Everyone's Childcare Day

What Is Everyone's Childcare Day?

April 19th is "Minna no Hoiku no Hi" (Everyone's Childcare Day) in Japan, established by Kodomo Hojin Kids Color, which operates "Hoiclue," an information site devoted to childcare and parenting. The date comes from a pun on "ho (4) iku (19)," meaning "childcare."

Childcare Isn't Just for the Professionals

At the heart of this anniversary is the idea that childcare shouldn't be seen as the job of nursery school teachers alone, but as something society as a whole should support.

• Who it's for: every adult who interacts with children, not just childcare professionals or parents
• Its purpose: to give the adults around a child a chance to deepen their understanding during the crucial early years of infancy and toddlerhood
• Its wish: to make this a day for adults themselves to grow, by "enjoying childcare" and "rethinking what childcare should look like"

The Importance of Early Childhood

Infancy and early childhood are considered an especially critical period in life, laying the foundation for later personality development and relationships. The attitude of every adult involved during this period is thought to have a significant impact on a child's development.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Take a fresh look at how you interact with the children around you
• Learn about the role and challenges of being a nursery school teacher
• Check out childcare support centers or childcare-related events in your area
• Recall something an adult did for you as a child that made you happy

Childcare as a Task Shared by Every Adult, Not Just Professionals

The name "Everyone's Childcare Day" carries a message: don't leave parenting to just one special person -- support it together as a society. Let April 19th be a day to take a fresh look at how you interact with the children around you.