In 2012, the U.N. General Assembly declared the first-ever Global Day of Parents. Since then, it has been held annually on June 1 to honor parental units around the world. Being a parent is one of the most universal experiences, but it’s definitely not a walk in the park. For one, it has its challenges long before kids are even born. With many complications resulting from pregnancy, just having a healthy parent is something to be grateful for. And while many of us didn’t appreciate being nagged to clean our rooms, someone had to help us fight off the dust bunny invasion. Honestly, if we had never learned to handle tiny responsibilities like that, we’d have no hope of coping with the adult world. So let’s use this day to say thanks to our first teachers and nurturers. And if you happen to be a parent, give yourself a big pat on the back (seriously).