This article aims to examine the experience of loss in parenting a child with a disability through selected theoretical perspectives and to explore their relevance to understanding family adaptation. The article is theoretical and draws on a narrative review of selected literature on the emotional experiences of parents of children with disabilities. It discusses theoretical approaches and research findings concerning the sense of loss, recurrent sorrow and adaptation. The analysis suggests that the experience of loss may concern previously held expectations about the child’s development, one’s own parenthood and the family’s future. Associated emotions may recur at different stages of the child’s life, and experiencing them does not necessarily preclude adaptation, parental engagement or satisfaction with the parent–child relationship. The perspectives discussed illuminate the complexity of these experiences but do not justify assuming that all parents of children with disabilities experience a sense of loss. The article highlights the need to recognise the individual meanings attributed to parenthood and to consider both family difficulties and resources. It emphasises the importance of flexible support available at diagnosis and throughout subsequent stages of the child’s life. Proposed directions for further research address the diversity of parental experiences, the coexistence of a sense of loss and well-being, and the role of support in adaptation.