Hey there, tired but amazing parent. If you’re reading this with a baby in one arm and a half-drunk coffee in the other, we see you. And that’s exactly what Parents Day is all about: making parents feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
While Mother’s Day and Father’s Day often take the spotlight, National Parents Day, which is celebrated every fourth Sunday of July, is a beautiful reminder to honor both parents and caregivers who are deep in the daily work of raising children.
And if you’re a new parent yourself, it’s the perfect time to show some love to the people who raised you: your own parents, in-laws, or chosen family, who helped shape the kind, capable, sleep-deprived caregiver you are today.
Whether you’re parenting solo, partnered, or in a team of many, it’s your day too.
A little history behind National Parents Day
Unlike Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, which have been celebrated for over a century, National Parents Day is a more recent addition. It was officially established in 1994 when President Bill Clinton signed a congressional resolution designating the fourth Sunday of July as a day to recognize, honor, and uplift parents for their dedication to raising children and strengthening families.
This resolution also led to the creation of the National Parents’ Day Council, which annually honors Outstanding Parents of the Year who exemplify devotion to their families and communities.
Though it may fly a little more under the radar than other parenting holidays, National Parents Day carries real heart and purpose, and is well worth celebrating.
Here are 10 thoughtful ways to celebrate Parents Day 2025 and remind someone (or yourself!) that what they’re doing truly matters.
1. Write a “thank you for the invisible work” note
Forget flowers and store-bought cards. Just a sticky note or a message that says, Thanks for always restocking the wipes or I see how hard you try to make bedtime gentle. Small words. Big impact.
2. Create a “morning off” coupon
Sleep in. No diaper duty. No dishes. Just an hour (or two!) of uninterrupted “me” time. Print it, draw it, scribble it on a napkin, it still counts.
3. Share a ‘proud parent’ win
We often highlight baby’s milestones, but what about yours? Post, text, or journal something like I stayed calm during a car seat meltdown or managed bedtime solo and didn’t cry (much). That’s growth.
4. Celebrate the grandparents who raised you
New parents, this is your cue: honor your own parents for raising a whole new generation of parents. A heartfelt message, a thanks for showing me how, or a call to say I get it now can mean everything.
5. Make a no-dish meal plan
Whether ordering takeout, eating off paper plates, or a no-cook picnic in the living room, let one meal on Parents Day be easy, mess-free, and shared.
Did you know?
National Parents Day was signed into law in 1994, making it younger than Friends, The Lion King, and Amazon.com. Yet it honors one of the oldest jobs in the world: parenting.
6. Create a mini photo reel of your parenting moments
First giggles, sleepy cuddles, the we-survived-this-day selfies, put them into a reel, slideshow, or even a shared album. Parenting goes by fast. A quick rewind can be soul-soothing.
7. Set up a parent wins jar
Each week, drop in little notes of what you did well, Got baby to nap without bouncing, Didn’t Google weird rash symptoms at 2 a.m. Open the jar on Parents Day and feel the realness and resilience.
8. Nominate someone for “National Parents of the Year”
It’s a real thing! The National Parents’ Day Council honors outstanding parents who uplift their families and communities. Know someone incredible? Nominate them. Who knows, you might just make their year.
9. Take 15 minutes to do nothing together
No chores. No baby gear assembly. Just sit, snack, snuggle, or stream your favorite show. Spending quality time, even a short pocket of it, recharges more than we realize.
10. Say ‘You’re doing great’ Out loud.
To your partner. To your parent-friends. To yourself. Especially to yourself.
Conclusion
Parents Day 2025 is on Sunday, July 27. And it’s not about extravagant gifts or fancy brunches (though hey, we’ll take both). It’s about seeing the hard work, the sleepless nights, the fierce love, and the quiet resilience that goes into raising children.
It’s about uplifting and supporting parents, old, new, and everywhere in between.
So whether you’re celebrating your parents, your partner, your co-parenting crew, or yourself, pause, appreciate, and remember:
You are doing an incredible job.
