National Parenting Week, which takes place in October, is an event that highlights just how important parenting skills are in society. This year, it takes place from October 21 to 25 this year. Wondering why this week is important? It’s because the way a child is raised has a deep impact on his or her personality, the way they view life, and how their personalities turn out to be when they grow up. Hence, attaining the perfect parenting skills is not a piece of cake since it includes a perfect mix of confidence, love, emotional connection, trust, as well other aspects that contribute to forming one’s personality.
History of National Parenting Week
Many developed nations across the globe are extremely particular about parenting skills. This is because, over time, governments have realized that a child raised in a healthy atmosphere will be beneficial to society in the future while children raised in homes where violence exists, may become violent themselves, or suffer from severe depression.
Child protective services were formed in many nations to ensure parents follow the required methods of raising children. These government organizations aim to ensure children are nurtured and raised right. However, children were not always raised like they are today, nor was attention placed on their emotional and social development. This points out the obvious fact that parenting skills have evolved, based on the development of society and research.
Some of the famous parenting styles were introduced by the American psychologist Diana Baumrind. The psychologists developed the methods of parenting, summarized as “responsiveness and demandingness.” Both of these methods required the parents to be highly responsive to a child’s emotional needs. Upon further analyses of these two styles, Baumrind introduced four parenting styles to the world that included authoritative, authoritarian, neglecting, and indulgent.
Furthermore, American psychologist John Gottman researched more on family interactions and recognized four styles with which parents handled a child’s emotional states. Research also revealed physical punishment left a negative impact and often led to hostility from the child. Many children even develop depression from unhealthy environments that parents create with a poor parenting approach.
National Parenting Week timeline
Research by Laursen and Collins shows that adolescence is a vital developmental phase that often requires parents and their wards to renegotiate their relationship.
The nuclear family unit becomes common.
Parenting researchers begin an investigation into a wider range of parenting characteristics, including cognitive stimulation.
The word ‘parenting’ appears in “Merriam-Webster.”
The book "The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care" becomes a best-selling book.
National Parenting Week FAQs
Who invented Mother’s Day??
Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia, whose mother had organized women’s groups to promote friendship and health, originated Mother’s Day.
Which country was the first to recognize Mother's Day?
Great Britain was one of the first countries to establish a day to recognize mothers.
Who invented Father's Day?
Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, is usually credited for originating Father’s Day.
How to Observe National Parenting Week
Honor a parent
Celebrate the week by honoring a parent you know — especially one who places extra effort in emotionally connecting with their child. You can do this by buying them a cake or something sweet to eat.
Host a dinner for new parents
Do you know a couple who just had a baby? Well, now is the time to make them feel extra special by hosting a dinner. You can even share some parenting tips with them.
Gift someone a book on parenting
Know someone pregnant? Well, now is your chance to improve the life of a baby who is yet to be born by guiding his/her parents! Buy them a book on parenting and watch how they change their parenting ideologies.
5 Interesting Facts About Parenting
Greek traditions
Greek parents would spit at a baby thrice to get rid of evil spirits.
Toilet training in the U.S
The government of the United States recommends starting toilet training for kids right after birth.
Calming children
In Victorian England, medicine with opium was used for quieting children.
Gender identification by color
Girls were preferably dressed in pink, while boys wore blue.
Placenta consumption
According to a myth, eating the placenta may help alleviate postpartum depression.
Why National Parenting Week is Important
It highlights the importance of parenting
We love the week because it highlights the importance of parenting, and also tells us how crucial it is to control one's temper with a child. Good parents are those who are calm and reassuring.
It introduces different parenting methods
The week is important for parents. It introduces several parenting methods based on in-depth research conducted by renowned psychologists and analysts.
It's a week for parents
The week is special because it is dedicated to all the parents who have had several sleepless nights due to their newborn or grown-up children. Besides, raising teens isn’t easy either and parents need to be recognized for their efforts.
National Parenting Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | October 17 | Monday |
| 2023 | October 16 | Monday |
| 2024 | October 21 | Monday |
| 2025 | October 20 | Monday |
| 2026 | October 19 | Monday |
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