Dads are like superheroes, and unfortunately, they don’t hear it enough. When a dad has to go through it alone for whatever reason, using encouraging messages can do more for him than you know.
If you have a single father in your life, it’s your duty to uplift him and remind him that he’s doing a good job. Your encouraging words can be the difference between a good day and a bad day for a single father.
Here are 25 encouraging messages for your favorite single father, and the best way to use them:
9 encouraging messages for a single father who is a widow
Losing a partner is rough, especially when there are kids involved who are depending on him to make things alright. Now all of a sudden everything falls on his shoulders, and the simplest things become amplified, especially when there are young children.
These are some encouraging messages for a single father in this position:
01“Not many men set out to be a single father, but this is the hand life deals us sometimes. I’m here for you whenever you need me.”
Use this when you want to let the single father know you’re in his corner and will help in whatever way needed to raise the children.
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02“You’re one of the strongest men I know, and there’s nothing you can’t handle. Your kids are lucky to have a dad like you.”
This is good to use when the dad begins to doubt himself. It reminds him that he’s doing a good job.
03“My condolences on the loss of your wife. This will be difficult, but the love you have for your children is enough to get your family through this.”
Use this when the death is fresh and the family is actively grieving. It says that as long as they stick together, things will be fine.
04“I know you’re busy wiping the tears of your children but don’t forget to wipe your own. Self-care is important, and no one else will take care of you like you can.”
This is good to use when you notice a decline in the appearance of the father because he’s stressing about the loss and the future. It reminds him that he needs to take care of himself without saying something insensitive like “You look terrible”.
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05“I am so sorry to hear that you lost your wife and the mother of your children. The road ahead is difficult, but you don’t have to walk it alone.”
It is good to use this when you don’t have a close relationship with the father, but you’re aware of the situation and wish to do anything you can to help.
06“I’m happy your children still have you by their side. You are a great dad, and you will take care of them just as well as their mother did.”
It is good to use this when the father is not used to the day-to-day rearing of the child, but the death has made him the primary parent. It says that he will do a good job at it.
07“I hope you realize your own strength and feel proud of how you’ve held down the fort in spite of what happened. You’ve got this.”
This is a good pick-me-up to remind the dad he’s doing well and that he should be proud of himself.
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08“I whisper a prayer for your family before I go to bed because I know this is a lot for anyone. I trust that God will see you through this tough time and guide your family to greener pastures.”
Use this when you think about the family a lot and are always wishing them well, and you know they are Christian. It says that you know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
09“I know your wife is looking down at you smiling at how well you’ve filled in your role as a single dad. She can rest in peace knowing all is taken care of.”
Use this when you want to make the dad feel better about being a single parent. It is good to use when you knew the mom personally and know for a fact that she would be proud of how he stepped up, but make sure the person is not atheist, otherwise this might be hard for him to hear.
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8 encouraging messages for a single father who divorced his partner
When there are kids involved in a divorce, things become especially difficult. For starters, the dad may not be able to see his kids whenever he wants to, and when he does, the time is limited.
There may also be resentment involved, and it’s difficult to parent properly when your kid/s or ex-partner is mad at you. It can mean two birthdays, two Christmases, two Thanksgivings, and a lot of separation and awkwardness involved.
Here are some encouraging messages for a single father dealing with the consequences of divorce:
10“You’ve always been a good dad to your kids, so this shouldn’t change anything.”
It is good to use this when you know the dad is worried, but you want to remind him there’s nothing to worry about because he has always been a great parent.
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11“Even though you’re divorced, it doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. The rest of the guys and I have got your back.”
Use this to speak on behalf of your group of friends. It says that you are all there to support him and help in whatever way you all can.
12“When your kids are older, they’ll understand why this decision was made, and how it was for the better. Until then, continue being the type of dad they can be proud of.”
This is good to use when the children are young and don’t understand what’s going on, or if they feel resentment toward the father. It says that he will reap the rewards in the future, and he shouldn’t feel too bad about their relationship now.
13“Things have changed quite a bit, but the love you have in your heart for those children will always stay the same. Never forget that.”
This is good to use when the dad isn’t able to see the kids as much and feels like he’s missing out on being a parent to them. It says that the most important thing is love.
14“Use the pain and hurt from the divorce to build a better life for you and your kids. You owe it to them.”
This is good to use when the separation is messy, but he should use the negativity as motivation to be a better father.
15“It may feel like the world is crashing down around you, but to everyone looking on, you’re a superhero.”
Say this when the dad is constantly doubting himself and doesn’t think he’s doing a good job. It says that everyone else thinks he is a great dad.
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16“I’m so proud of your transformation, and how you’ve stepped up for the sake of your kids. You’re a REAL man.”
It is good to use this when the dad was not as involved, or he was immature when he was married, but has since taken his role seriously and is doing a better job.
17“It may not feel like it now, but you’ve done the best you can do. I’m sure you’ll be rewarded for it with the love and appreciation of your kids.”
This is good to say when the kids or the rest of the family hates him. It says this will hopefully pass, and the relationship will hopefully get better.
8 encouraging messages for a single father who is caring for children who are not his own
Special shout out to the men that take on the responsibility of being a dad to non-biological children. That’s a selfless decision that isn’t always easy, but it’s commendable.
These are some encouraging messages for a single father who is caring for children who are not his own:
18“This is something amazing. You’ve changed these kids’ lives for the better, and you continue to do so without complaint.”
Use this when you’ve never heard the dad doubt himself, or say anything negative about the situation. It lets him know you admire how he’s approached the situation.
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19“There’s not a single person in this world who can say you’re not their real dad because you are.”
Use this to let him know that he’s as much a dad as the person who made his children, sometimes even more so, because he does a good job at parenting.
20“They made you the godfather because they knew you’d take the job seriously. I’m sure they would be happy with their decision.”
Use this when the parents have died and have given custody of the children to their godfather. It says that he is taking the role seriously and is a great substitute dad.
21“Until recently, I didn’t know the backstory, and I could’ve sworn these were your biological children. You take care of them so well!”
This is good to use when you didn’t know that the kids were not biological because there was no reason to think so; for example, there was no bad relationship or mistreatment.
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22“I wish I had a dad like you growing up. I can tell they really love you.”
Use this when you want to let the dad know that he is doing such a great job and he’s the type of dad you wish you had.
23“You may bump heads sometimes, but nothing will take away what you’ve done for these kids. Don’t let this get you down.”
This is good to use when there is a rift in the relationship, or the kids are always mad at him for something. It says that the situation does not change the fact that he’s a good dad.
24“One day you’ll realize just how much these kids love you and appreciate everything you’ve done.”
It is good to use this when you think that as the children grow up, they will always have their dad’s back and will reward him for the good life they had.
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25“Breathe, you’re doing a superhero job.”
This is good to use when your friend has a breakdown because of anxiety over his new role as a dad. It tells him to calm down and take it easy because things are fine, and he’s doing great.
Conclusion
The next time you come across a single dad doing a good job, use any of these encouraging messages for a single father. It might very well be the thing he needed to put a smile on his face and keep going!
