The Millstone Times July 2019

KIDS & CAMP Time to Celebrate the Parents By Nicole Iuzzolino

When thinking of the month of July, one holiday comes to mind mighty quick, and that most likely is the Fourth of July. However, there is a holiday that is often overlooked and one that should be more celebrated. This holiday is National Parents Day, which is a holiday that truly deserves more than one day as they do so much for us. This lovely holiday takes place on the fourth Sunday of every July. For most of us, without our parents, we would not be where we are today, and we should really show them how grateful we are. National Parents day was created in 1994 by former President Bill Clinton and his intentions were to make children appreciate their parents not with gifts like one would on Mother’s or Father’s day, but with actions and kind gestures. When signing this bill, President Bill Clinton stated that the day is about, “recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in bringing up their children.” In 1987, the Parenting Magazine was introduced to stands around America, and the circulation skyrocketed all the way up to 2.2 million. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in 2013 after. The Parents’ Day Council plays a huge role in celebrating this holiday. One thing the council does is nominate a set of “parents of the year”, to honor exemplary figures in their community. There are many ways you can celebrate National Parents Day with your parents. The key to celebrating this holiday is the simple the better. There have even been rallies across the nation in recent years to show appreciation. Showing love and appreciation for your parents can be done through simple ges- tures. For example, setting cards or flowers is an easy way to say “I love you” and “I appreciate you”. Maybe bring your parents out to dinner or lunch, it is a perfect way to get the family together. If you live far away from your parents, give them a surprise visit on their special day! Make it a surprise they will never forget. A “DIY” approach is also a great way to show love and appreciation. Creating a scrapbook or a memory book is the perfect gift for any parent. This is something that they can cherish forever, and look back at all the fond memories they had through the years. Or if you are younger, give your parents the one gift they will love; the clean bedroom they have been asking you to clean. At the end of the day, parents should not only be celebrated on National Parents Day, but truly everyday. Our parents try to give their children the world and more, even if it means clothes of their own backs. Take time everyday to appreciate what parents do for us. Make sure to say “I love you” more often, as it will really make your parents day.

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The Millstone Times

July 2019