MPA Celebrates the Global Day of Parents – 1 June

The Global Day of Parents was designated by the General Assembly in 2012,  as an opportunity to appreciate all parents for their “selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship.”

Highlighting the important role of parents raising children, the Global Day of Parents recognises that the family has the primary responsibility for the nurturing and protection of children. To ensure children have a full and balanced development, they should grow up in a family environment which is full of happiness, love and understanding. Families, parents and caregivers play a vital role in the well-being and development of children. They offer identity, love, care and protection to children and adolescents as well as economic security and stability. In keeping with the spirit of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, family and parenting support is increasingly recognised as an important part of national social policies and social investment packages aimed at reducing poverty, decreasing inequality and promoting positive parental and child well-being.

As the world evolves so do the approaches to parenting.

Each year on 1 June, we come together to honour the invaluable role parents have in nurturing and shaping the next generation. This special occasion, known as the Global Day of Parents serves as a reminder of the significance of parental guidance and support in the development of children worldwide.

In 2024, the Global Day of Parents has an exciting theme: “The Promise of Playful Parenting”. This theme encapsulates the essence of fostering joy, creativity and connecting within the parent-child relationship through the power of play. In a world which is often characterised by the hustle and bustle, taking the time to engage in playful interactions with our children is not just a luxury, but a vital component of their development. Playful parenting encompasses a spectrum of activities, from imaginative storytelling and adventures, to spontaneous dance parties and collaborative art projects. It transcends the boundaries of age, culture, and socioeconomic status, offering a universal language through which parents can communicate love, support, and understanding to their children.

Playful parenting can serve as a powerful tool for teaching essential life lessons and skills in a fun, engaging way. Through play, children can learn valuable lessons about problem-solving, cooperation and emotional regulation. This can expand into broader contexts by fostering creativity and innovation,  nurturing a new generation of creatives, thinkers and changemakers who will shape the future of our world.

Sometimes, we need to take time from the hustle and bustle and remember to find the joy and fun. It is during these moments that we reconnect and become fully present. So, on this day let us embrace the promise of playful parenting. Happy Global Day of Parents.

Mandy Feighery
D & I Officer

Resources
Global Day of Parents | United Nations
GLOBAL DAY OF PARENTS – June 1, 2024 – National Today

For more information or to join our Family Employee Network group please contact:

Helen Choudhury
Head of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
[email protected]