Where would we be without the people who commit their lives to raising children with love and kindness? Parents' Day is a national holiday dedicated to paying thanks to and supporting all those in the role of parents. The holiday falls on the fourth Sunday of July each year, this year it’s on the 24th. Parents’ Day is a great excuse to celebrate and promote the importance of family in your home. Here are ten ways you can celebrate Parents' Day this year.
1. Enjoy a picnic
A picnic in the park is an age old classic and a great way to celebrate Parents’ Day. Round up your favorite picnic sandwiches and snacks and head out to the park to enjoy a wonderful family day out. New parents are often cooped up inside, tending to their newborn’s needs, so getting out into the fresh air and summer sunshine can allow you to relax and recharge. If you’re having one of those days where you’re seriously run down from lack of sleep and loading the family into the car is too much effort then you can still have a beautiful picnic in your back yard. You can also invite some close friends or extended family and ask them to bring along some homemade goodies. It doesn't hurt to also bring along large flasks of coffee for parents to sip on.
2. Go out on a day trip
Take the family out on a day trip and decide on a summer activity that you will all enjoy. This can be a nice opportunity if you have older kids, to do something fun together as a family. They may be feeling a little bit left out since the arrival of their new baby sibling, so a day at the zoo or the beach might help to remind them how special they are. If you are planning a day trip then you should make a checklist beforehand to make sure that you have all the supplies needed for your newborn, especially if this is the first full day out of the house with your baby.
3. Take a family walk
Spending some time with your family in nature isn't only great for bonding, it's also great for your mental health. Research local nature reserves or parks close to home, and tell any members of your extended family who you wish to invite about the walk so they keep the day free. Have your route planned and don't forget to pack sunscreen, water, snacks and baby supplies. Try not to bite off more than you can chew with your route. You may have been an avid hiker prior to your pregnancy but it's important to remember that your postpartum body is still in repair and a four hour hike may not be ideal when you’ve got a newborn tagging along who will need frequent feeding and changing. You may also want to consider strapping your baby into a carrier or wrap rather than bringing the stroller.
4. Eat breakfast in bed
Perhaps you also want to give thanks to your parenting partner, if you have one. A simple but solid way to show affection is preparing breakfast before you spend time with the kiddos. All it takes is a visit to the shops before they wake up (or the night before) and whipping up your favorite breakfast. Eventually, your little ones can join in on the fun too.
5. Visit your parents
Simply stopping in for part of the day or calling to say hello will brighten the day for your parents. They’ll be over the moon to catch up with you and to spend time with your new baby. This could be a perfect opportunity for you to vent about any motherhood challenges you may be having and seek out some advice. Your parents have been through it all and more than likely they will be happy to support you in any way that they can.
6. Have a spa day at home
As amazing as a day at the spa would be, it's not quite feasible when you’ve got a newborn to tend to. That said, there’s no reason why you can’t have some quality relaxation time at home. We’re talking face masks, massage, warm baths and anything else you can think of that’ll help you to recharge. New parents are often so busy that self care becomes less of a priority so why not take Parents’ Day as a chance to really pamper yourself. You can call a family member or close friend to help keep an eye on your newborn while you have a relaxing afternoon to yourself. If you have older children it might even be fun to get them involved by rubbing your feet or making a homemade face mask.
7. Have a barbeque
The ultimate summer activity that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Parents’ Day with your immediate or extended family, an outdoor barbeque always goes down a treat. Burgers, hotdogs, potato salad - the works. What’s not to love? Staying in your back yard also takes the hassle out of packing up all of your baby supplies.
8. Look out for community events
Check to see if your local community is hosting any events for Parents' Day. This means that you won’t need to organize anything yourself, all you need to do is show up and have fun. Your neighbors will be dying to coo over your new baby and it can be a good opportunity to get caught up with some old friends. Staying local also means that you have an easy escape if you get hit with a wave of tiredness or if your baby is irritable and needs to go home.
9. Have a movie night
If your newborn drifts off to catch a few Z’s this could be a perfect opportunity to watch a movie, a luxury you probably took for granted before becoming a parent. Whether you’re enjoying a movie alone, with a partner or with the kiddos make sure to decide beforehand as there’s an overwhelming amount of choice these days! In honor of Parents Day you might want to select a movie that features families and celebrates relationships between parents and children. Load up on popcorn and snacks and make your space nice and cozy for the ultimate home movie experience.
10. Take a trip to the ice cream parlor
A simple yet classic summer activity. If Parents’ Day has spring upon you and you didn’t get a chance to organize anything then a quick trip to your favorite ice cream parlor just might be the perfect celebration this year. There’s nothing quite like some sweet and refreshing ice cream in the July heat.
Wishing all the mamas and papas out there an amazing Parents Day!
