Let’s face it—we wouldn’t be where we are today if not for our parents. As much as we try to deny it, we are who we are because of them. They have been there to guide us and give us support when we needed them the most. Our parents are the people who have watched over and supported us. They equipped us with the necessary lessons, thinking, and skills to help us in our journey. Despite the challenges and setbacks in life, they continuously guide and support us in every aspect of our lives. So, to honor parents, people in different parts of the world celebrate Parents’ Day.
Parent’s Day is a day to celebrate and appreciate the people who took on the role of parenthood. Whether they’re our biological parents or not, this is the day we celebrate the people who raised us up and continuously support and guide us.
What is Parents’ Day
Parents’ Day is a day to celebrate, recognize, and uplift the important role of parents in raising children. Signed on October 14, 1994, at a time where society had been increasingly self-centered, the resolution is a message to promote the importance of family commitment and parental responsibilities. Now, Parents’ Day is celebrated every fourth Sunday of July.
It isn’t only in the US we celebrate Parents’ Day, though. In Vietnam, it is celebrated by buying gifts and giving cards, usually customized to give it a personal touch. In India, families celebrate the day together. Children would show their gratitude by organizing a special program and giving gifts to their parents. Some schools also organize events for families to bond and play.
There are different ways to celebrate Parents’ Day in different countries. But, the underlying message remains the same: honor our parents.
Celebrating Parents’ Day
Parents’ Day is often compared to Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Although the three events are similar in honoring an important role in a family, there are still differences. For starters, Parents’ Day is a day to honor the role of a parent. So on this day, we celebrate everyone who is like a parent to us. Whether it’s an aunt or uncle, grandparents, adoptive parents, or biological parents, as long as they take on a role in raising us up, this is their day.
To support and celebrate this day annually, a National Parents’ Day Council—scaling on a national and local level—was even formed. Local committees, made up of community volunteers, sponsor programs for the holiday. They also gather nominations for the Parents of the Year Awards hosted in Washington, D.C. Every year, the Universal Peace Federation sponsors a Parents of the Year Banquet, wherein state nominees are invited, together with Congress members and other dignitaries. The award is given to parents who embody parental love, service, and dedication not only within their family but within their local community as well.
Aside from these, families also celebrate Parents’ Day based on their interests. There are those who celebrate it by joining their community’s celebration while others prefer to stay at home.
How to Celebrate Parents’ Day
Unlike Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, Parents’ Day doesn’t need to be celebrated with gifts and extravagant celebrations. No big breakfast and fancy dinners are necessary either. Just spending a meaningful day with your parents is enough. After all, Parents’ Day is all about spending time with the family.
Spend the Day at the Park
Spend the day at the park, where you can stroll around and spend time with your parents for some quality bonding time. You can even bring a small picnic with you, as well as some board games or kites to play with.
The rich and heavenly scenery of nature can help divert your parents’ minds from work or household chores, and let them relax for the day.
Organize a Small Party at Home
Wouldn’t it be nice to celebrate the day with the people who helped in raising you up? Parenthood isn’t an easy journey, and I’m sure your parents also needed some guidance to make sure they’re on the right path. So, to thank those people who helped, host a small party honoring them as well. It could be your aunts and uncles, your grandparents, and even your parents’ friends. As they say, it takes a village to raise a child.
Go on a Vacation
While this suggestion is more of a splurge, it’s still a good idea and worth the money. We’re not talking about a trip to the Mediterranean or across the globe, but more on a local vacation. Perhaps you can go to a nearby beach or a three-star resort (it all depends on your budget). All we’re saying is that it might be time to give your parents a much-deserved break from all the responsibilities while bonding.
Make a Family Movie
What better way to celebrate Parents’ Day than to premiere a family movie? Now that we’re in the digital age, surely you have documented at least a day in your family life. Look into your family archive, and see which footages you can include. If there aren’t any footages you can use, why not reenact and film the most memorable events in your family?
Honor and celebrate your parents by telling a visual story about them.
Make a Card
It’s not original, but it can speak volumes. Celebrate the day by giving your parents a heartfelt, customized card. Tell them what you can’t say in person, thank them for all the things they did for you, and let them know that you appreciate every one of them. Nothing warms the heart more than knowing that you’re being valued.
Activities for Parents’ Day
There are so many things you can do to make your parents feel special on this day. Below is a list of simple, yet thoughtful activities to do with your parents.
Create a Family Book
Make a family book together with your parents. Strengthen your bond with them by remembering all the good memories you’ve had together. Who knows, you might even be reminded of a funny anecdote you’ve long forgotten about your childhood. Also, just think of the laughs you’ll have doing this.
You can use a scrapbook, a photobook, or a binder; just make sure you can add more to its pages and you can stick photos, letters, notes, and other memorabilias in it.
Have a Family Game Night
Organize a fun family game night. Nothing tests your bond together than a competitive game. You can play charades, bingo, and even trivia. Also consider customizing the games to focus on all things about your parents, like their favorite dish, color, facts, and many more.
Family Chore Day
The purpose of Parents’ Day is to spend the day with your parents and show appreciation. Lighten your parents’ load by helping them with the house chores, and doing it with a happy heart. Give your parents the light chores while you and your siblings take on the heavier ones. Don’t forget to crack up the tunes while you’re at it. Afterwards, the whole family can relax with an ice cold beverage by the yard. Doesn’t that sound nice?
Have a Family Movie Night
For most families, movie nights would entail choosing the kids’ favorite movies. Instead of picking your favorite, pick one your parents will love. Let them watch their favorite films, and serve popcorn and drinks, too. As long as the films are age-appropriate, it will surely be a great night.
Give Their Hobbies a Try
Believe it or not, our parents have their own interests and hobbies. Perhaps we’re just not aware of it because they’re too busy… well, being a parent. So, this Parents’ Day can be the perfect opportunity to let them indulge in those hobbies they want to do so much.
Even better, try doing it with them. Who knows, you may unlock a new skill and interest while doing so.
Well Wishes for Your Parents
Give your parents a heartwarming Parents’ Day greeting with these short well-wishes you can include in your customized cards.
Best Parents in the World!
Thank you for being the best parents in the world. You always hold my hand whenever I’m scared, and take me out to the park to cheer me up. I’m so grateful to be your child. I love you!
Lucky to Have You!
On this special day, I would like to express how thankful and lucky I am that you’re my parents. I love you, Mom and Dad. Happy Parents’ Day!
Love You, Mom and Dad!
I love you, Mom and Dad. You have always been the source of my strength and motivation. Happy Parents’ Day!
Message from the Heart
Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank you for the endless love and care. I wouldn’t become the person I am if not for you. Thank you for everything, and I wish you all the best. I love you!
Well Wishes from Children
Dear Mom and Dad,
I love you both. Thank you for your unconditional love and affection. Thank you for standing by my side and being my constant cheerleader. I wish you good health and a long life. Happy Parents’ Day!
A Parents’ Day to Remember
More than promoting the role of parents, this day celebrates parental love and sacrifices. Parents will do anything for their children, to the point they will give their last meal for their child to eat. They work hard to provide the best for their children. So, whether they’re your parents by blood or by circumstance, show your appreciation and love for them.
