Observed on August 11th, National Son’s and Daughter’s Day serves as a special occasion for parents and their children to come together and share valuable moments. This day encourages cherishing the joys brought by your offspring.
Take this opportunity to express your happiness for having your children in your life. While attentively listening to their daily experiences, share tales from your family's history. Delve into their aspirations and dreams, discovering what motivates them. Be eager to learn something new from them, or vice versa. Seize every available moment to spend quality time with your children, recognizing that these moments are fleeting. Children grow swiftly, and their interests and needs evolve accordingly. It's important to acknowledge that just as we looked up to our parents, our sons and daughters look up to us. They emulate our actions, both the positive and the negative. Despite the ever-changing times, the essence of children remains unchanged. They, like us, yearn for parental approval and acceptance.
Each child possesses a distinct personality uniquely tailored to them. While one child might devour books, another might take apart every electronic device in the house. The talkative one keeps us awake on long journeys, while the night owl keeps us aware of the world beneath the stars. Their individuality is what makes them special. Embrace their uniqueness and the roles they play within your family.
How to Observe Son’s and Daughter’s Day
Make this day memorable for your children. If they are at home, consider going for a walk or enjoying a local park together. If they're grown and living elsewhere, send them a heartfelt card or give them a call to remind them of their significance to you. Share your celebrations using the hashtag #SonsAndDaughtersDay on social media platforms.
National Son’s and Daughter’s Day History
The earliest recorded observance of National Son’s and Daughter’s Day on August 11th dates back to 1988, as mentioned in an article from the Nanaimo Daily News of British Columbia, Canada, dated August 12, 1988. While the originator of this day remains unidentified, prior events with similar names have been documented.
In 1936, J. Henry Dusenberry initiated the concept of a Sons’ and Daughters’ Day after hearing a child inquire why such an occasion did not exist. The day began in Missouri and then spread, with parents placing a flower representing each child in a vase displayed prominently within the house. The flowers served as a reminder of their absent children, provoking thoughtful contemplation throughout the day. By 1945, the celebration extended to 22 states, embraced by various organizations.
Throughout the years, groups like the Lions Club and women's auxiliaries hosted Sons and Daughters Day in their respective areas, though the observance varied annually.
In 1972, Florida Congressman Claude Pepper forwarded a request to establish a Sons’ and Daughters’ Day, following the initiative of Georgia Paul from Del Rio, Texas. Although the request proposed observing the day on the last Sunday of January each year, neither the House nor the Senate passed a bill or joint resolution to officially designate the day.