Ever tried raising kids? Single Parents’ Day celebrates those brave, stoical people that do it on their own, and in many cases without a safety net.
Most single parents didn’t intend to be single parents when they started. Single parenthood usually comes about due to unfortunate and stressful events. Raising children even with two parents can be hard work, so take a moment to applaud those people who, usually through no fault of their own, are having to fly solo.
Children of single parents include Julia Roberts, Bradley Wiggins and Adele, so it’s clearly possible for single parents to raise very talented, high-achieving people. Despite this, there is still a stigma attached to single-parent families. This is a real shame.
So if you’re the child of a single parent, use this day to show them how much you appreciate all their hard work!
Learn about Single Parents’ Day
Single Parents’ Day has been created so that we can all pay tribute to the fathers and mothers out there that are raising children on their own. It is their sacrifices, devotion, and hard work that holds down the fort and keeps things going!
There is no denying that raising children can be a challenge. This is only made more difficult when you don’t have a partner to help you out. There are many reasons why people end up raising their children on their own, so we should never judge. This could be because the other parent simply has not stepped up or it could be because they have passed away. No matter the situation, it is hard for one person to take on the role of mom and dad, but they make it work, and they should be applauded for that.
Most people would agree that single parents are like real-life superheroes. Between doctor visits, daycare, school, work, and everything else in between, it’s amazing to think that single parents are able to find enough hours in the day to do everything they need to do!
A lot of single parents are lucky enough to have support from their families. On this date, we should also think about the siblings, grandparents, and other family members that help out. Unfortunately for some, they don’t have any help available to them at all, and so the burden falls entirely on their shoulders. If you know someone who is a single parent, it is always nice to reach out and see how they are doing. Offer a helping hand if you are able to.
History of Single Parents’ Day
Single Parents’ Day has quite a long history. It can be traced back to 1984, when Janice Moglen wrote an article with the aim of creating a Single Parent Day, hoping that it would gain the sort of recognition that both Father’s and Mother’s Day do.
Janice was determined in her mission and she collaborated with an organization called Parents Without Partners. Together, they started petitioning to have Single Parents’ Day declared by states across the United States.
The date that was chosen is significant as well. It coincides with the origins of Parents Without Partners, which was first established on the 21st of March in 1957.
Janice, and single parents all over the United States, were delighted when President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5166, which declared the 21st of March, 1984, as Single Parents’ Day. Since then, this date has been embraced across the United States, as well as many other countries around the world.
How to celebrate Single Parents’ Day
Even on the days you feel like you are failing, look around. Your child’s smile will bring you right back up.
The best thing that you can do on Single Parents’ Day is to show your support to single parents and let them know that you appreciate them. Whether this is your co-worker, neighbor, friend, or family member, tell them that you’re proud of everything that they do and that you’re there if they need you. A gesture like this can go a very long way, especially when someone feels like they have had a morning from hell trying to get their child to go to school!
If you are able to, you could offer to help out on Single Parents’ Day so that someone you know is able to enjoy a break from their never-ending to-do list on this date. This does not necessarily mean that you should offer to babysit on this day, although you can definitely do so! There are plenty of other ways you can help single parents, including running their errands for them or cooking them a nice meal so they don’t have to cook for themselves on this day.
If you are a single parent, make sure you celebrate yourself on this date! After all, you deserve it! Don’t be afraid to ask a loved one to babysit so that you can enjoy some precious pamper time. Of course, you may decide that the best way to spend this day is by enjoying time with your child. Why not catch a movie together or go out for a bite to eat? No matter what you do, just remember that we are all thinking about you and that we appreciate and admire everything you do!