Why do we need Father’s Day or Mother’s Day? Are they only a “made-up, Hallmark” holiday? A boon to card companies, restaurants, and florists?

Two of the most difficult jobs in the world—with no prerequisites except for the physical ability to have children– are being a mom or a dad.

There’s no training. There’s no paycheck. No award. No appreciation dinner is thrown in their honor. Instead, parents learn this job by observing their own parents, for better or for worse. Moms and Dads bring their backgrounds to the job and have to refine their skills the hard way—while in the throes of doing it. Adding to the difficulty of the job,  parents bring all of their emotional baggage with them, too

Yet, most parents dive in optimistically and make a sincere effort to be loving parents.  Knowing that the only reward will be for that child to become a functioning adult who cares for others, and maybe has children of their own whom they nurture. Most parents hope that their children will find a niche in life, find a career, a partner, and a role to play. I think most parents wish for their children to be happy.

Of all the developed countries in the world, the united States stands out as one of the only countries that has almost no safety net for families. And the safety net that is in place is under constant threat from budget-conscious government officials. There’s no universal health care, no universal child care, no paid parental leave like many other countries. Having kids is a job that’s done almost in a vacuum. There are tremendous financial burdens a family bears and few ways our society supports families.

So what does any of this have to do with Father’s Day or Mother’s Day?

Maybe it’s a reminder of how challenging both of those roles are. And a reminder that the people who make the sacrifice to have children deserve a thank you and a day to be celebrated.