National Single Mothers Day
National Single Parents Day celebrates and honors single parents who are raising children on their own, recognizing their dedication, sacrifices, and resilience in managing both parental roles simultaneously.
Quick Facts
When is it: March 21st annually
Tagged as: Recognition Day
What’s the hashtag: #NationalSingleParentDay
When was it founded: 1984
Who founded it: Janice Moglen
History of Single Parents Day
The initiative began when Janice Moglen wrote an article proposing a day to honor single parents. She collaborated with Parents Without Partners to petition for official recognition. The date March 21st was chosen to coincide with the founding of Parents Without Partners in 1957. President Ronald Reagan made it official by signing Proclamation 5166 in 1984.
Timeline
- 1957: Parents Without Partners organization established
- 1984: First official National Single Parents Day declared
- 1984: President Reagan signs Proclamation 5166
- 2018: Single Parents Day launches in the UK
- 2022: Recognition expands to include single pet parents
Dates 2025-2030
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 21 | Friday |
| 2026 | March 21 | Saturday |
| 2027 | March 21 | Sunday |
| 2028 | March 21 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | March 21 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | March 21 | Thursday |
How It’s Observed
Communities across the nation come together to recognize single parents through various activities, including community events, support group meetings, and special recognition ceremonies. Many organizations offer support services and resources on this day.
Fun Facts About Single Parents Day
- Over 13.6 million single parents in the US are raising 21 million children
- 80% of single-parent households are led by mothers
- The day is celebrated differently across various countries
- Some communities include single pet parents in the celebration
Quiz
- When was the first National Single Parents Day celebrated?
- Who signed the proclamation making it official?
- What organization helped establish this day?
- What date is it celebrated annually?
-(Answers: 1984, President Ronald Reagan, Parents Without Partners, March 21)
FAQs
- Is it a federal holiday? No, but it’s nationally recognized
- Is it celebrated worldwide? While primarily observed in the US, other countries have similar observances
- Can anyone celebrate? Yes, it’s open to all who want to support single parents
Related Days
- Mother’s Day (Second Sunday in May)
- Father’s Day (Third Sunday in June)
- Parents’ Day (Fourth Sunday in July)
- Grandparents Day (First Sunday after Labor Day)
- International Single Parents Day (May 21)