Celebrate Forgive Mom and Dad Day March 18
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People aren’t perfect, and that includes Mom and Dad. There’s probably not a single parent, alive or dead, who hasn’t done at least one thing to make his or her children angry or disappointed.
But they’re your parents, and you try to forgive them (usually). That’s what Forgive Mom and Dad Day is all about.
The day was created by Thomas and Ruth Roy, of Wellcat.com. The couple has created dozens of unofficial holidays over the years. Some are fun, others just funny. And some make you think. Like this one.
According to the day’s official page, “It’s time to let Mom and Dad down off the wedding cake and into the world of mere humans.”
That seems like great advice.
Parenting is hard!
Most parents do the best they can. They mean well but don’t always get it quite right.
Sure, some are better than others. But unless they were deliberately abusive or cruel, they really didn’t mean to hurt, embarrass or disappoint you.
Depending on how old you are, it may be well past time to let it go. Whatever it is.
After all, you probably weren’t the perfect child either. Mom and Dad have probably forgiven you for plenty.
And forgiveness is good for everyone.
Of course, letting your parents know you don’t hold them responsible for unintentional hurts will make them feel better.
But it’s good for you, too. Letting go of anger, hurt, resentment and any other negative feelings frees you to feel happier and more positive.
No, it’s not a miracle cure. Especially not for serious hurt. But remember that forgiving is not the same as forgetting.
If the hurt was deliberate, you can forgive and move on without forgetting. Forgiving lets you move forward on a positive note, without the self-defeating anger. Remembering keeps you from letting it happen again.
Scroll down for some ideas on celebrating this unofficial, forgiving holiday.
Ideas to Celebrate Forgive Mom and Dad Day
Ok, obviously the idea is to forgive.
But it’s not always quite that easy.
So maybe start by thinking about the things your parents did right. Not what they did wrong.
In most cases there’s going to be a lot more right than wrong. The fun times you had together. How they were always there for you. The things they taught you that helped you be strong, be the person you are today.
Now, in light of all the positives, think about any things you’re still holding against Mom and/or Dad. How do you really feel about them and why? Are you sure you remember why? Or are you just so used to the hurt and anger that you’re holding onto it just because?
Then figure out how to forgive. Let your parents know you forgive them, if you’d like. Although if they didn’t know you had resentments, it might actually be kinder to not say anything.
Either way, consider treating your parents to lunch or dinner. If you’re not going to tell them of your forgiveness, just make it a “just because” kind of thing.
If your parents have passed on, maybe bring flowers to their graves to symbolize your forgiveness.
If you’re a parent yourself, ask your kids for forgiveness. Yes, there really is something you need forgiveness for. Of course, it’s possible they’ve already forgiven you. In that case, know you’ve done a great job!
Do you have any other ideas for celebrating Forgive Mom and Dad Day?
[…] Forgive Mom and Day Day: Don’t you think it’s about time you forgave them? After all, they’re just human. So in most cases, yes, it’s time. So just do it! (If it’s something really bad, remember forgiving doesn’t have to mean forgetting). […]