National Son’s and Daughter’s Day on August 11th brings parents and their children together for quality time. On this day, be with the joys of your life.

Let your children know that you are glad they are part of your life. While listening to the events of their day, share family stories. Find out about their hopes and dreams. Learn what inspires them. Teach them something new, or maybe there’s something they can teach you. Enjoy every day you have with them and spend as much quality time as you can.

Time with our children can be fleeting. Not only do they grow quickly, but their interests and needs change, too. Whether we realize it or not, sons and daughters look up to us. They emulate our behavior – the good and the bad. As much as times change, children don’t. We craved our parent’s approval and acceptance. Our children do, too.

Every child is different. Their personalities uniquely fitted to them. While one child devours books, another may deconstruct every electronic device in the house. The chatterbox keeps us awake on long road trips and the night owl keeps us alert to everything under the stars. No two are the same. That’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. Celebrate them and the parts they play in your family.

History

The origins of this day go back 1930s Missouri, according to National Today. A man in the town of St. Joseph “ took up a young boy’s cause” when the boy complained that his mom and dad had a day, so why shouldn’t he have one too. The man spread the idea, and gradually it became popular over the years, until the 70s.

By 1945, the day reached its peak at 22 states with organizations participating in the event, says the National Day Calendar. In the following years, organizations like the Lions Club and women’s auxiliaries would host Sons and Daughters Day within their local governments.

I haven’t heard of Son and Daughter day, until recently – it’s not even on my calendar. It’s eerie that the days of appreciation for figures of authority are popular, but not the day youth is appreciated.

In 1972 Florida Congressman Claude pepper has allegedly put in a request for the U.S. Congress to officially recognize National Son and Daughter day, according to National Today. Claude Pepper had in mind to recognize George Paul, a hero of Pepper’s from an old Texas rodeo, by attaching Paul’s name to the holiday if it became official.

Son and Daughter day was also referenced in the Nanaimo Daily News, a Canadian Publication, in 1988 – according to National Today.

“Whatever the origins are, August 11 is a day for spending some quality time with your children. Do something that you all enjoy doing as a family and treasure those moments together,” their website read.

Parents should let their children know that they are glad they are a part of their life, says the National Day Calendar. Parents should share family stories, find out about their children’s hopes and dreams and learn what inspires them. Parent;s could also teach their children something new, “or maybe there’s something they can teach you,” Enjoy as much quality time with them as you can.

It’s unclear whether or not the day is official, so it’s in the same boat as Opposite day.

Tell your parents, uncles, aunts, and grandparents that today is Son and Daughter day, and to mark their calendars for August 11 of each year.

TRADITIONS

National Son and Daughter Day is, of course, for spending time with your sons and daughters. It’s tradition to do something as a family that you all enjoy doing. It could be going out for dinner, going to the movies, or going for a hike, it all depends on what your family likes to do.

Whatever activity you choose, it’s a chance to cherish the time with your family and collect a few more memories. Family comes first, especially on National Son and Daughter Day.

ACTIVITIES

Take the day off

Depending on your particular workload, you might feel like you work more than you get to spend time with your family. To celebrate National Son and Daughter Day, try using up some of that paid time off or even take a sick day so you can do something fun with the kids. This is a day for quality time.

Make a special treat

It doesn’t have to be a sugary snack or a messy project, either. You know what your children love to eat and chances are there’s even a favorite food that you can make together at home. Some fun and relatively healthy make-at-home snacks include tacos, peanut butter crackers or veggies and ranch dip. You could even go all-out with your kids and teach them to make a favorite dinner or opt for a treat with less cleanup and let the kids pick a restaurant for a special night out.

Spend time with your children

Whether your children are youngsters at home or adults on their own, Son and Daughter Day is a great reminder to make time in your life to stay connected. Take your children out to a movie, meet up for a stroll through the park or sit down around the dinner table and really listen to what they have to say. Sometimes the best way to say “I love you” is by being available and letting the youngsters take the lead. Whatever your children like to do, you can rock this holiday by showing up with your natural excitement for their successes.