Okay, it’s a misleading headline. It’s one most commonly applied to military members being told to avoid telling the truth about their “preferences.”
And we’re not talking about chow hall choices.
Instead, I recommend this course of action on what is designated this Sunday, June 14th, as National Kids Day. If you’re the atypical parent, you would now ask, “Isn’t EVERY DAY kids day?” You would be the wiseguy parent with such a question.
You would be the unwise parent to ask your child/children if they were aware that Sunday is National Kids Day. Why? They will attempt to milk you dry for gifts, special activities, and food choices. Just let the day pass like any other. Unless you care to bring up that it’s also Flag Day.
Whose crazy idea was this? A churchman (of course) named Reverend Dr. Charles Leonard. He was first to establish Children’s Day in 1857 on the second Sunday of June. On that day, a special service was dedicated to and for children! They all received Gameboys after the service. (Ha!) Actually, several young ones were baptized!
In the ensuing years, National Kids Day has been celebrated on other days. In 1995, President Bill Clinton changed the date to October 8th and changed the name to National Children’s Day. Next, President George Bush proclaimed the first Sunday of June as National Children’s Day.
But…hold your smartphone! In 2009, Pat Quinn, the Governor of Illinois, proclaimed that National Children’s Day will be celebrated on the second Sunday of June every year! And, my friend, that’s how it came full circle.
What makes National Children’s Day noble? It promotes the importance of children in society. Supporters aim:
“to improve children’s welfare, invest in their future, and address mental and physical health issues they may be dealing with.”
Parents should spend time with their kids to help them “realize we really like them.”
Alas, the reality of wanting and loving children is on shifting sand. In March, New York Magazine told readers about three moms of young children who shared this sentiment: “I Regret Having Children.” Each talked about why they wish they could go back to their old lives.
One from Rhode Island said this,
“I gave up everything I liked about my life to make children fit into it.”
Pity her 6-year-old and 3-year-old kids growing up knowing this!
Another young mom from North Carolina was heading into the work world while being encouraged to start a family. Her pregnancy had some complications. After a time, she admitted,
“Everyone who wanted me to have a child—my husband, my family—knew they weren’t going to lose much, while my freedom and identity went down the toilet.”
A third woman who had a complicated pregnancy and delivery couldn’t make sense of motherhood. In time, she admitted,
“I’ve struggled with depression before, and this felt different. I wasn’t sad; I wasn’t angry; I didn’t feel like my life was worthless. It was just that I was stuck inside a role not meant for me.”
Not so for another woman named Mary who once had an unplanned pregnancy. An embarrassing one. Unmarried, yet betrothed—and still a virgin—she was told “by an angel” that she was going to have a “miracle baby” who would redeem mankind! Imagine sharing that story!
As reality sank in, these were some of Mary’s words,
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.” (Luke 1:47-51, NIV)
Quite a contrast, eh? How we view God and the value of a human life will shape our parenting.
King Solomon got it. He wrote about having little ones:
“Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;” (Psalm 127:5, NASB)
With that in mind, I’ll tell you who should celebrate National Children’s Day. Parents. Then love those little blessings with all your might.
Just don’t tell them what day it is!
