Let us appreciate all parents throughout the World

Ranjan K Baruah *

We are alive because of our parents; we learn and grow because of our parents. Parents and especially mothers play the role which cannot be replaced by any other. We must appreciate all parents throughout the world.

Since the 1980s, the important role of the family has increasingly come to the attention of the international community. The United Nations General Assembly adopted a number of resolutions and proclaimed the International Year of the Family and the International Day of Families.

We are aware that families, parents and caregivers play a central role in child well-being and development. They offer identity, love, care, provision and protection to children and adolescents as well as economic security and stability.

In keeping with the spirit of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, family and parenting support is increasingly recognized as an important part of national social policies and social investment packages aimed at reducing poverty, decreasing inequality and promoting positive parental and child well-being.

Emphasizing the critical role of parents in the rearing of children, the Global Day of Parents which is organised on 1st June around the world recognizes that the family has the primary responsibility for the nurturing and protection of children.

For the full and harmonious development of their personality, children should grow up in a family environment and in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding. In 2012, the General Assembly proclaimed 1 June as the Global Day of Parents, to be observed annually in honour of parents throughout the world.

There is no shadow of doubt that parents and caregivers are the chief architects of early childhood development. Like no one else, they shape the experiences that build their children’s brains and set them on a path towards healthy development.

Parenting – whether it’s taken on by a mother, a father, a grandparent, sibling or another relative, or another adult – is the job of providing nurturing care throughout childhood, preparing children to live in society, form relationships, learn, work and thrive.

In early childhood, parenting offers the opportunity to set a foundation for lifelong success. Parents and caregivers are entrusted with nourishing growing bodies as well as developing brains.

It’s a multifaceted, time-sensitive and ever-evolving job, in which each element – from proper feeding and health checkups to singing and playing, from cuddling and creating stable routines to protecting children from harm – is indispensable for babies and young children to not just survive, but reach their full potential and thrive.

Providing nurturing care takes time, resources and services. But these essential ingredients are in short supply for many parents and caregivers around the world, who contend with poverty, deprivation, conflict and other crises; lack access to quality services; or are stretched thin as a result of poor mental health, stress or the struggle to balance family life and work responsibilities.

Parents and caregivers from the most vulnerable communities and those living in humanitarian contexts are bearing the greatest burdens, while many more are left feeling overwhelmed and alone. Parents who are struggling with poverty face more challenges every day even for their basic needs.

Families remain at the centre of social life, ensuring the well-being of their members, educating and socializing children and youth and caring for the young and old. In particular, family-oriented policies can contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals relating to doing away with poverty and hunger; ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages; ensuring educational opportunities throughout the lifespan and achieving gender equality.

The contributions of parents are always uncountable and they work all day and night for their children. Parents can shape the careers and future of their children in a participatory way to achieve sustainable development. Let us all appreciate parents throughout the world for their contribution for a sustainable future.


(With direct inputs from UN publication )