Key parenting days and observances

Calling all mums and dads, this one's for you! Parenting involves a range of responsibilities and joys, and there are several key days and observances throughout the year dedicated to celebrating and supporting parents and caregivers. Here are some notable ones:

Key parenting dates and holidays

📅 Parents Mental Health Day | January

‍This annual observance, in January, aims to encourage understanding and awareness of the importance of parent mental health and its potential impact on the whole family system.

📅 National Single Parent Day

‍Each year, March 21 recognises the hard work, devotion, and sacrifices of single parenting. It's aimed at honouring the single parents who do it all (and more!) for their children.

📅 Mother's Day | varies by location

‍Occurring on the second Sunday in May (United States Of America, Australia, New Zealand), this day celebrates mothers and mother figures worldwide, recognising their contributions to society. It's important to note that the date varies in some countries; for example, in the United Kingdom, Mothering Sunday takes place on the fourth Sunday of Lent.

📅 International Day of Families | May 15

‍Annually on May 15, this day established by the United Nations provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic, and demographic processes affecting families.

📅 Global Day of Parents | 1 June

‍Taking place annually on June 1st and also recognised by the United Nations, the Global Day of Parents day honours all parents worldwide for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship.

📅 Father's Day | date varies by location

It's time to say 'thanks Dad!' on the third Sunday in June if you're in the United States or the United Kingdom — the date may vary in other countries. This is a special day to honour fathers, grandfathers, and father figures for their influence in their children's lives.

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📅 National Parents' Day | The fourth Sunday in July (US)

This holiday was established in the United States to  compliments Mother's Day and Father's Day to celebrate and recognise the role of parental figures in children's lives.

📅 Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day | 15 October

This is a special day to pause and remember the babies who have tragically died due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or postnatal causes.

📅 International Day of the Girl Child | 11 October

International Day of the Girl on October 11th focuses on the needs and challenges girls face while promoting girls' empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.

📅 International Men's Day | 19 November

‍Taking place during Movember, among its various themes, International Men's Day focuses on positive male role models, including fathers, and highlights issues affecting men and boys, such as mental health and toxic masculinity.

📅 World Children's Day | 20 November

‍Also known as Universal Children's Day, November 20 promotes international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare. 

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These days and observances remind parents (and everyone else) of the importance of parenting and the impact that parental figures have on the lives of children and society as a whole. They offer an opportunity for reflection, celebration, and advocacy on issues affecting parents and families.

💡Would you like to mark any of these parenting days or events with an expert speaker? Let us know, and we’ll find the perfect PepTalk expert for your organisation. Send us an email at hello@getapeptalk.com.  Remember, it’s never too early (or too late) to get a PepTalk!