassion and understanding, even when it feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable.

To walk humbly with God means we recognize we don’t have all the answers. We are completely dependent on Him, allowing Him to shape our hearts and lead our steps.

As parents, this verse becomes incredibly practical in the way we guide our children, especially in how they see and interact with others.

At Lighthouse Church, we’ve recently launched Special Needs Support within LKiDS. Over the last six months, we felt a strong tug from God. We realized there were children and families we weren’t fully reaching yet, so we wanted to create something more.

Your children may have noticed something new. They may have seen a child using headphones, needing extra support, communicating differently, or taking a break in our sensory room. They may already have asked you about it at home.

One of the most powerful actions we can take as parents is to shape how our children see others. How we discuss disabilities influences their opinions and behaviors. Start with honesty, but keep it simple and age-appropriate. If your child asks why someone is acting differently, we don’t need to avoid the question. We can respond calmly and clearly: “Everyone’s brain and body work differently. Some people need extra help, and that’s okay.”

We also want to normalize differences without minimizing them. It’s okay to acknowledge that someone may communicate, move, or respond differently while still reinforcing their value. You might say: “They might learn or play differently than you, but they’re still just like you in so many ways; they want friends and to have fun too!"

Another important piece is teaching our kids how to respond. Instead of just telling them to “be nice,” we can be specific. Encourage them to be patient. Urge them to help when needed. Remind them to include others in play. Teach them not to be afraid of differences. Parents with kids with disabilities often share that one of their greatest desires is for the kids to have friends. And our children can be a part of that! Kids don’t need to be experts; they just need to know they can approach others with kindness and respect.

It’s important to model this in our behavior. Our kids are always watching. The way we speak, how we respond in uncomfortable situations, and how we treat families who need extra support all leave a lasting impression.

And finally, remind your children of this truth: every person is made in the image of God. That means every child they meet has value, purpose, and worth just as they are. These conversations won’t be perfect, and they won’t just happen once. They’ll come in small, everyday moments. Sometimes these talks happen in the car, after church, or at the park. Each is an opportunity to shape a heart that reflects God.

Will you join me in praying this prayer today?

God, help us raise children who see others the way You do. Give us wisdom in our conversations. Help us model Christlike behavior in every moment. Give us hearts that reflect You. Teach us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You in all we do. Amen.