National Family Day

National Family Day is celebrated on the fourth Monday in September every year. This year it falls on September 28th. This holiday encourages families to spend quality time together. There is an emphasis on families being able to enjoy at least one meal together and being able to talk about their day with one another. This is a great way to get closer to family and show support to all family members.

History

National Family Day began in the year 2001 and was created by the National Center on Addiction. This day was created to reduce substance abuse for adolescents. According to the National Center on Addition, families who eat three or more meals together a week are shown to have adolescents with reduced use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs as well. Not only that, but it also allows parents and their children to bond when talking about their day over a meal. With conversations flowing over dinner, it is a great way of building relationships and growing trust between parents and their children. It is important to let children know that they have someone to talk to and go to when they need. Incorporating family meals allows for children and adolescents to express themselves and share their feelings on a regular basis.

An additional bonus to taking part in this day is that it encourages kids to help in the kitchen. Whether that be helping set the table, reading recipes or helping mix things together, there is so much that can be learned during this time. Cooking is an important skill to have as they get older and this is a good step in the door for that.

There is no “right” way to celebrate this day. Every family can take part in this day in their own way. There are so many different activities that you could do in addition to enjoying a meal together. Go for a walk, play a game, watch a movie, or even just plan a day together where everyone spends time together and does something that everyone enjoys. This can look different for every family, there are no rules.

National Family Day is here to remind families about incorporating family activities and meals throughout the week. There are so many benefits of spending quality time with your family. This day also reminds parents about the importance of building relationships with their kids at an early age and how this quality time together can build strong bonds and trust between them.

Author: Samantha Potocnik
Samantha is an intern at EVOLVE and a student at the University of Wisconsin River Falls.

Resources:
National Day Calendar
Calendarr.com