Every August 1st is observed as International Childfree Day. This is a day that attempts to show the public that couples who have decided not to have children need their understanding and support. Society tends to put a lot of pressure on adults to start their own families, but that is a plan that not everyone wants to pursue.

People need to understand that not having children is just as viable and legitimate a choice as the decision to have children. Having and raising children is not something that everyone wants or is capable of doing, so a person’s choice to remain childless should be respected.

The History of International Childfree Day

This holiday was created by the National Alliance for Optional Parenthood in the U.S. in 1973. The day was created to celebrate people who voluntarily choose not to have children and to help educate the public about how important it is to accept people’s choice to not have children.

Before this holiday, people faced criticism, rejection, and ridicule for not having children, but hopefully, this holiday will help to make those negative attitudes about childless couples a thing of the past.

This holiday was revitalized in 2013 by the author Laura Carroll after the holiday had not been celebrated for some time. Ever since, her organization has organized events to honor the winners of the Childfree Woman and Man of the Year. This award is given out every year on this day and will continue to be observed well into the foreseeable future.

Observing International Childfree Day

On this day, people can write an encouraging and accepting note to a child-free couple that they may know, acknowledging their choice and showing them support. It’s also a day during which people can voice their support for childless couples across the Internet using the hashtag #InternationalChildfreeDay on social media.