
By Jeanni Ritchie
I found it fitting to open an email detailing the origins of National Kids Day while sitting in the Play Area of McDonald’s with my grandson. Seated nearby was grandma Melissa Normand with her grandson Elias Weston. The boys played together while we talked about the importance of kids being kids.
Sometimes kids have to grow up way too fast.
National Kids Day is celebrated every year on the second Sunday of June in the U.S. This year, it will fall on June 9. This day addresses the importance of children in society and the numerous challenges that some still face in different aspects of their lives. This observation aims to improve children’s welfare, invest in their future, and address mental and physical health issues they may be dealing with. The day also reminds otherwise busy parents to spend time with their kids and makes them realize the importance of spending some precious moments.
TIMELINE
1857: Children’s Day begins when Reverend Dr. Charles Leonard holds a special service for children in Massachusetts
1925: International Children’s Day is first observed in Geneva during the World Conference on Child Welfare
1959: UN General Assembly adopts the Declaration of the Rights of the Child
2009: After many date changes, Children’s Day is moved to the second Sunday in June where it has been held annually since
So grab a special kid in your life this Sunday and let them know how special they are in this world by celebrating with one of these National Kids Day activities or creating one of your own. Share your photos and tell us how you celebrated here!
NATIONAL KIDS DAY ACTIVITIES
•Spend time with your kids
Devote the day to enjoying fun activities with your kids. Plan a picnic with the family or have a wholesome day at home where you paint, sing, play, and dance together.
•Raise awareness
Share information about the day, what it stands for, and news about events on your social media accounts so more people can learn and get involved. There are a lot of children in the U.S. and around the world going through tough times who could use a hand.
•A blast from the past
Relive the good old days by listening to your favorite music and watching all the movies you enjoyed growing up. You could also get in touch with your old friends and have a great time catching up.
Jeanni Ritchie is a Louisiana journalist who will likely be found on a playground with her grandkids or watching Brady Bunch reruns this Sunday. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.