National Parents Day

National Parents Day

Parenting is deeply rewarding, but it can also be challenging. The physical energy required to wake up with a screaming baby at all hours of the night – and then early in the morning – can drain you to your core. Then there’s a day full of diaper changes, playtime, and chasing after your increasingly mobile bundle of joy. The mental energy of making sure your little one is happy and secure, that you are making the right decisions for his or her future, that you aren’t forgetting anything important anytime you leave the house, adds a whole new element of exhaustion. There are constantly dishes to do, toys to put away, laundry to fold, diaper rash cream to apply, and messes to be cleaned up.

But there are also snuggles to be had, stories to read, tiny giggles to hear, milestones to celebrate, and sweet little smiles to take in. No matter how exhausting parenting feels, when those little arms reach out for you, you can be reassured that you’re doing something right. You are that little one’s safe space, and you know best what they need.

Being a good parent requires patience, persistence, and the ability to drum up energy well beyond what you may feel you have access to within you. It’s a largely thankless role despite its magnitude – both in children’s lives and society as a whole. That’s why congress proposed a day dedicated to parent appreciation nearly 30 years ago.

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day honor those individual parenting roles, but National Parents’ Day celebrates the greater role of being a parent and the teamwork it often requires.

And we all know it’s a tough enough job to deserve a little extra attention, right?

What is National Parents’ Day?

National Parents’ Day was established when President Bill Clinton signed it into law via Congressional Resolution 36 U.S.S. § 135 in 1994 and announced via presidential proclamation in 1995. The day, observed the fourth Sunday in July (July 25 this year), is recognized through “proclamations, activities, and educational efforts in furtherance of recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in bringing up their children.”

As President Clinton stated in his proclamation: “Parents' Day is a welcome opportunity to celebrate the special and powerful bond between parent and child.” The observance applies to “stepparents or foster parents, biological or adoptive” and allows Americans to “remember and pay respect to those who give us the daily support and loving guidance that lead us to become responsible and contributing citizens.”

According to the official Parents’ Day website: “On this day each year, Americans recognize outstanding parents, celebrate the teamwork in raising children, and support the role of parental guidance in building a strong, stable society.” On a national level, the Universal Peace Federation hosts a Parents' Day Awards Ceremony each year to announce National Parents of the Year, nominated by anyone through a web form.

In short, National Parents’ Day is a federally recognized day to recognize and appreciate the role of parents in our society.

How to celebrate

National Parents’ Day may not have the prominence nor the tradition that Mother’s Day or Father’s Day have, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate! Spending the day doing something fun as a family can be just the thing to reinvigorate and remind you of the deep joy of parenting.

Here are some of our favorite ways to spend time together this National Parents’ Day:

  • Make a scrapbook of the last year’s family memories
  • Pack a picnic lunch and take it to your favorite park
  • Go for a family walk to a local ice cream shop
  • Have a family game night, complete with your family’s favorite takeout (no dishes!)
  • Set up the sprinkler, pool, water table, and/or bubble machine for outdoor summer fun
  • Unplug! Put away all cell phones and tablets, and enjoy each other’s company without distractions
  • Go to the zoo or aquarium – or any local attraction you save for special occasions!
  • Once your little ones are in bed, do something fun and relaxing with your partner; after all, you’re in this parenting journey together!

There is no right or wrong way to celebrate. Whether you’re spending time as a family or taking time to relax (or both!), you’re making the most of the day!

Making parenting a little easier (when it can be a pain in the bottom)

Parents deserve a day to celebrate their efforts in raising strong, healthy, happy kids. You also deserve a little help along the way. Nothing can damper your festivities like a cranky kid with a sore bottom. Diaper rash is a pain for your little, and using diaper rash cream while on the go can be a pain if you don’t have an easy way to fully wash your hands. That’s where a diaper spray comes in handy! You can soothe irritated skin, seal out wetness, and keep your hands clean in the process.

For a more traditional solution, Bamboobies diaper balm is applied like a typical diaper rash cream. Made with natural ingredients, this formula is great for yeast imbalances. And the 2 oz size is perfect for your diaper bag.

Diaper rash isn’t the only irritation that can put a damper on a day out with the family. Rashes, scratches, and dry patches are normal in babies – and the long summer days often come with insect bites. Our all-purpose balm eases discomfort from insect bites, rashes, eczema, poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac and protects chafed skin. Made with natural ingredients, the addition of oatmeal in the formula calms irritated skin without the need for lanolin, parabens, petroleum, phthalates or synthetic fragrances. Don’t let a bug bite – for baby or any member of the family – ruin your National Parents’ Day outing!

As a parent, you’re always thinking about what’s best for your kids, all while easing their discomforts, making them feel safe, and keeping them happy and healthy. It’s a big job, but you’ve got this. And we’re here to help wherever we can.

References:

United States Census Bureau: Stats for Stories: National Parents’ Day: July 26, 2020
https://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/parents-day.html

The American Presidency Project: Proclamation 6811—Parents' Day, 1995
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/proclamation-6811-parents-day-1995

Parents’ Day: National Parents’ Day
https://parentsday.com/ 

Parents’ Day: Register for the Parents' Day Awards Ceremony 2021
https://parentsday.com/register/

Parents’ Day: Nominate Parents of the Year
https://parentsday.com/nominate/

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