National Mom’s and Dad’s Day

National Mom’s and Dad’s Day is observed annually on November 13. It’s a special day designed to celebrate both mothers and fathers together—recognizing the partnership of “Mom and Dad” as a family team rather than focusing solely on one or the other.

History of National Mom’s and Dad’s Day

The day originated as a lesser-known observance meant to spotlight the combined efforts of both parents working together in raising a family.
While it’s not an official federal holiday, nor as widely recognized as Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, it appears in several alternative holiday calendars as an opportunity to appreciate both parents equally and simultaneously. It’s a moment for families to acknowledge the shared dedication, teamwork, and love that parenting involves.

Why is National Mom’s and Dad’s Day important?

On this day I like to reflect on how parenting is rarely a solo job—it’s often a shared journey with many visible and invisible contributions from both parents. Celebrating both together invites us to recognize the synergy, support, negotiation, and shared responsibilities that go into raising children and sustaining a family.
It also serves as a reminder that family structures vary: some households are led by a single parent, some by grandparents, step-parents or other guardians. The spirit of the day encourages us to honor the partnership, teamwork or collective effort behind parenting and caregiving—acknowledging that while mothers and fathers have their unique roles, the “team” aspect matters deeply.

• It honors both parents together rather than elevating one over the other
• It draws attention to the collaborative nature of parenting and caregiving
• It supports appreciation of what both mothers and fathers (or parental figures) contribute
• It encourages families to celebrate each other, reflect on their journey and strengthen connections
• It provides a moment to extend gratitude beyond a single parent role—to the shared home, responsibility and love

How to Celebrate National Mom’s and Dad’s Day

You don’t need an elaborate gesture, just intention and time. Consider arranging a small family activity where Mom and Dad can be together, perhaps a shared dinner, a walk, or a photo memory-sharing session. It could also be a meaningful moment of thanks: children writing or saying what they appreciate about both parents working as a team.
If one or both parents are no longer present or are absent in traditional roles, the day still holds value: honor the parental figures who supported or raised you—step-parents, grandparents, guardians—and recognize their collective contribution.

• Invite both Mom and Dad (or your parental team) for a shared outing, meal or quality time together
• Ask each parent what they enjoy doing as a “team” and participate in that activity
• Write a joint note or collect memories that illustrate how both parents partnered in raising the family
• Share a family photo or story with a message acknowledging the “Mom & Dad Team”
• If you are a parent yourself, use the day to reflect on how you partner with your co-parent, guardian or team and plan one small gesture of collaboration or thanks

National Mom’s and Dad’s Day Dates Table