comma in date (grammar question)

[jenntracy]

How do you explain the "why" of why you use commas to separate the year from the day when writing say October 29,2003 ?
i see it is like Paranthetical phrase (looked up on internet) like somewhere that you would use parenthesis b/c you don't exactly need the info. it is extra info.
How do you explain this to a 7.5 yr old? I just know you are supposed to do it.

thanks Jenn D

[lmercon]

The main purpose is to eliminate confusion. With so many numbers in a row, there could be confusion as to which numbers refer to the day of the month and which refer to the year. Of course, it could be figured out, but it is much easier to have the comma clearly delineating the day from the year. Commas are used when writing large numbers as well, to help the reader quickly and clearly read the number.
123,456,203 is much easier to read than 123456203. That's how I've always explained it.
hth,
Laura

[jenntracy]

Thank you so much! Sometimes i just can't seem to put the words together even though it seems so simple just the way you explained it.
Thanks... on to finish our day.

Jenn D.