September 16 is National Working Parents Day, a holiday that pays tribute to parents everywhere who work to provide for their families. And let’s be honest—every day should be a celebration of hard-working moms, dads, and legal guardians of all types.

Currently, around 61 percent of families with children have both parents working outside the home, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That increases to nearly 65% for families where the youngest child is at least six. We think it’s an amazing feat for those who have a job and still come home to help their loved ones with homework, cooking, and more.

And while 2020 has changed a lot (understatement of the century) for many families, a lot of those working parents are now doing so from home, and they may have added a few job titles along the way. Not only are parents employees; they’re also school teachers, cooks, cleaners, and all of the above nearly every day.

But we would be sorely remiss if we didn’t acknowledge stay-at-home parents, too. Even if you’re not part of a company or organization outside the household, being a parent is the most important job in the world (and not an easy one, by any means). Thank you for all you do.

HOW TO OBSERVE WORKING PARENTS DAY

Pay them back! And we don’t mean with money. Show them all the love and appreciation in the world for helping you, your kids, and everyone they care for.

Some quick ideas:

  • Make them breakfast. Try one of these easy to make recipes from our blog!
  • Do a chore that helps them. Take out the trash, walk the dog, do the dishes.
  • Do something that makes their day a little bit easier.
  • Ask them what they want to do today, and - no matter what it is and who it does or doesn’t include – help them make it happen.
  • Let them choose the TV, movie, or music you enjoy together.
  • Write them a thank you note—because you don’t have to buy Hallmark to let your parents know you appreciate them.

No matter what you do, just make sure you let your parent know you care. Just a simple “thanks” and a hug is sometimes all the payment they need to keep doing what they’re doing.

From all of us at Orgain: Thank you parents!