Why August is a Special Month for Families

August is often called the “Sunday of summer.” This is because Sundays mark the end of a long weekend; it’s the day when we need to prepare for school, work, or the productive routines that take up most of our weekdays. In other words, Sunday–and August–can feel like a bummer…but it doesn’t have to be one.

Why?

One word: family.

August has its fair share of special holidays reminding us of family’s importance and to have fun together! In fact, you’d be surprised at how many holidays there are, making August the perfect month to celebrate your family in more ways than one.

Life gets so busy these days, and sometimes it may feel like we see colleagues more often than our children–but that doesn’t have to be the case! Before you know it, you’ll find yourself saying, “Even when I foster, the kids grow up so fast!”

Take the initiative by putting aside the extra time to partake in activities where everyone will have fun. What’s more, spoil the kids, get to know each other more, try something new together, and strengthen your bonds.

Here’s what makes August a particular month for families and how you can celebrate yours:

American Family Day – August 7

American Family Day encourages you to show more appreciation towards your family members–especially the kids. As a Resource Parent who started the journey through Riverside foster care, you’ve given your child a home where they can heal, experience safety and love, and thrive in an environment with their best interests at heart. Ask yourself, “What does it mean to have a family?”. The definition will be different for everyone. After you determine that answer, express that through love and deliberate action!

National Sisters Day – August 7

Are you taking care of the girls? Make an effort to make today a girls’ day, too! What do the sisters in your family enjoy? Talking walks by the ocean, reading all day, skateboarding? This is a day dedicated to strengthening and empowering the bonds of sisterhood that will last a lifetime.

Exercise with Your Child Week – August 7-14

It’s safe to say that anyone could always use more exercise–even if it’s only 30 minutes a day! We’re all spending majority of time sitting. Ironically, the less we do, the more tired we become. That’s why, no matter your occupation, get that heart pumping! Choose a family activity that encourages everyone to soak up the sun, breathe fresh air, and take in the great outdoors. A healthy family is a happy family, after all. While you’re on that active note, this is a perfect excuse to sneak in healthy eating habits like upping dinner portions on fruits and vegetables!

National Son and Daughter Day – August 11

Here’s to our sons and daughters! If you have these two particular kids bringing joy into your life, allow them to choose an activity they specifically love that the whole family can partake in. This is an opportunity to get to know them both more deeply. It’s easy to forget that each person is equally complex in their unique way, and they can always surprise us. So invite your son and daughter to take the spotlight and share more about themselves.

National Middle Child Day – August 12

Are you taking care of a middle child in the family? In every family, whether everyone is related by blood or not, it’s common for the middle child to feel unseen and left out. National Middle Child day gives you the chance to make them feel special. Sure, choosing an activity–like mentioned earlier–would be fun for the family, but today is a chance to remind you that everyone feels special in different ways. Encourage your middle child to talk about what makes them feel seen and acknowledged–and as the parent, follow through with making sure that happens! Learning this fact about them allows you to practice the same action with everyone in your life.

For every August in the years moving, you can now turn the “Sunday of Summer” into one of the most memorable, fun, and meaningful months for your family. Everyone gets their chance in the spotlight, bonds can be strengthened, and many meaningful memories–speaking of, remember to take pictures and videos, too!

When you look back on your life, you want to say that you made the most of the time you had with your family. Although August is one of the best months dedicated to family, it reminds you that every month afterward can be the same too. The people we love aren’t here forever, so we should prioritize them.