Parents’ Day in the United States is recognized on the fourth Sunday of July each year. We are encouraged to celebrate the important roles that parental figures play in children’s lives. Parents’ Day can be found at Title 36 § 135 in the United States Code. Officially speaking:

All private citizens, organizations, and Federal, State, and local governmental and legislative entities are encouraged to recognize Parents’ Day through proclamations, activities, and educational efforts in furtherance of recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in bringing up their children.

Sounds very politically correct doesn’t it?  But, tell that to those parents who habitually and continually get jerked around by their child’s other parent.  Far too many parents are intentionally alienated from their children with little help from the courts. Often, this sickness manifests itself during separation and divorce; Parental Warfare. But, on Parents’ Day, parents, children and positive parental figures all come together with special tributes and affairs with the blessing of the United States Government; it all sounds so wonderful, but simply isn’t happening in practice.

While we are honoring all of the parents and parental figures, let us not forget the plight of scores of forgotten and disrespected parents. Parental alienation is real and it is responsible for a great deal of society’s dysfunction and resulting negative consequences. Perhaps there should be a special day recognizing the plight of these parents and trying to correct the fact that so many children grow up without the benefit of one of their parents. Often the children are alienated from the target parent’s whole side of the family as well. It is just not right on so many levels. Maybe there should be something in the law about holding those responsible for fostering and promoting parental alienation. It is time to hold these selfish people legally accountable since they appear unmoved by moral or parental reason. We need to emphasize the importance of positive parenting and respective both parents when it comes to the children.

The two extremes are parental alienation and child centered divorce. In a child centered divorce the children’s needs are of paramount concern and are respected and protected. It is interesting to note that Parents’ Day falls toward the end of the National Child-Centered Divorce month. Yes, thanks to Rosalind Sedacca, July is officially Child Centered Divorce month. Sedacca is a Parenting and Divorce Coach and the author of the acclaimed book, How Do I Tell the Kids About the Divorce? A Create a Story Book Guide to Preparing Your Children With Love. Many of her articles can be found at the Divorce Without Dishonor ® Blog.

On July 26, 2009, Parents’ Day, what will you remember to think about and what will you “celebrate.” Even though the day of observance is called Parents’ Day it should be about the children. When is Children’s Day you ask? ———– October 8th is Children’s Day.

Filed under: Positive Parenting | Tagged: emotional abuse, hap, hostile aggressive parenting, pa, parental alienation, parental interference, parental rights, parental warfare, pas