Do you Celebrate National Parents’ Day? What Is It, And Is It Really A Holiday We Celebrate In The United States?
When I was asked to write an article about National Parents’ Day, my first reaction was to ask, “What is it?” I have not heard about it. Do Hallmark and American Greetings Cards have cards available to exchange for persons wanting to celebrate this day? I am a subscriber to Jacquie Lawson Animated Greeting Cards and use her website to send cards and greetings to friends and relatives. Her list of holidays includes the following: New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, July 4th or Independence Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Parents’ Day was not included in her list of holidays.
What is a holiday? Webster’s New World Dictionary defines a “holiday” as follows: “A day of freedom from labor (work), often one set aside by law”. When we think of Christmas, we envision Christmas trees, festive lights, Christmas cards, and presents. When we think of Easter, we envision the Easter Bunny, Easter baskets, colored eggs, and Easter cards. … Read More... “Parents’ Day: Have You Heard About National Parents’ Day”
Now that the United States Supreme Court has deemed the refusal of states to allow same sex marriages unconstitutional, 
Memorial Day, Labor Day and 4th of July are holidays that celebrate different aspects of American culture. Memorial Day honors those who fought to defend our principles and ideals, Labor Day honors our work ethic, and 4th of July honors our fight for independence. We don’t consider them “big holidays.” They are, for most of us, times to be outdoors, watch some fireworks, and eat lots of good food. They also give us an extended weekend.
Generally speaking, we as a society tend to be of the mindset that if you decide to have a child, then you should be the one to take care of it…period. In reality, however, the issue is not so cut and dry. Different circumstances and factors come into play which, in the end, can alter who ultimately provides for a child. Take, for example, adoption. While the adoptive parent is not the natural, he or she ultimately chooses to become the child’s caregiver and supporter. What should happen though, in a case where a person is not the biological parent and does not necessarily choose to be financially responsible for a child, as is often the case with step-parents? When a person with children from a previous relationship remarries, should the new step-parent be on the hook for child support even when their new spouse is not the primary caregiver?
About 20 percent of women don’t have children, a rate twice as high as the 1970s according to the Pew Research Center. For some, the decision is due to life circumstances or medical problems. For about 10 percent of women, it is a purposeful choice reflective of their values, lifestyles and interests.
A few months ago when I read the novel The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd, I had no idea that it would include a sentiment that was so wise that I would be inspired to share it. The main character in the book is struggling with a decision that will impact her for the rest of her life. “Choose the regret you can most live with” is the powerful advice she receives.
In the past, we’ve written multiple articles relating to social media. I have linked to some of them at the end of this article. Now, I would like to focus on an issue that may evolve during a marriage and can expand exponentially after a divorce; social media disputes between couples. This type of ugly dispute has led many in the legal world to conclude that some couples need a “social media clause” in their prenuptial agreement (s).