About Dad Words
What is Dad Words?
Dad Words sends short, thoughtful prompts to help parents intentionally invest in their relationship with one child through meaningful conversations and encouragement.
Who is Dad Words for?
Dad Words is designed for dads who want to intentionally strengthen their relationship with one child for a season. While we write with fathers in mind, many of the messages can also be used by moms, grandparents, foster parents, mentors, or any adult investing in a child's life.
What ages is it designed for?
Dad Words is currently written primarily for children ages 2–14. We'll continue expanding age-specific content over time.
Can a single text message really make a difference?
Dad Words doesn't replace good parenting. It helps fathers remember to do what they already want to do.
Is this therapy or parenting advice?
No. Dad Words isn't a replacement for counseling or parenting education. It's simply a daily reminder to intentionally encourage your child.
Is Dad Words a religious organization?
Dad Words isn't a religious organization, and parents from all backgrounds are welcome. Our team is personally influenced by the Christian belief that words have the power to build up, encourage, and strengthen relationships. While our messages aren't designed to teach religion, we hope they help families grow closer through intentional encouragement.
About the Messages
What kind of messages will I receive?
More than "I love you," or "I'm proud of you," each message is a brief prompt that encourages connection with your child. They are designed to help children hear from their parent the why behind their love and pride.
What if the prompt doesn’t fit my child?
Skip it, adapt it, or save it for another day. Your relationship with your child matters more than following the prompt exactly.
Should I say the statements exactly as written?
No. Think of each Dad Word as a starting point, not a script. The most meaningful words are your own. Adapt each message so it's honest, natural, and true to your relationship with your child.
Example
Prompt
"The day you were born, your mom and I were so happy."
Your version
"I was actually pretty scared the day you were born. But I've come to realize it was one of the greatest gifts of my life."
Your child doesn't need perfect words. They need your words.
What if I miss a day?
Parenting isn't about perfect consistency. Pick up where you left off.
Why don’t you send a message on Sundays?
Because we believe intentional parenting also benefits from a little space.
Instead of giving you another prompt to act on, Sundays are a chance to look back on the week. Which conversations felt meaningful? Which words connected? Which prompt might be worth revisiting?
Sometimes the most important thing isn't saying something new; it's remembering and repeating something that already mattered.
From time to time, we may send a short reflection or a quote from a father worth learning from. But most Sundays, we'll simply give you room to be present with your family.
Using Dad Words
What if talking like this feels awkward?
It probably will feel awkward, at first, and that’s okay. Authentic encouragement often feels unfamiliar before it becomes natural. Start with words that are honest, even if they're simple.
What if my child doesn’t respond?
The goal isn't an immediate reaction. The goal is to consistently communicate love and encouragement over time.
What if I didn't grow up hearing encouraging words?
Many of us are trying to become the kind of parent we didn't always have. Dad Words isn't about perfection. It's about taking one intentional step today.
What if I don’t use every prompt?
That's okay. Dad Words isn't about perfection; it's about intention. If you miss a day, simply pick up where you left off. Your child doesn't need a perfect parent. They need a present one.
About Personalization
Why do you ask for my child’s name?
We use your child's name to personalize certain messages and, in the future, may use it for features like birthday encouragement and age-appropriate prompts. If you'd prefer not to share it, simply leave the field blank.
Will my information stay private?
Yes. Your family's information belongs to you.
We never sell your personal information, and we only collect the information needed to provide Dad Words. We take reasonable steps to protect your data and treat it with the same care we'd want for our own families.
About Subscriptions
Can I cancel anytime?
Absolutely. We want you to stay because Dad Words is helping your family, not because canceling is difficult. If it isn't what you hoped for, just text us. If you've been charged within the last 30 days and Dad Words isn't right for you, we'll gladly refund your most recent payment. No forms, no hassle, no hard feelings. There are no hidden steps or awkward conversations. We'll make it right.
How often will I be billed?
Dad Words is billed once a month or once a year depending on your subscription. Before your subscription renews, we'll send you a reminder with the option to renew, pause, or cancel.
Can I change the child I'm focusing on?
Of course. Seasons change, and so do family needs.
Just send us a text like:
"I'd like to focus on Jana, who is 3."
We'll update your subscription so future messages are tailored to the child you'd like to encourage.
Can I pause my subscription?
Yes. If life gets busy, just send us a text and we'll pause your subscription for up to 60 days. We'll extend your subscription by the same amount of time, so you won't lose any days.
Can I give Dad Words as a gift?
Absolutely! During checkout, simply select "This is a gift" and enter the recipient's information.
We'll send you a message you can forward or share with them to let them know about your gift.
We don't send unsolicited text messages. The recipient won't receive anything from Dad Words unless they choose to sign up themselves.
About the Dad Words Philosophy
Why focus on just one child?
Focusing on one child doesn't mean loving your other children less. It simply gives you space to be especially intentional with one relationship for a season. Many parents naturally find themselves needing to reconnect with one child at different stages of life.
Why only one prompt a day?
Because relationships aren't built by reading more—they're built through small, consistent moments.
Our goal isn't to give you more content to consume. It's to help you remember one meaningful moment with your child each day.
One thoughtful prompt. One meaningful moment. That's enough.
Why words?
We believe words become memories. Children often remember things their parents said decades later. Dad Words helps parents create more of those moments intentionally.
Why only Dads?
Dad Words was created because one dad wanted help becoming more intentional with his own child. We believe fathers have a unique and irreplaceable influence in a child's life, and our mission is to encourage them in that role. We celebrate the many other adults who invest in children, but we chose to focus on one specific audience rather than trying to serve everyone.