New Delhi: National Parents' Day or Parents' Day is observed every fourth Sunday of July, it commemorates the hard work and dedication parents or guardians put in to raise a child. The day recognizes and celebrates their teamwork in raising children, and supports the role of parental guidance in building a strong, stable society.
History of National Parents Day
The day first began in 1994, when the US under the presidency of Bill Clinton decided to officially observe the fourth Sunday of July to celebrate parents, it soon caught on in different parts of the world. In South Korea, May 8 is celebrated as Parents Day which was established in 1973, replacing Mother's Day. In the Republic of Congo, it is observed on August 1.
Meanwhile, the United Nations declared June 1 to be the Global Day of Parents.
Significance of National Parents Day
Parents' Day celebrates the role parents have in the upbringing and future of a child. A child flourishes depending on their parents for physical and emotional care, stability, security, and guidance. However, the day is not limited to biological parents, some children are brought up by their relatives, or adoptive parents and depend on them for a secure and caring environment to prepare them for the challenges of the world. No relationship comes a close second to the parent-child relationship for these reasons.
It is essential for children to show their appreciation towards their parents, for dedicating their lives and helping them grow. Every culture has a different way of celebrating Parents Day. Children usually plan family dinners, picnics, or movie nights or send gifts to show their appreciation are some of the common practices. In South Korea where Parents’ Day is celebrated in May, children give their parents white carnations, a practice that has its roots in Christian culture in the US.