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Hello, April! 10 Events We're Paying Attention To This Month

Ramadan, Easter, Passover and much more happening in this month of renewal!

By Emily Papa, Publisher of Macaroni Kid South Hills March 27, 2023

April is a month of transformation! As the spring season rolls in, we say goodbye to winter snow boots and welcome the cheerful sound of rain boots splashing through puddles. This month promises new beginnings as flowers bloom and trees come to life with fresh buds.

And that's not all! April is also the month of joyous celebrations of Easter and ancient traditions like Passover and Ramadan, which started in March but wraps up in April. It seems like there's something for everyone to celebrate!

Read on for 10 April holidays, events, and observances that you might want to know more about:



Katarzyna Bialasiewicz | Canva

Autism Awareness Month 

One in 59 children born in the United States is on the autism spectrum. It is the fastest-growing developmental disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read tips for talking to your kids about autism, from a mom whose son is on the spectrum. April 1-30




U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

National Child Abuse Prevention Month

All families need help sometimes. Commit in April to learn new ways to strengthen child and family well-being. The most important thing we can do to help children thrive is to support families before they reach a crisis. Learn more from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. April 1-30



Golib | Canva

April Fool's Day

Kids are all about April Fool's Day! Here are seven ideas for fun (and harmless!) April Fools' Day pranks to play on your kids. Have fun! But always watch your back. April 1




 Olga Stock | Canva

Ramadan

Ramadan, which started in March, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of prayer, reflection, community, and fasting from sunrise to sunset. It is observed as a commemoration of Muhammad's first revelation and its annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Ramadan lasts about a month, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next. Read: 5 Ways to Celebrate Ramadan With Kids (which includes a tutorial on making this paper plate crescent moon and star!) March 22-April 21



 Getty Images Pro | Canva

Passover

Passover, also known as Pesach — the Hebrew word for Passover — is celebrated during the spring, the time of rebirth. This holiday also celebrates social justice, freedom, and equality — very relevant concepts today. Here is an easy recipe for matzo ball soup ... delicious. April 5-13



 
Panorama Images | Canva

Easter 

This holiday marks the date Christians believe Jesus was resurrected. It's also a day kids look forward to because the Easter bunny visits. Check the South Hills of Pittsburgh Easter Guide and our event calendar for local events! Get a letter from the Easter Bunny, personalized just for your child, for FREE now. April 9





National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

A great day to serve this perennial kid favorite for dinner! Ooey gooey goodness. "Adult" it up, if you must, by adding toppings like bacon, tomatoes, spinach, or portabella mushrooms. Head on over to one of our favorite kid friendly restaurants, The Yard, to try grilled cheese like you've never had it before! April 12



 Steve Johnson | Pexels

Day of Silence

The Day of Silence is a national student-led demonstration where LGBTQ students and allies take a vow of silence to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ people in schools, followed by Break the Silence rallies to bring attention to ways their schools and communities can become more inclusive. Is your child participating? Find more, including lessons and activities, here. April 14



Brad Dorsey | Pixabay

National Park Week

Celebrate America's treasured parks! National Park Week is a time to explore amazing places, discover stories of history and culture, volunteer, and explore a national park near you! April 22-30



 Elena Mozhvilo | Unsplash

Earth Day

This is a great day to assess how your family impacts the environment and think about small changes you can make to help our environment. Here are 7 ways your family can change the world.  April 22



 Getty Images | Canva

National Library Week

Libraries are at the heart of our communities and schools, providing a public space where all community members can come together to connect and learn. Take your child to get their very own library card this week! April 23-29






Pay It Forward Day 

Mark this day by letting your kids come up with an act of kindness as a way to "pay it forward." It's a great way to show them that even small gestures of kindness matter — and ripple outward. Want to know more about the concept? Read "Pay It Forward," a novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde. April 28