Several kindergartens across Melbourne have decided to replace traditional Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations with a more inclusive “Family Day.” Aaimed at making sure all types of families feel represented and included, the change is aimed at ensuring no child feels left out or different due to their family structure.
While this shift is well-intentioned, it has sparked some debate, with differing views on how it affects traditional and non-traditional families. But why exactly are some schools making this change, and how are different families responding.
Understanding the Shift
The decision to replace Mother’s and Father’s Day with Family Day is about inclusivity. Schools want to create an environment where every child feels their family is valued and represented. The idea is to celebrate all caregivers, no matter their role, ensuring no child feels excluded based on their family situation. Some families have one parent or caregiver, two mums, two dads, cared for by siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or guardians, and so on.
Recognising this diversity, schools like those managed by Early Child Management Services (ECMS) in Melbourne have taken steps to reflect the modern family structure.
Parents at the preschool were informed of the change in an email sent by ECMS three hours after the end of term on Thursday.
“Next year we’ll be holding Family Day to honour all caregivers or significant figures in your children’s lives. Children will be encouraged to express gratitude and recognise those who play a supportive role in their lives,”
“We won’t be holding titled celebrations like Mother’s Day or Father’s Day but we will have a fabulous Family Day celebration.”
ECMS runs 69 private centres across Melbourne, and the change applies to more than half of them.
“This isn’t just a micro issue, this is recognising that family means different things to different people and different communities.”
Impact on Traditional Families
For families that follow the traditional structure—with both a mother and a father—this shift may feel like something is being taken away. For many parents, Mother’s and Father’s Day are cherished traditions where they receive handmade cards, crafts, and gifts from their children in school. Some parents might feel disappointed or even frustrated that this recognition at school is being replaced.
One Melbourne parent expressed their discontent online, describing the decision as “disgusting” and saying they were blindsided by the change. These reactions aren’t uncommon; many traditional families worry replacing these events may diminish the celebration of specific parental roles. For those who grew up celebrating these days, the tradition may feel like an important cultural acknowledgment of mums and dads, is being overlooked.
However, schools are not banning these celebrations outright—parents can still celebrate Mother’s and Father’s Day privately at home. The change simply reflects a shift in how schools are addressing the reality of diverse family structures within their classrooms.
Impact on Non-Traditional Families
For non-traditional families, this shift can be seen as a welcome change. Many families with single parents, same-sex parents, or other caregivers have often felt uncomfortable or left out during traditional Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations at school. For children in these families, events that focus solely on mothers or fathers can be confusing or even isolating. A child with two dads, for example, might not know how to participate in a Mother’s Day activity or may feel singled out because their family doesn’t fit the typical mould.
By celebrating Family Day instead, schools are giving these children an opportunity to proudly celebrate the unique structure of their family. It’s a way to recognise families come in all shapes and sizes, and love, support, and care aren’t limited to traditional parental roles. Many of these families feel this is a step toward greater inclusivity and a more accurate reflection of modern society.
Balancing Inclusivity with Tradition
Educators say the goal is not to diminish the roles of mums and dads, but rather expand the celebration to include all caregivers. Families who wish to celebrate Mother’s and Father’s Day can still do so at home. Schools are opting for an approach that makes sure every child feels proud of their family, and no one is left out during school activities.
A Broader Perspective on Family Celebrations
This conversation around shifting Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations to Family Day reflects a broader societal effort to make schools more inclusive and accepting of diverse family structures. With more families looking different from the traditional nuclear family, schools recognise the need to adapt. Organisations like Early Childhood Australia have been providing educators with guidance on handling such celebrations, suggesting events should focus on “special people” in a child’s life, not just mums and dads.
Ultimately, schools hope that by making this change, they can create an environment where every child feels confident and included. Celebrating the diversity of family structures means acknowledging that love and care can come from many places, and every family—no matter its shape—is worth celebrating.
