International Day of Families – Celebrating our Similarities
Families come in all shapes and sizes. One mum, two dads, three children, grandparents living in the house, aunties and uncles and friends as family too. We love them all, and they should be celebrated. The United Nations General Assembly, proclaimed that 15 May of every year shall be observed as the International Day of Families. Since 1993, families around the world have celebrated their unique place in society on this day, which is aimed to promote awareness of issues related to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic, and demographic processes affecting families.

The International Day of Families provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of families and to promote the well-being of families all over the world. It is a day to recognize the diversity of family structures and to highlight the need for policies and programs that support families in all their forms. The theme for the International Day of Families varies from year to year, but it always focuses on the importance of families and the role they play in society. The themes in recent years have included “Families and Climate Action” in 2021, “Families and New Technologies” in 2020, and “Families and Inclusive Societies” in 2019.
In Australia, there are many activities that families can do to celebrate their unit, and learn more about each other. These include:
- Celebrate the families in your centre by hosting a morning or afternoon tea for them.
- Run an activity with the children about their favourite activities to do as a family
- Creating memories – take priceless photos of your special family members.
- Create a family tree by adding images of the children and families
- Explore other family dynamics – discussing different types of families in our society.
Another way to bring families together and learn more about those under your roof, as well as extended family is to explore your genetic links with a DNA test. You may even discover some new family members! EasyDNA Australia has a range of tests that can assist in finding your roots, and the good news is, their promotion has been extended, meaning that you can save 10% of all DNA tests throughout May!
Some of the family related DNA tests offered include:
All-in-One Self Discovery Testing Package – Discover your own genetic links, as well as a wealth of other information about yourself. This test includes an ancestral breakdown of where some of your oldest relatives may have lived.
Paternity Test – Find out if you are the father and build on your relationship with your child. This test is 99% accurate and is the first step in starting an enriching and lasting father/child bond.
Prenatal Paternity Test – This test can be taken from as early as eight weeks gestation, and the results will accurately confirm the father of an unborn baby.
Prenatal Package – This special prenatal package includes Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Test, Non Invasive Prenatal Screening Test for Down syndrome and many other chromosomal disorders.
Embrace your unique family this May, and celebrate the International Day of Families, and discover more about how your genetics play a part in the structure of your family unit.