National Parent's Day is officially held on the 4th Sunday of every July. Parent's Day was founded in 1994, when President Bill Clinton signed into law a resolution that was unanimously agreed upon to make a commemorative day such as Mother's Day and Father's Day. According to the Congressional Resolution, Parents' Day is established for "recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children."



With the breakdown of families happening rapidly in our society, and divorces happening nearly more frequently than marriages, Parent's Day is not only a day for celebration of parenthood, but also a statement that parents should be involved together in raising their families, and have a responsibility to do so. To put aside their own needs and focus on what is best for their own family.

Now, while the National Parents' Day Council "invites all people of faith and conscience to join together in celebrating and promoting the God-centered family ideal." I personally think that is a bit hypocritical. I don't think that the family ideal of "mother-father-children" has anything to do with God necessarily. The Christian overtones of the founders of the National Parent's Day are very obvious and a bit unnecessary. However, I feel that parents of ALL creeds and relationships should celebrate this day. Whether you are a heterosexual couple with children, a gay couple with children, whether you are Hindu, Buddhist, Pagan, Christian, Catholic, Jewish, or even Atheist, I feel this is a day where we can celebrate not only being a family, but being responsible, loving parents.

The White House issued a press release regarding Parents Day in 2001, stating:

"Being a parent is the most important job in the world. As we hold a newborn in our arms or embrace an older adopted child, the promise we make in our hearts to love, protect, and nurture our children stays with us and with them forever. We are eternally linked to the children whom we are blessed to parent and to the generations before us who helped shape our lives.

Both mothers and fathers play a vital role in giving children the best possible start in life. As parents, we provide our children with the love and support they need to grow up to be caring individuals and responsible citizens. The care we express and the values we instill help our children achieve their greatest potential and ultimately will determine the future of our Nation."

So now that you know what Parent's Day is all about, how are you planning on celebrating it? It is an occasion that should be celebrated by the entire family. If your friends are parents, send them a greeting card or e-card to thank them for being parents! As a family, you can discuss different types of parenting, two-parent households, adoptive parent households, single-parent households, etc. Discuss what respect means, how do you show someone respect? Hold a family board game day, or outside "activities" day with games, swimming, and other fun outdoor sports. If you are older, invite your own parents to lunch, or to dinner.

There are many different ways in which you can celebrate Parents Day. No matter what situation your own family is in, you can be proud of your own parents or the fact that you are parents, and that you are in a loving and caring household. Make an effort to increase communication and displays of love and respect among family members, and remember that parents are special people!