The Celebration

The Global Day of Parents is a heartfelt occasion that shines a light on the vital role parents play in shaping not only the lives of their children but also the fabric of our society. Established by the United Nations in 2012, this global day is a tribute to the lifelong sacrifice and selfless commitment that parents make every single day. It reminds us that the full and harmonious development of children depends on the nurturing, supportive, and loving family environment that parents create.

By honoring parents on this special day, we recognize their critical role in fostering the well-being and happiness of their families. Parents serve as the foundation for social development and economic stability, guiding their children with wisdom and care. The Global Day of Parents is more than just a celebration—it is a call to appreciate the importance of nurturing relationships and to promote a culture where families remain strong, resilient, and filled with love. As we reflect on the significance of this day, let us remember to honor the efforts of parents everywhere, whose dedication ensures the growth and happiness of future generations.

A Home of Harmony

I wish everyone grew up in a home with harmony. As I look back on my parents’ relationship, my brother and I were fortunate to never see strife between the two of them. The harmony in our home shaped my childhood, providing a nurturing environment that allowed my personality to develop fully and positively. I know my words sound like a fairytale, but their marriage was just that for a few good reasons. If I were to give credit where credit is due, I would say my father’s nature was key. His philosophy was to take the high road. My mother’s spirit and curiosity about everything were also key factors. Their marriage was peaceful in its tone and they lived an exciting life. They were also lucky, as they had not one disaster to overcome.

My father was not a pushover because he chose to take the high road. He was a wise sage. My brother and I were born into this nurturing environment, which greatly influenced our outlook on life. My father’s steady-but-never-boring persona made it easy for my mom to adore him, eagerly want to please him and take care of him. And she did; my mother always put my father above everyone, including her children and herself.

Background on My Parents

A six-year age difference existed between the two of them. My mother was eighteen and my father twenty-four when they married.

Looking back on my parents’ relationship, their life was harmonious. They both brought excitement into their relationship. My mother was a fire. My father knew how to encourage her fire and, when necessary, help her douse the fires. On the other hand, my mother made my father’s life so very comfortable and exciting. They were true lovers.

My father was an excellent golfer. My mother learned to please my father and became a very good golfer as well. She was a curious woman. As a result, together they played bridge, took art classes, studied the great books, took dance lessons, played golf, traveled, and enjoyed a fabulous social life. These shared experiences were not only enjoyable but also served as opportunities for educating my brother and me, with our parents acting as our first teachers.

They were fortunate enough to not have tragedies in their lives. They remained healthy; my father was financially successful, had many friends, and gave back to our community. My mother kept a lovely home and kept close to her family, which gave my brother and me a sense of the importance of an extended family. They were a fun couple and had many many lovely friends. My brother and I were privileged to have parents with sound values and a stable home environment. Their approach to parenting provided us with valuable educational opportunities and played a key role in socializing us as children.

The Importance of Parental Love

Parental love is truly the heartbeat of a child’s world. It is through the unconditional love and nurturing of parents that children gain the confidence to explore, learn, and grow. This love is essential for the full and harmonious development of every child, providing a sense of security and belonging that lasts a lifetime. When children feel loved and supported, they are better equipped to form healthy relationships, face challenges with resilience, and develop a positive sense of self.

Moreover, the importance of parental love extends beyond the family—it plays a powerful role in promoting gender equality and breaking down barriers that might otherwise limit a child’s potential. When parents encourage their children to pursue their dreams, regardless of gender, they help create a more just and harmonious society. Parental love is the foundation upon which happiness, well-being, and personal development are built. By recognizing and celebrating this love, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a nurturing and supportive environment.

In Celebration of The Global Day of Parents

Today, June 1st is the Global Day of Parents. I am very aware of this day because my Ultimate Concierge is involved with the United Nations and I recall the day the name was proclaimed by the General Assembly of the UN in 2012. I have had the good fortune to spend time at the UN with my husband, attend meetings, partake in lunch in the UN Dining Room and meet many involved and interesting people. The Global Day of Parents raises awareness about the importance of family and parenting worldwide, highlighting the vital role parents play in society.

The purpose of the day is to appreciate all parents worldwide for their selfless commitment to their children. Parents serve as the foundation of strong communities and contribute to the well-being of society through their nurturing and support.

Since the 1980s, the role of parenting has come to the attention of the international community. Consequently, the General Assembly has adopted a number of resolutions. These resolutions emphasize the role of parents in the raising of their children. The family has the primary responsibility for nurturing and protection of their children, ensuring healthy lives and development. Their children should grow up in an environment of happiness, love, and understanding.

It is important to provide resources and support to parents to help them fulfill their roles and foster healthy relationships within families.

In 2015, world leaders adopted central goals to focus on ending poverty, promoting economic prosperity and family well-being by 2030. As part of their lifelong support, parents play a crucial role in ensuring educational opportunities for their children.

My Friends Across The World

In 2019 I was lucky to have spent time with friends in Moscow attending the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) Congress. My friends are from all over the world: the Philippines, Lebanon, Scotland, England, China, Bulgaria, France, Canada, USA, Italy, Taiwan, Malaysia, Japan, Columbia, India, Haiti, and of course, Russia. We are from a variety of countries with different cultures, yet we all want the same thing for our children: for them to value and respect us. Every person, regardless of background, recognizes the vital role that parents and caregivers play in shaping the next generation.

As a whole, we are all parents and grandparents who struggle with our children and grandchildren, given the influencers of the internet and socio-economic troubles. Parenting is a challenging job that requires dedication and resilience.

We talk frankly about our families and share information. We all strive to give our children a foundation of love and the skills to make wise decisions at an early age so they grow up to become responsible adults. Achieving gender equality in parenting roles is important, as it benefits families socially and helps create more balanced support systems. Fundamentally there is no difference between any of us because parenting has the same basic core values.

We are united by the shared goal of nurturing youth and preparing them to contribute positively to society.

A Russian Boy Named Filipp

I spent a day with Filipp, a young 21-year-old Russian boy. He is a videographer and photographer. I could have been his grandmother and yet he was so taken with me. I felt the same way about him, therefore we established an immediate friendship. He told me, “You are the first American I have met.” We walked the streets of Moscow, visited Red Square and the Kremlin, gazed in awe at the 260-year-old Bolshoi Theatre, visited St. Basil, walked through parks with beautiful gardens, and stood on a bridge overlooking the Moscow River. For five hours, we never stopped talking. Multigenerational relationships certainly work.

He told me about his parents, his sister, and his schooling. He shared how his dad inspired his creativity and his mum encouraged his dreams, both playing a significant role in his aspirations. He told me he would love to eventually study photography and film at USC or Northwestern, all the while taking photos and short videos. Meeting Filipp was a reminding moment of the universal longing for parental connection, whether through a dad, mum, or other caring figures. When we parted, he put me in an Uber and hugged me goodbye. About 40 minutes later, he phoned me saying, “I want to make sure you got home safe.”

I was undoubtedly touched by his call. We exchanged a WhatsApp message:

Fillip: “Thank you for all the advice and interesting stories. I’m glad to meet you Enjoy your time in Moscow!

Me: “I am so glad to meet you, too. I enjoyed our day. Thank you for everything. Keep in touch. I am interested in your life.”

The presence or absence of fathers can bring both joy and pain, shaping our experiences and the way we view family. So you see, darling, families raise their children in the same manner around the world. Most children honor their father and their mother. Love, honor, and respect should be the three key elements taught by parents at home so their children will love, honor, and respect themselves, their parents, and people they will meet along their traveled path of life. I often think of my own mum—she’s always been there to offer support, reminding me that family is defined by love and presence.

As we celebrate the Global Day of Parents, let us take a moment to reflect on the profound impact that parents have on our lives and the world around us. Their unwavering support, guidance, and love are the cornerstones of our well-being and happiness. Parents play a vital role in nurturing the next generation, shaping not only their children’s futures but also the future of society as a whole.

Let us honor the lifelong sacrifice and selfless commitment of parents everywhere, and strive to create family environments that foster full and harmonious development for all children. Whether through small acts of kindness or grand gestures of gratitude, let us show appreciation for the essential role parents serve in our lives. May we continue to promote family-oriented policies, encourage understanding, and celebrate the unconditional love that binds families together—today and every day.

How have your parents impacted the way you live your life now and the way you raise your children and grandchildren? Let’s discuss this in the comments at the bottom of this page. 

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