International Day of Families

International Day of Families – May 15

In 1994, the United Nations decided that May 15th of every year will be observed as “The International Day of Families” in response to the changing economic and social structures affecting the stability and structure of families around the world. This day provides an opportunity to honor the importance of families and to promote awareness of issues relating to social, economic and demographic processes of families. Communities all over the world face obstacles that jeopardize the stability of the family, and the United Nations established this day as a call to appropriate action.

Families – both traditional and nontraditional – are the foundation of society. The foundation created in a family has been shown in numerous studies to dramatically impact a child’s success. The more stable the family environment for a child, the more likely the child will be mentally and physically healthier. If a family is happy and healthy, children will grow to be healthy and contributing members of society. 

In honor of International Day of Families, what can you do?

1. Spend time together. Play a game, go on a hike, share a meal together, or visit other family members. We spend so much time apart due to various daily routines and obligations; however, on this day, focus on spending the day doing something together as a family.
2. Volunteer. Think of ways children and families in your community could use your help. Due to various factors, there are members of your community without the support of a family, but maybe you could provide that much needed attention. 
3. Reflect on what “family” means to you. Take a few moments to share what you love most about your family, whether to yourself in a journal or to your family members around the dinner table.  This expression of appreciation and gratitude may prove to only help grow the bonds between everyone in your family. 
4. Use this opportunity to establish support channels for family members. Whether you connect by meeting at the park or a joint virtual call, think of creative ways to let the family come together. By fostering avenues of connection and communication, you can create solutions and offer support to any problems members of the family may be facing. 

In honor of families everywhere, our Modern Legal team wishes you and your family a wonderful time together on the International Day of Families!

Theresa Viera

Inspired by her own experiences with domestic violence and the family court system, Theresa E. Viera became the first lawyer in her family, graduating from the University of North Carolina School of Law. She has dedicated her career to helping families find healthy solutions through various legal tools, including negotiations, mediation, collaborative law, and litigation when necessary. With years of experience in Family Law, she strives to inspire others and make a positive impact on the lives of her clients, just as her mother’s attorney once inspired her.