National Kid's Day

WHAT DOES IT TAKE to establish one particular day as a holiday? Originally a holiday was a "holy day." It was a day established by a particular religion for the recognition of a particular event. There are Christian holidays, Jewish holidays, Muslim holidays, Hindu holidays and more.

Then there are holidays that are secular holidays that are not really holy but are recognized by a government or its people. Internationally we have Valentine's Day, Labor Day, Mother's Day and Father's Day. And we mustn't forget the special holidays like April Fools Day, Friendship Day, and Mole Day. (I'm not making that up!)

With the timing of this article I know you think I am going to focus on Valentine's Day. Actually, I wanted to talk about a holiday that is not on the books now, but it should be.

In May we celebrate Mother's Day. In June we celebrate Father's Day. Any parent who has enjoyed one of these special days has had a similar conversation with their children. That conversation goes like this:

"Mom, why do we have to go eat at Buffalo Wild Wings?"

"Because it is Father's Day sweetie."

"But he doesn't ever like to go to Chic-Fil-A on Father's Day. That Buffalo place doesn't have a play place."

"But sweetie, it is Father's Day and on Father's Day we go where Daddy wants to go for lunch. Besides, Chic-Fil-A is closed on Sundays."

And the response is always... "When do we get to have a kid's day?"

And the response is always... "Why sweetie, everyday is a kid's day."

If you are a parent you know you have said it - or at least thought it. But I propose we actually do something about it. I propose a national Kids Day. However, the Kids Day has a unique set of rules:
1. National Kids Day requires no gifts be given. None. You cannot celebrate the day with a present and then think your obligations are over.
2. National Kids Day is dedicated to spending time with your children doing the things they want to do.
3. National Kids Day requires programming on television be tuned to kid's shows. (And the kids get to yell at you if your head is blocking the screen!)

Quite simply that is it. Take the day and spend it coloring, making crafts, enjoying a nature walk, or going to the park. Your kids should look forward to this day every year as a day they can spend some quality time with you, the parent. Days with our children are precious and few. You both will remember those special days for the rest of your life.

National Kids Day will be a reoccurring holiday that will take place the third Sunday in February each year. This way it will not conflict with Valentine's Day and Super Sunday. (Or hunting season in Mississippi)

I had originally thought of celebrating Kids Day in October but I wouldn't dare think of interfering with Mole Day!