House Concurrent Resolution No. 18, introduced by the State Affairs Committee, recognizes the period from Mother's Day to Father's Day as Traditional Family Values Month in Idaho. The resolution emphasizes the importance of traditional families, defined as those consisting of a natural mother and father, children, and extended family, as foundational to society. It highlights alarming trends in the decline of traditional family structures since 1960, including increased rates of single-parent households, divorce, and children born to unmarried women. The resolution cites research indicating that children raised in traditional family settings tend to have better outcomes in terms of health, character, and overall well-being.
The resolution calls for various celebrations throughout Traditional Family Values Month, dedicating specific weeks to honor motherhood, fatherhood, and the roles of siblings and grandparents. It encourages community involvement from various stakeholders, including schools, churches, and businesses, to promote and celebrate traditional family values. The Idaho Legislature aims to raise awareness about the challenges facing traditional families and to advocate for the recognition and support of these family structures as vital to the health and stability of society.