Family/Families - EYFS/Early Years activities, displays and ideas
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Core ‘Families’ topic resources
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Related special dates - Grandparents’ Day, Siblings Day, International Day of Families, Global Day of Parents, National Cousins Day (Scroll down to find out more)
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Core ‘Families’ topic resources
Core topics/Areas related to ‘Families’
Additional Related pages…
Related Special Dates
Grandparents’ Day
Grandparents' Day is a special day dedicated to honouring and appreciating the contributions of grandparents in families and society. Celebrated on different dates in various countries, it typically recognises the role grandparents play in passing down wisdom, traditions, and values to younger generations.
Objectives of Grandparents' Day:
Honour Grandparents: Acknowledge the importance of grandparents in family life, including their contributions as caregivers, teachers, and sources of emotional support.
Strengthen Intergenerational Bonds: Encourage younger generations to spend time with and learn from their grandparents, fostering closer family ties.
Promote Family Values: Highlight the importance of family connections, traditions, and the role of elders in passing down cultural and familial heritage.
Many families celebrate the day by spending time together, organising special meals, giving gifts or cards, and participating in community events. Schools and other organisations may host activities like intergenerational storytelling or visits to senior homes to celebrate the elderly.
The observance of Grandparents' Day varies worldwide; for example, it is celebrated on the first Sunday in October in the UK, while other countries may have different dates but share the same focus of honouring older generations.
Siblings Day
Siblings Day is an annual celebration that honours the bond between siblings, recognising the love, support, and special connection shared between brothers and sisters.
Key Facts About Siblings Day
📅 Date: April 10th (celebrated mainly in the USA, Canada, and some other countries).
🌍 Not a public holiday, but widely observed on social media and through personal celebrations.
🎯 Purpose:
Appreciate and strengthen sibling relationships.
Recognise the role siblings play in each other’s lives.
Reflect on childhood memories and family bonds.
How is Siblings Day Celebrated?
💌 Sending messages & gifts – Cards, flowers, or small presents.
📞 Calling or visiting – Spending time together or reminiscing.
📸 Sharing memories on social media – Using hashtags like #SiblingsDay or #NationalSiblingsDay.
🍽️ Family meals or outings – Celebrating together.
🎁 Surprising siblings with something meaningful – A thoughtful act of kindness.
Who Started Siblings Day?
Siblings Day was founded by Claudia Evart in 1995 in the United States in memory of her siblings, whom she lost at a young age. The Siblings Day Foundation promotes it, and efforts have been made to make it an official national holiday.
Is Siblings Day Celebrated Worldwide?
🌎 USA & Canada – April 10th.
🇮🇳 India – Raksha Bandhan (a Hindu festival celebrating sibling bonds).
🇪🇸 Spain & Portugal – Día de los Hermanos (celebrated on May 31st).
Brothers and Sisters Day (May 31st) – Celebrated in some European countries
Other countries have their own versions of sibling appreciation days.
International Day of Families
International Day of Families is observed annually on 15th May in the UK and worldwide. Established by the United Nations in 1993, this day highlights the significance of families as the fundamental units of society and raises awareness about the social, economic, and demographic challenges they face globally. United Nations
Purpose and Significance
The day serves to:
Promote awareness of issues affecting families, such as poverty, education, and health care.
Recognise the diversity of family structures and the evolving nature of family life.
Encourage policies and programs that support family well-being and social development.
Each year, the UN selects a theme to focus on specific aspects of family life. For instance, the 2024 theme was "Families and Climate Change", emphasising the impact of environmental issues on family dynamics.
Observance in the UK
In the UK, International Day of Families is marked by various activities, including:
Educational Initiatives: Schools and educational institutions often engage students with lessons and projects that explore family diversity and the importance of familial support systems.
Community Events: Local organisations and community centres may host workshops, seminars, and family-oriented events to foster community spirit and discuss family-related issues.
Media Campaigns: Awareness campaigns through various media channels aim to highlight the day's significance and encourage public discourse on family matters.
Ways to Participate
Individuals and families can observe the day by:
Spending Quality Time: Engage in activities that strengthen family bonds, such as shared meals, outings, or game nights.
Community Involvement: Participate in local events or volunteer for organisations that support families in need.
Educational Activities: Learn about different family structures and cultures to foster inclusivity and understanding.
For more information and resources, you can visit the United Nations' official page on International Day of Families.
Global Day of Parents
Global Day of Parents is an annual observance celebrated on 1st June in the UK and worldwide, dedicated to honouring parents and recognising their vital role in nurturing and raising children. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, this day acknowledges the selfless commitment and lifelong sacrifices parents make for their families.
Purpose and Significance
The day emphasises the importance of parental guidance, support, and love in the healthy development and well-being of children. It serves as an opportunity to appreciate all parents for their dedication and to promote family-oriented policies that support their role in society.
Observance in the UK
In the UK, Global Day of Parents is recognised as part of the broader effort to support families and caregivers. While it may not involve large-scale public events, various organisations and communities may host activities or campaigns to highlight the importance of parenting and family support systems.
Ways to Celebrate
Individuals and communities can observe Global Day of Parents through various activities:
Express Gratitude: Take time to thank parents or parental figures for their contributions.
Family Activities: Engage in family-oriented activities that strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.
Support Parental Initiatives: Participate in or donate to organisations that provide resources and support to parents, especially those facing challenges.
Educational Engagement: Use the day to educate children about the roles and responsibilities of parents and the importance of family.
For more information and resources, you can visit the United Nations Global Day of Parents page.
National Cousins Day
National Cousins Day is celebrated annually on July 24th. It's a light-hearted, unofficial holiday that recognises the special bond between cousins — the unique blend of family and friendship.
Purpose and Significance
Cousins often grow up together, share family memories, and can feel like siblings or lifelong friends. National Cousins Day offers an opportunity to:
Reconnect with cousins
Share stories and family history
Celebrate family ties that span generations
How People Celebrate
Reach out: Call, text, or video chat with your cousins
Social media shoutouts: Share old photos and memories using hashtags like #NationalCousinsDay
Family get-togethers: Plan a reunion, picnic, or virtual gathering
Memory sharing: Reminisce about childhood experiences or make new memories together
UK Celebration
While National Cousins Day is more commonly observed in the United States, people in the UK and other countries also enjoy marking the day informally through social media and family gatherings.
It's not a public holiday, but it’s a great reminder to celebrate the extended family connections that help shape who we are.
FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS…
