6 Uplifting Scriptures About Parenting For Dads

Father’s Day is upon us. We have the privilege of being children of the perfect Father, and many of us also have the blessing of parenting together with our children’s wonderful father. Let’s take this opportunity to look at six uplifting scriptures about parenting and how we, as Christian wives and mothers, might use them to encourage our husbands.

Discipling Your Children: Deuteronomy 6:6-7

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, NIV).

This verse is foundational for Christian parenting. It shares about pivotal times when we can disciple our children. These also happen to be some of my favorite times to watch my husband interact with our girls.

The next time your husband is praying with your children before dinner or reading them Bible stories in bed, text him this verse and your favorite lovey-dovey emoji.

Then, say a prayer of gratitude to God for a father who has lived the Deuteronomy 6 life.

Counseling Your Children: Proverbs 22:6

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6, NIV).

Though this verse is not a promise, it is wise counsel. On those days when your husband feels defeated or like nothing he does is enough, you can use this proverb to remind him that all of his effort, love, time and energy are making a lifelong impact on your children.

Nothing he does is wasted. God will continue to work through your husband and his parenting for many years to come.

Showing Compassion: Psalm 103:13

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him” (Psalm 103:13, NIV).

When does your husband most need compassion?

Share this verse with a story of when your husband showed your children compassion. Not only will it encourage him in the moment, but you’ll affirm his parenting by allowing his previous win to minister to him in a moment of need.

Plus, remembering a time when he was a wonderful dad will pack a punch, too.

Disciplining Your Children: Proverbs 3:11-12

“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in” (Proverbs 3:11-12, NIV).

Discipline is hard and can feel painful as a parent, even when done with love, gentleness and respect.

This verse may strengthen your husband’s heart after he has had a difficult conversation with a child or is preparing to set boundaries or wise consequences.

It will remind him that teaching our children is one way we, as parents, can delight in our children, reflect to them who God is, and glorify the Lord.

Instructing Your Children: Ephesians 6:4

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4, NIV).

Here’s a what-not-to-do story. I’ve used this verse as a weapon instead of a tool, and it didn’t go over too well. But I learned that timing is important, especially with verses that tell us what not to do.

While Ephesians 6:4 is a powerful verse and great advice for shaping our children, I don’t suggest using it while your children are exasperated with your husband. It comes off as judgmental and condemning instead of allowing the situation to become an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to convict.

To share this verse more encouragingly, send it to your husband when they have just had an awesome parenting moment. For example, “Wow, our kids are so blessed to have a father who lives according to Ephesians 6:4.”

Do Not Discourage: Colossians 3:21

“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged” (Colossians 3:21, NIV).

Here’s another verse similar to Ephesians 6:4. Timing is everything. Share this as an affirmation when your children are encouraged and happy, and leave it to the Holy Spirit to convict.

Additionally, if you notice your children are discouraged, you could use this verse together to reflect on whether either of you has embittered your children.

When we, as wives and mamas, include our own faults and failures in the conversation about our parenting, it can soften our husbands’ hearts and keep defensiveness away.

How Will You Encourage Your Husband This Father’s Day?

Scripture is full of verses that talk about the importance of parenting and fatherhood. It also serves as a love letter from our perfect father to each of us. I hope these verses will be helpful for you as you encourage and bless your husband this Father’s Day and throughout his parenting journey.