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African American family smiling to the camera, portrait

Source: Johnny Greig / Getty

On September 16th, National Working Parents Day honors the working parent. The day pays tribute to those parents who work to provide for their family.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 61 percent of families with children have both parents working outside the home. That number increases to nearly 65 percent for families when the youngest child is at least six years old. However, if the youngest child is under six years old, that number drops to approximately 56 percent.

Working parents face a range of challenges. While juggling daycare and schedules top the list, they also struggle to find time with each other and their children. It’s often a balancing act that requires excellent communication skills, patience, and lots of love.

Often, working parents feel divided between home and work. Many times, parents work opposite schedules, so there’s always a parent home with kids. As a result, the adults rarely spend any time alone. Like many other working parents, they’re always on the go. Everyone has their responsibilities. Each takes turns staying home if one of the children becomes sick. School activities and other events are carefully orchestrated.

Precious family meals, bedtime stories, family movie nights, and vacations become highlights. These are the moments where working parents receive their rewards.

HOW TO OBSERVE #WorkingParentsDay

A parent’s work is never done.  Working parents, pat yourself on the back. Spend some time with your children. Before long, they’ll be grown. Your hard work will be done. For now, celebrate your tenacity and perseverance. Be sure to remember all the work parents do and use #WorkingParentsDay to share on social media.

NATIONAL WORKING PARENTS DAY HISTORY

National Day Calendar continues to research the history and source of National Working Parents Day.