Father's Day Flows From Single Dad's

Did you know that the origins of Father’s Day have a connection to single fathers?

Sonora Smart Dodd is largely credited with creating Father’s Day. Her father, William Jackson Smart, raised Sonora and her siblings by himself after her mother died in childbirth. After she attended a church service celebrating Mother’s Day, Sonora started an initiative that became the first statewide Father’s Day in July of 1910 in Washington State. Throughout the subsequent decades, Father’s Day slowly gained traction in both local communities and with federal legislation. In 1972, Father’s Day officially became a national U.S. holiday.

So, the very first Father’s Day honoree was a single dad, and of course single fathers are included in the general category of “fathers” that we celebrate in June. Beyond that, here are three takeaways for single dads for Father’s Day—and many of these can be easily applied to all dads:

Honoring Those Who Make Sacrifices

Single dads are heroes! I was a non-custodial single father for nine years. Today I’m a married dad with a new baby, and I have a whole new appreciation for those who are parenting solo. I know of one single dad who rose at 5 am twice a week for years to drive across town so he could spend extra time with his daughter—that’s the time that worked best for the other parent’s schedule. Two other dads are raising sons alone after their female partners passed away when the boys were babies. These are just two examples of many dads I know who have truly gone above and beyond to be present, involved dads for their kids.

While all dads make sacrifices for their children, the time and energy burdens and financial stressors are multiplied for those raising children by themselves. We recognize and honor you this Father’s Day, dad, for the selfless giving of yourself to provide for your children in raising them, whatever that may look like in your context.

Community and Culture Acknowledgement

Single parenting might not get as much attention as other family situations, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t seen. Back in 1984, Ronald Reagan proclaimed,

Many single parents in America are making valiant efforts on behalf of their children under trying circumstances…. Single parents deserve our recognition and appreciation for their demonstrated dedication to their young…. At the same time, we should also recognize the vital and ongoing role a large percentage of non-custodial parents play in the nurturing process of their offspring.

Many more presidents and national leaders have made similar comments. Look closely and you’ll see signs that the media is growing more pro-father and portraying single fathers in commercials, movies and programs. More locally, small groups for single parents are being offered in more and more schools, churches, and communities.

Inspiring Our Children

How often do you feel like you’re carrying extra weight on your shoulders as a single dad? I’m sure many single dads would agree: “Yup, every day!” Now imagine that the extra weight you’re carrying is your young daughter riding high on your shoulders. Don’t those moments of joy and connection with your child overshadow the real-life burdens you carry? Hang on to those moments. It was times like those that often carried me through my journey as a single dad.

What about when an unexpected need or responsibility gets dumped on you? “Yup, all the time!” Again, think about something positive, like a time your son dumped a bucket of water on you at the beach, laughing as he tried to escape your playful retaliation.

Remember: your kids see both sides. They know the challenges you endure and the sacrifices you make. But the memories—oh the memories!—those build a strong and lasting foundation. In the end, our dedication as dads makes lifetime memories and inspires our children. I have talked to many children of single fathers who affirm that their dads are big sources of inspiration for them.

What do we want our children to take away from Father’s Day this year?

In a word, hope. Seeing the sacrifices we make for them and our persevering spirit can give them hope. And in the process, we get to experience some of the greatest rewards of being a dad: loving, influencing and teaching our kids every day. Father’s Day is a fun holiday, but being a dad every day is a gift that cannot be matched.

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