I'm sorry guys...I just really need to say this. It's less of a rant than it is just me telling the truth about things. And the time in between Mother's Day and today (Father's Day) Has been kinda tough on me. So just bear with me please. I'm so sick of this "Father's Day" and "Mother's Day" [censored]. I'm so jaded when it comes to stuff like this. For the longest time, I just went with the flow of things and did all that "cards and flowers" nonsense. But now I just feel like being a parent has a similar dynamic as being child-free when it comes to all of these special days of recognition. Once you make the choice to be a parent, isn't EVERY day "Mother's day?" Isn't EVERY day "Father's Day?" It's the same for me. I chose not to be a parent and instead to be a child-free and also to have all of the benefits that come with that. I don't ask for a special day to celebrate the fact that I chose to do this with my life. And really, to me the whole thing is just a big cry for attention and praise. I think kids should contact their parents and give them gifts or whatever because they want to and because their parents are deserving of that attention and praise, not just because they're guilted into it using social standards as arguments. Honestly, anymore I just wish such a thing did not exist. I feel guilty for not feeling guilty because I don't want to send gifts or call them just because it's some "special day." I don't want to be guilted into having relationships with others. I want to have a relationship with someone else because I choose it based on the love, trust and interactions between myself and that other person, and it's as simple as that.

I have kids and I have parents. We all ignore both of those days and it works fine for us. No guilt involved.

It's a money maker... the woman who created it committed suicide because they commercialized it !

In the past few years, my opinion of "Mother's Day" and "Father's Day" has changed. Growing up, this was a day spent with family. The idea of gift-giving from child to parent often focused on those handmade gifts. It was a special day for the particular parent to be appreciated, but it definitely wasn't as materialistic as it is now. Today, it seems like everyone is essentially required to celebrate "Mother's Day" and "Father's Day". From TV and radio commercials, restaurant reservations, and special store sales, in my opinion, it has just gotten out of hand. This year, I sent a card to both of my parents, along with a phone call. My parents have birthdays in the spring, so the focus is more on birthdays than "Mother's Day" and "Father's Day." I don't quite understand the need to set aside one day for recognition. Why not everyday? It just seems like society is still so focused on people's ability to have children. Those of us without children are left by the wayside. The attention is on Mothers and Fathers. (Oh and don't forget "Grandparents Day".) It is sad that there is no official Childfree Day. Doubt if society would support something like that.

I am child-free every day of my life, so to me, every day is Apartment-wide CF day. So to me, parents should look at being parents the same way I see being CF: A choice that I made, that makes me happy whether or not I receive some special recognition. It makes me happy even without being constantly told how good I am at being a CF. I don't need to be praised for taking care of my responsibilities. And neither should parents.

I personally love both Mother's and Father's days, but I do agree that our society goes a little overboard with their meanings. I also agree that these holidays are way overcommercialized. After all, I don't think we have to have a Mother's Day to get our moms a gift, and the same applies for our dads. It's just like Valentine's Day...it was created to make money.

I completely agree sam. Considering all the time spent looking in shops to buy a card, and then another to buy flowers / soap on a rope, I'm sure most parents would rather have spent the time together, with their family, having a cup of coffee and a chat.
Maybe the idea originally was to remind small children to appreciate and respect your parents, but modern society has turned it into a commercial venture...away from the idea of loving those around you, and considering them not just yourself.