Raising a Fatherless Girl

God is the one who established the family. And the best family unit is one where children grow up with both a mom and a dad; however, this doesn’t always happen. According to the U.S. Cen­sus Bureau, there are nearly 24 million children in the United States under the age of 18 living in a sin­gle-par­ent fam­i­ly. Even though this is not God’s perfect plan, He is there and is able to work everything for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). 

If you find yourself in this scenario, it is important to consider the best way to raise your children with one parent. Even though your situation is unique and perhaps not what you anticipated, with God it is possible to raise godly fatherless girls. 

12 Tips for Raising a Fatherless Girl:

1. Give her hope. When a child loses their earthly dad, God promises to be a Father to the fatherless (Psalm 68:5).
2. Teach her that her identity is in Christ. He is the only one who is able to satisfy her deepest needs. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God” (1 John 3:1).
3. Encourage her that God thinks she is precious. He created her for a specific purpose. “Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them” (Psalm 139:16-17).
4. Remind her that God has a special purpose for her life. She has been created on purpose and for a purpose and God is at work preparing her for this. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
5. Model purity, holiness, and what a woman of God looks like. You are a great influence in her life and your actions will speak louder than words. Even though she is growing up without a dad, she has you. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). 
6. Train her according to biblical principles and standards from God’s Word. The Bible is our guide for life. Seek the Lord yourself and teach her to do the same. “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success” (Joshua 1:8).
7. Be intentional about providing godly role models. Surround your daughter with men and women who love the Lord and will lead her in the way that she should go. “Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3). 
8. Put away shame. God is in complete control of your life. The enemy wants you to walk in humiliation and disgrace. “They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces will never be ashamed” (Psalm 34:5).
9. Pray. God hears your cry. Pray with and for your daughter. “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
10. Release bitterness and seek joy in the Lord. Learn to be content in your circumstances, forgive, and live triumphantly. “So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. “For you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace” (Isaiah 55:11-12).
11. Know and believe the promises of God. Replace the lies of the enemy with the truth of God. “We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in Him” (1 John 4:16).
12. Maintain an eternal perspective. It is crucial that you keep your focus on God, trust Him, and walk by faith. “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:2-3).

God is always at work even in the most difficult situation. He loves you and has a beautiful plan for your life. Rise up and be the woman God has called you to be and raise your daughter to do the same.

“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future” (Proverbs 31:25).

Note: All Scripture is quoted from the New American Standard Version.