Every year on September 16, we celebrate National Working Parents Day. This year, our celebration is a little different, as the majority of working parents are either 1) adapting to working from home while their kids adapt to learning from home or 2) juggling the tricky (and stressful) balance that is going into the office and helping their kids make the given adjustments in their school routine.

In any case, working parents today have a lot of extra weight on their shoulders. And there’s never been a better time to show the working parents in your life just how proud you are of them. Let’s brag about the working parents in our lives and also do what we can to make life a little easier on them today:  

1. Make them their favorite breakfast and morning beverage.

Help them start the day off on the right foot by making (or delivering) their favorite breakfast and morning beverage. I’m sure you’ve heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This argument is supported by many research-backed benefits, including:

  • Improved concentration
  • Better mood
  • Reduced stress

All of these benefits will help the working parents in your life start their day off right. So, consider whipping up some scrambled eggs over toast and brewing a hot pot of coffee. Or, if cooking for them isn’t an option, consider placing an order and having it delivered by DoorDash (or another food delivery service).

2. Tidy up their workspace.

This is a tip for those who live with working (from home) parents: Wait for them to go to bed or wake up early to tidy up their workspace. Give their desk a good wiping down, organize stray papers, and—here’s the best part—throw in something to show your appreciation. Write them a nice note or card that lets them know how proud you are. You could even write on a few sticky notes and put them on their monitor or another area of their workstation. Maybe you decide to sprinkle some confetti and tie a balloon to their chair, too! Don’t be afraid to step out of the box and go all out to show them just how much you care.

3. Be helpful.

Instead of asking them what you can do to help, take initiative. Most often, when we ask someone if there’s anything that we can do for them, they say no. They don’t want to feel like a burden. Your job today is to take some of that weight off their shoulders. So, take a moment to answer the question yourself: “What can I do to be helpful to them today?” Here are some simple, yet helpful actions to consider:

  • Take out the trash
  • Get the groceries for dinner
  • Ensure the pets are taken care of
  • Offer to help the young ones with school
  • Keep the young ones entertained while the parents relax

Do what you can to take the load off on National Working Parents Day. Allow them to enjoy some R&R (rest and relaxation).

4. Schedule a Zoom call and ensure all of the kids are in attendance!

National Working Parents Day is meant to honor those who work hard to provide for their family. This year, it’s even more important to acknowledge their hard work, as we are all living in particularly trying times. So, round up all of the kids to show the parents this important recognition (and anyone else you think should be there). If everyone doesn’t live in the same household, schedule a Zoom call. Either way, each individual can say a little bit about why they’re so proud and appreciative. This is sure to make the working parents in your life feel special.

5. Vow to continue to show your appreciation.

Perhaps one of the most meaningful actions you can take on National Working Parents Day is to make a promise—to yourself and to the working parents in your life— to continue to show your appreciation. This day reminds us that they deserve recognition, but today isn’t the only day they deserve recognition. They deserve your gratitude, your love, your appreciation, 24/7. So, vow to continue to show them just how appreciative you are of their hard work year-round.

2020 has introduced new challenges into everyone’s lives. Today, we acknowledge the new challenges that working parents face amid COVID-19, and we show them our appreciation for all that they do.