National Single Parent Day, observed every year on March 21. It is a day to pause and recognize one of the most demanding roles a person can take on — raising children alone.
The observance was established in 1984 by Janice Moglen, in partnership with Parents Without Partners, an organization founded in 1957 to support single parents and their children. March 21 was chosen deliberately, as it marks the anniversary of that organization’s founding.
That same year, President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5166, giving the day official recognition and honoring the nearly 14 million single-parent households across the United States at the time.
Today, the number of single-parent families has grown considerably, and so has the understanding of what they face. National Single Parent Day is not about hardship alone. It is about strength, love, and the remarkable things people accomplish for their children every single day.
National Single
Parent Day
Five facts that challenge common assumptions about single-parent families in America.
Single mothers still make up the majority of solo parents, but the number of single-father households has grown ninefold since 1960. Today, roughly 3.5 million children in the U.S. live in father-only homes — and single fathers are statistically more likely to be living with a partner than single mothers.
Around 40% of all births in the U.S. are to unmarried women. This means a growing share of single parents step into the role from the very beginning, rather than through divorce or separation. Many of these families are headed by people who were never married to begin with.
About 24% of single mothers hold a bachelor’s degree or higher — a share that has been rising steadily, helped by more flexible online learning and targeted financial aid. The impact is significant. Single mothers with a bachelor’s degree are three times less likely to live in poverty than those with only a high school diploma.
Single parents are more likely to be in the workforce than married parents. Around 75% of single mothers and an even higher share of single fathers are employed — often working full time to cover costs that two-income households spread between two people.
Longitudinal research often finds that children raised by a single parent report strong emotional closeness with their primary caregiver. Sharing the responsibilities of running a household — from a young age, out of necessity — tends to foster independence and a sense of accountability that stays with children into adulthood.
How People Mark National Single Parent Day
National Single Parent Day offers an opportunity to show appreciation for single parents and celebrate their achievements. Here are some meaningful ways to mark the occasion:
- Show your appreciation by reaching out to a single parent you know and expressing gratitude for all they do. A kind message or a small present can brighten their day.
- Lend a helping hand to a single parent in your community by babysitting, cooking a meal, or running errands. These small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
- Reflect on your journey if you’re a single parent, and take time to celebrate your accomplishments. Treat yourself to something special because you deserve it!
- Share stories or messages about single parenthood on social media to raise awareness. Use hashtags like #NationalSingleParentDay to highlight their strength and contributions.
- Support nonprofits and community programs that assist single parents by donating your time, money, or resources. Your help can create a positive impact in their lives.
