In 1994, Congress declared the fourth Sunday of July National Parents’ Day.

According to the Parents’ Day website, this day was established in order to “recognize outstanding parents, celebrate the teamwork in raising children, and support the role of parental guidance in building a strong, stable society.”

Each year, citizens can submit nominations for parents they feel deserve to be recognized on this day as Parents of the Year. Past recipients include incredible parents, such as Lowell and America Callahan, who have seven biological children and foster children with special needs; Rev. Lee and Minister Stasia Goodwin, who have three children and run a ministry in teaching and counseling; and Dr. Zulfiqar and Mrs. Tanvir Kazmi, who have two children and work alongside the United Nations to promote peacebuilding worldwide. 

These parents have some serious credentials and are certainly deserving of the recognition they’ve received, but I believe all parents deserve to be recognized and awarded for the work they do day in and day out.

Parenting is not for the faint of heart. So, for all parents out there who are anxious, losing sleep and hoping each day that they’re doing right, congratulations! I may not have the official authority…