National Family Civility Day

The National Family Civility Day is observed annually on November 15, offering a moment to recognize and celebrate families of all kinds who strive for mutual respect, kindness, and support.

History of National Family Civility Day

This day was established in 2019 by Family Civility Institute founder Dr. Rebecca Harper as a way to honour not only traditional families but also blended families, chosen families, families with disabilities, single-parent households and more.
The initiative emphasises that family-life and familial bonds take many forms, and that civility—meaning respect, understanding and kindness—is a key foundation for healthy relationships, both within the home and in the broader community.

Why is National Family Civility Day important?

Families often form the core of our identities, providing support, belonging, and growth. By dedicating a day to civility within families, this observance invites attention to how respect, compassion, and open communication help strengthen those core relationships.
In many societies, change in family structures—such as increasing solo-parent households, blended families, and diverse living arrangements—means the traditional notion of “family” has expanded. Recognizing civility across all types of families helps affirm that no matter the structure, values like mutual respect and kindness matter.

• It celebrates the diversity of family types and affirms that each deserves respect.
• It reminds family members to communicate kindly and listen with empathy.
• It helps reduce isolation by recognizing that chosen or non-traditional families are valid.
• It encourages practices of support and caring behavior inside homes.
• It promotes a culture of civility and connection that extends beyond the family into communities.

How to Observe National Family Civility Day

A meaningful way to honor the day is by gathering the people you consider family—however that may be—and engaging in an activity that fosters connection and civility, such as a shared meal where each person speaks about what they appreciate in the others. The focus is on creating an atmosphere of respect and gratitude.
Another way is to reach out to family-members you don’t often connect with, express understanding and kindness, and possibly initiate a dialogue about how you can support each other. Extending civility outward—from self to family to community—is part of the spirit.

• Plan a family dinner or video-call where each person shares one thing they appreciate about another.
• Write a note or card to a family-member (or chosen family-member) expressing gratitude.
• Set aside time for an activity together—walk, game night, craft—that emphasizes fun and cooperation.
• Discuss and agree on one way your family can support each other better (e.g., listen more, help more).
• Use social media to share a positive family memory or moment of civility, tagging with #FamilyCivilityDay.

National Family Civility Day Dates Table