You Made Shared Parenting Day Special
April 26 is Shared Parenting Day, a day now formally recognized by six states and the city of El Paso, Texas. The day commemorates April 26, 2018, when, as a result of the work of NPO’s Matt Hale, Kentucky became the first state to enact an explicit equal shared parenting law. Since that day, Arkansas and West Virginia have joined the club and the Florida legislature has passed an equal shared parenting bill that is on its way to the governor’s office. Seventeen other states are considering equal shared parenting bills, too.
South Dakota Becomes Sixth State to Officially Proclaim Shared Parenting Day
Thanks to South Dakota’s lawmakers coming together, the state just became the sixth state to honor shared parenting arrangements by proclaiming April 26th as Shared Parenting Day. The legislature’s proclamation states that children are “South Dakota’s most important asset”. Further, the proclamation declares that children “benefit greatly if they have a relationship with two parents who are fit caregivers.”
Governor Ducey Declares April 26th Arizona Shared Parenting Day
Arizona Becomes Third State to Officially Proclaim Shared Parenting Day
Thanks to Governor Doug Ducey, Arizona just became the third state to honor shared parenting arrangements by proclaiming April 26th as Shared Parenting Day. The Governor’s proclamation acknowledges that children are our nation’s “most important asset”. Further, the proclamation states that children “benefit greatly when they have a relationship with both parents, if the parents are fit caregivers.”
Governor Baker Declares April 26 Massachusetts Shared Parenting Day
The focus of National Parents Organization is on reforming laws to give every child the benefit of having both parents even when those parents are living apart. Gaining greater awareness that shared parenting is best for kids helps convince lawmakers that their constituents want shared parenting to be the default after divorce or separation, which makes them more likely to vote for shared parenting bills when they come before state legislatures. That’s why we’re glad to announce that Massachusetts’ Governor Baker issued a proclamation declaring April 26 Shared Parenting Day. The proclamation recognizes both that “Research indicates that children benefit greatly when they have a relationship with both parents if the parents are fit caregivers” and that “Declaring a statewide day honoring shared parenting will encourage children’s access to both parents.” Massachusetts is the state where National Parents Organization was founded, so this effort is a culmination of many years of NPO activism in the state.
A Day to Celebrate
April 26, 2021 by Matt Hale
April 26th is truly a day to celebrate. It is Shared Parenting Day not just for shared parenting supporters but families across our great nation. Children need both parents and we should celebrate when they have both of their caregivers in their lives.