Resources for January Observances

Various organizations, states, and nations recognize a number of observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and child care professionals acknowledge and navigate them.

Here is a list of resources of January observances.

Month-Long Observances

International Creativity Month

• Art Activities That Encourage Social-Emotional Development, Trying Together

• Supporting Social-Emotional Development Through Play: A Guide for Families, Trying Together

• How Bluey Showcases Play, Creativity, and Emotional Learning for Children… and Adults, Playful Pittsburgh 

• The Relationship Between Learning Through Play and Holistic Skills, Playful Pittsburgh 

• “Sound” Activities, Buzzword

National Mentoring Month

• Youth Mentoring, Boys & Girls Clubs of America

• An Enhanced Mentoring Model’s Impact on Youth in Boys and Girls Clubs, National Institute of Justice

• Professional Development: Coaching & Mentoring, Trying Together

• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, Trying Together

National Hobby Month

• 5 Reasons Why You Should Revisit Your Childhood Hobby As An Adult, Fortune Well

• 5 Advantages That Hobbies Bring to a Child’s Development, City Magazine

• Ways to Play During Winter, Playful Pittsburgh 

• The Transformative Power of Games, Playful Pittsburgh

• Why Hobbies May Help Kids Avoid Dangerous Situations, Psychology Today

Self-Love Month

• Self-Care Resources for Parents and Caregivers, Trying Together

• Navigating Difficult Emotions as Caregivers: A Guide for Families, Trying Together

• 50 Resources to Support the Mental Health of Teachers and School Staff, Trying Together

• The Power of Self-Love, Psychology Today

Week-Long Observances

National Storytelling Week

• Supporting Early Literacy Development, Buzzword

• Children’s Books on Race and Equity, Trying Together

• Celebrate National Storytelling Week at Home, National Literacy Trust

Day Observances

January 2 is Motivation and Inspiration Day

• “Brave” Activities, Buzzword

• Encouraging Positive Racial Identity in Young Children, Trying Together

• Growing Self-Esteem: Positive Affirmations for Children, Bright Horizons

• The Cheer, Lindsey Gurk

January 3 is International Mind-Body Wellness Day

• Mindfulness for Children, Trying Together

• Big Body and Physical Play: Benefits and Activities for All Ages, Playful Pittsburgh

• Social-Emotional Learning and Play Intersecting, Playful Pittsburgh

• Using Play to Support Children’s Physical Health, Playful Pittsburgh

• The Relationship Between Learning Through Play and Holistic Skills, Playful Pittsburgh

January 15 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• Children’s Books on Race and Equity, Trying Together

• Anti-Racism Tools, Trying Together

• Taking Personal and Professional Responsibility for Anti-Racism Work, Trying Together

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day for Preschoolers, Kids Care Club

• King Holiday 2025, The King Center

January 17 is Kid Inventors’ Day

• The Impact and Importance of STEM Education: Preparing Future Innovators, Bricks 4 Kidz

• “Plan” Activities, Buzzword

• “Geometric” Activities, Buzzword

January 21 is National Hugging Day

• The Importance of Hugging Your Child & 7 Amazing Benefits, Parenting for Brain

• Respecting Your Child’s Boundaries, Trying Together

January 24 is International Day of Education

• Supporting the Work of Early Childhood, Trying Together

• Early Learning PA, Trying Together

• Roadmap to Understanding Child Development, Trying Together

• Supporting Early Literacy Development, Buzzword

January 24 is National Compliment Day

• 6 Essential Tips for Raising Complimentary Children, Baby Steps

• “Thankful” Activities, Buzzword

• “Welcome” Activities, Buzzword

January 26 is International Environmental Education Day

• Community and Family Programs, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

• “Metamorphosis” Activities, Buzzword

• “Migrate” Activities, Buzzword

• “Bloom” Activities, Buzzword

January 28 is National Lego Day

• 10 Incredible Benefits of Playing with Lego®, Children’s Wellness Centre

• Let’s Talk Loose Parts Play, Playful Pittsburgh

• “Plan” Activities, Buzzword

January 29 is National Puzzle Day

• 10 Puzzle Activities for Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Babies That Promote Learning, Speak.Play.Love

• Indoor Play and Why It’s Fun for Everyone, Playful Pittsburgh

• The Transformative Power of Games, Playful Pittsburgh

January 31 is Inspire Your Heart with Art Day

• Art Activities That Encourage Social-Emotional Development, Trying Together

• “Sound Activities, Buzzword

• Benefits of Art & Art History for Early Childhood Learning, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh