No birthday message is more personal than the one a parent writes to their child. These 41 birthday wishes for your son and daughter are grouped by age, from a first birthday to grown-up children with families of their own, so you can find words that fit where they are now.
- For young children, keep it short and fun. Someone will probably read it aloud.
- For teens, skip the baby talk. Pride and trust mean more than "my little one".
- For adult children, thank them for who they've become.
- Add their name with the free birthday wish generator.
First birthday wishes
Happy first birthday, little one! One year ago you made us parents, and every day since has been brighter.
Happy 1st birthday! You've learned to smile, crawl and steal every heart in the room. Not bad for one year.
One year of sleepless nights, first giggles and endless love. Happy first birthday, sweetheart.
Happy first birthday to our tiny miracle. May God bless your life with health, joy and wonder.
You don't know it yet, but you changed our whole world this year. Happy 1st birthday.
Birthday wishes for a young son
Happy birthday, champ! May your day be full of cake, presents and running around until bedtime.
Happy birthday to our brave, funny, wonderful boy. We love you to the moon and back.
You're another year bigger, but you'll always fit perfectly in our hugs. Happy birthday, son.
Happy birthday, superhero! Your best power is making us smile.
To our little explorer: may this year be full of new adventures. Happy birthday!
You might also like our good night blessings and get well soon & healing.
Birthday wishes for a young daughter
Happy birthday, princess! You make our home sparkle every single day.
Happy birthday to our kind, clever, wonderful girl. Never stop being you.
You were our wish come true. Happy birthday, sweetheart.
Happy birthday, little star! May your day be as bright and happy as your smile.
Another year of dancing, giggles and big questions. Happy birthday to our favourite girl.
Birthday wishes for a teenage son or daughter
Happy birthday! Watching you grow into your own person is one of the best things in our lives.
Happy birthday to our teenager. We may not understand your music, but we'll always understand you.
Happy 13th! Welcome to the teenage years. We promise to embarrass you only a little.
We're proud of the kind, thoughtful person you're becoming. Happy birthday.
Happy birthday! Remember: you can always come to us, about anything.
Another year older and still glued to your phone. We love you anyway. Happy birthday!
Looking for more? Try our friday & jumma blessings, or write your own with the birthday wish generator.
16th, 18th and 21st birthday wishes
Happy 16th birthday! The world is getting bigger, and we can't wait to see what you do with it.
Happy 18th birthday! You're an adult now, but you'll always be our baby. Sorry, that's the rule.
Happy 18th! Walk into adulthood with courage, kindness and a good sense of humour. We're right behind you.
Happy 21st birthday! We're so proud of the person you've become. Here's to big dreams.
Happy 21st! May this year bring adventure, good friends and wise choices. Mostly wise.
Birthday wishes for an adult son
Happy birthday, son. You've grown into a man we admire, not just love.
Watching you build your own life makes us so proud. Happy birthday.
Happy birthday! However old you get, our door is always open and the kettle is always on.
Happy birthday, son. Thank you for still calling your mum. It makes her week.
You turned out even better than we hoped. Happy birthday from your proud parents.
Birthday wishes for an adult daughter
Happy birthday, darling. You've become a strong, kind woman, and we couldn't be prouder.
Our little girl is all grown up and still lights up every room. Happy birthday.
Happy birthday to our daughter and now our friend. We love the person you are.
Happy birthday! Thank you for the calls, the laughs and the advice we pretend not to need.
Every year we're more proud to be your parents. Happy birthday, sweetheart.
Religious birthday blessings for children
Happy birthday, my child. May God guide your steps and protect you always.
May Allah bless you with a long, healthy life full of iman, kindness and success. Happy birthday.
On your birthday we thank God for the gift of you. May His love surround you every day.
Happy birthday. May the Lord give you wisdom, courage and a heart that loves others.
May Allah make you the coolness of our eyes, today and always. Happy birthday.
Frequently asked questions
What should a parent write in a child's birthday card?
Tell them one thing you love or admire about them, mention something they did this year, and finish with a wish for the year ahead. For young children, keep it to one or two short lines.
What is a good short birthday message for a son?
"Happy birthday, son. We're so proud of the person you're becoming. Love you always."
What do you write for a daughter's 18th birthday?
Celebrate the milestone and show trust: "Happy 18th! Walk into adulthood with courage and kindness. We're right behind you, always."
Is it okay to post a birthday wish for my child on social media?
Yes, many parents do. For teens, ask first. Some would rather get a private message than a public post.