In 2012, the U.N. General Assembly declared the first-ever Global Day of Parents. Since then, it has been held annually on June 1 to honor parental units around the world. Being a parent is one of the most universal experiences, but it’s definitely not a walk in the park. For one, it has its challenges long before kids are even born. With many complications resulting from pregnancy, just having a healthy parent is something to be grateful for. And while many of us didn’t appreciate being nagged to clean our rooms, someone had to help us fight off the dust bunny invasion. Honestly, if we had never learned to handle tiny responsibilities like that, we’d have no hope of coping with the adult world. So let’s use this day to say thanks to our first teachers and nurturers. And if you happen to be a parent, give yourself a big pat on the back (seriously).
When is Global Day of Parents 2025?
The value of parents and parenthood is celebrated on Global Day of Parents on June 1.
History of Global Day of Parents
Parents are a beacon of a child’s life. They lay the foundation for children, and nurture and equip them with the skills that are necessary throughout life. Parents protect their children and make countless selfless sacrifices to ensure their growth.
On Global Parents Day, children express their gratitude to their parents for all that they have done for them. Really, our relationship with our parents is the most important and true bond that most of us will ever have, and our parents’ dedication towards us is respected and cherished on this day. Those of us who have a friendship with our parents and are able to have a healthy relationship based on trust and respect rather than authority or strict guardianship are lucky. It is truly a blessing to have good parents.
It goes both ways, with parents also recognizing that they have a primary responsibility towards their offspring and the importance of their roles in the development of their children. It is essential for a child to grow up in a healthy environment with healthy boundaries, and parents are the best role models for that. Studies show that trauma and emotional wounds sustained by a child greatly hinders their development and outlook on life, and are an overall barrier to achieving the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals. It may not seem much at face value, but parenting has an impact on economic prosperity and social development.
During the 1980s, the United Nations started to focus on issues related to the family, and how the emotional- and mental well-being of a child branches out into other spheres of development on a large scale. On December 9, 1989, the General Assembly passed a resolution that proclaimed the year 1994 as the International Year of the Family. In another resolution in 1993, May 15 was decided on as the day for the observance of the International Day of the Families, every year.
On September 17, 2012, the United Nations declared June 1 as the day to observe Global Day of Parents. The day aims to stimulate awareness of the importance of parenthood and its role in providing protection and the tools needed for positive development in children. Parents are, after all, the first teachers and human interaction that a child is exposed to. Community leaders, parents, children, teachers, and family organizations get together in celebrating the day and promoting effective parenting.
Campaigns and educational programs are also widely hosted for parents and to encourage stability within nuclear families. Related organizations also use this day to promote the model of a two-parent nuclear family.
Global Day of Parents timeline
Its circulation reached more than 2.2 million before its final issue was released in 2013.
The U.S. House of Representatives introduces a resolution establishing the fourth Sunday in July as National Parents’ Day.
The UN General Assembly declares 1994 as the International Year of the Family.
The quintessential movie about the parent-child relationship is released.
Traditions
There are many holidays throughout the year on which we appreciate and express gratitude and love to our parents and grandparents. While traditions for Global Day of Parents are similar to that of other celebrations like Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day, today, people go beyond simple gift-giving and flowers. Acknowledging that parenting is difficult and that parents try their best, children give back and support their parents with the same TLC that their parents gave them.
Since Global Day of Parents is an official observance initiated by the United Nations, many special announcements, rallies, proclamations, and events are organized and programs and entertainment nights are hosted by the community.
Global Day of Parents By The Numbers
5 million – the number of households run by children.
5–6 million – the number of older adults (parents) living in households run by adult children.
25% – the percentage of baby boomers financially supporting their aging parents.
20% – the percentage of millennials who are financially responsible.
58% – the percentage of children who help out aging parents.
58% – the percentage of adult children with at least one 65-year-old parent who have provided a form of sweat equity for them by running errands, doing housework, or making home repairs.
4.8 million – the number of preschool children in American who were cared for by a grandparent in 2011.
23.7% – the percentage of grandparents who take care of children under the age of five.
Global Day of Parents FAQs
What is the meaning of Global Day of Parents?
Global Day of Parents is a United Nations observance that is celebrated on June 1 each year to honor parents and their commitment to children worldwide.
Which day is World Parents Day?
A different holiday, not to be confused with Global Day of Parents, is held on July 28 as World Parents Day.
What was the theme of Global Day of Parents 2020?
Every year, a theme is set for Global Day of Parents. The theme for 2020 was ‘Appreciate all parents throughout the world.’
How to Observe Global Day of Parents
Read all about Global Day of Parents
You don't have to go far to learn more about this special day. Really, there's tons of good info on the UN's website, so technically, you don't have to leave your bed. Of course, we don't advise an all-day siesta if you have little things like a job or children to worry about. But if browsing the internet isn't enough, consider dropping by your local library. Apparently, this parenting thing's a pretty big deal.
Exchange your thoughts on parenting with others
Want to hear stories about what happens when you leave a kid alone with a marker? We won't spoil the ending, but there's no better day to find out than this one. Aside from funny stories, you might also come across a few useful tips. In fact, some of the best insights come from your own parents. So when stopping by, don't be afraid to ask for some secrets of the trade. If you're not ready for that yet, at least try to get some cookies or something out of the deal.
Watch a movie about parents and kids
It's a family day and that means it's time for a family movie. There are a wide array of films out there that feature parents and children. Whether it's sci-fi-, action or drama, there's one thing you can be sure of: there will be a heart-to-heart talk (not “the talk”) and it's going to give you a serious case of the feels. What's special here is that whatever forms it takes, a family is still a family. We think it's safe to say that the Lion King proved that a warthog and a meerkat can make excellent guardians.
5 Special Facts About A Parent-Child Relationship
It is not voluntary
As with all ties of blood, the parent-child relationship is a special permanent one that bears the test of time.
The most interactions
Parents and children interact more with each other than with anyone else in any other relationship, be it a sibling or a friend.
Your mom was right!
As much as we deny it, our parents really do know what is best for us as they have more experience in life and all of its struggles.
The pains of growing
It is a fact that children will eventually grow up into adults and have their own lives and families, but the bond with their parents will remain forever and is timeless.
You will channel your parents.
Whether it is genetic or just the patterns of behavior you picked up from them, you will one day walk and talk like your parents and probably adopt a few annoying habits of theirs that you swore you never would.
Why Global Day of Parents is Important
It reminds us to respect others
One of the first things we're taught as kids is to respect others, especially our elders (even though, for some reason, many parents don’t like being referred to as ‘elders’). But respect isn't only for those who are older than us. Regardless of age, it's something that has to be earned. Our parents have supported us through the ups and downs, all while dealing with their own personal issues (yea, parents actually have personal lives...weird). Needless to say, they're deserving of some R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
It encourages fathers to take a more active role in parenting
Time and time again, research shows that children benefit from having fathers play an active role in their lives. It’s easy for dads to stay out of the spotlight and let moms take over parenting duty, but today’s a reminder that a little interaction can go a long way. Politics and business might not be the best topics of conversation (assuming your kids can say those words, to begin with), but everyone understands a smile and a game of catch.
It reinforces that supporting a household is a team game
Parenting is really a team game. Even if you are a single parent, it doesn't hurt to have some reinforcements. But to form the best team, we have to recognize that both men and women play an equal part. So whether the helping hands are spouses, friends, or relatives, everyone has to split time between being a breadwinner and caretaker. Diaper duty's a doozy, but if you get really good at rock, paper, scissors, you can avoid it most of the time (almost).
Global Day of Parents dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 1 | Sunday |
| 2026 | June 1 | Monday |
| 2027 | June 1 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | June 1 | Thursday |
| 2029 | June 1 | Friday |
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