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5.01.2026

Mother’s Day and Maternal Mental Health

Mother’s Day & Maternal Mental Health Month – May 2026

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate love, strength and care. For families with young children, it is also a time to reflect on the daily work that parents and caregivers do—often quietly and without breaks. 

At the same time, May is Maternal Mental Health Month, which reminds us that caring for children starts with caring for parents, too.

At First 5 Nevada, we believe supporting moms, dads and caregivers during the early years helps children grow strong, safe and healthy. This month, we honor all moms and caregivers and share tools and support to help families feel less alone.

Motherhood Is Beautiful—and It Can Be Hard

Being a parent to a baby, toddler or preschooler can be joyful, exhausting, confusing and rewarding all at once. Many parents expect the early years to feel “natural,” but the truth is that parenting often comes with big emotions.

Some days feel great. Other days feel heavy.

You may feel:

• Tired all the time
• Overwhelmed or anxious
• Sad, angry or frustrated
• Guilty for needing a break
• Alone, even when others are around

These feelings are more common than you might think, and they do not mean you are a bad parent. They mean you are human.

Maternal mental health includes emotional well-being during pregnancy and after having a baby—up to several years later. Mental health challenges can affect any parent, at any stage, no matter how much they love their children.

Why Maternal Mental Health Matters for Kids Too

Young children depend on caring adults to meet their needs. When parents feel supported and emotionally healthy, children feel safer and more secure.

Research shows that when caregivers get help early:

• Children build stronger bonds
• Behavior and learning improve
• Families experience less stress
• Parents feel more confident

Taking care of your mental health is not selfish—it is one of the best gifts you can give your child.

You Are Not Alone: Help Is Available Right Now

If you are feeling overwhelmed or struggling emotionally, help is available 24/7.

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

• Call or text: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
• Free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day
• Services in English and Spanish
• Trained counselors listen and help connect you to local support

You do not need to “wait until it gets worse” to reach out. Calling just to talk is enough.

First 5 Nevada: Your Starting Point for Support

First 5 Nevada is a statewide resource designed to help families with children from prenatal through age 5. It brings many trusted programs together in one place, making it easier for families to find help.

In Just Five Minutes, You Can:

• See what programs your family qualifies for
• Find child care, health care, and food assistance
• Learn about parenting classes and family support
• Get help for special needs or early intervention

The First 5 Nevada Eligibility Portal helps take the guesswork out of finding services. Families often qualify for more support than they realize.

Developmental Milestones: Supporting Growth Without Pressure

Every child grows at their own pace. Sometimes, parents worry if their child is “on track.” First 5 Nevada offers easy-to-understand information about developmental milestones, including:

• Talking and understanding language
• Moving, walking and coordination
• Social and emotional skills
• Play and problem-solving

If you have concerns, early support can make a big difference. First 5 Nevada helps families connect to screenings and early intervention services when needed—without judgment or pressure.

Parenting Support Means Emotion Support, Too

Parenting is not meant to be done alone.

First 5 Nevada connects families to:

• Parenting classes (online and in person)
• Family support programs
• Community events and playgroups
• Help with stress, routines and behavior

These programs are designed to support the whole family, including parents’ emotional well-being.

Asking for help does not mean you are failing. It means you are taking care of your family.

A Message for Moms This Mother’s Day

To every mom, caregiver and parent reading this:

You matter.Your feelings matter.
Your health matters.

You do not have to do everything perfectly. You do not have to have all the answers. And you do not have to go through hard moments alone.

It is okay to:

• Take breaks
• Ask for help
• Say no
• Rest
• Reach out

Mother’s Day is not about being flawless. It is about recognizing the love, effort and care you give every single day.

How Families Can Celebrate This Month Together

Here are a few simple ways to honor Mother’s Day and Maternal Mental Health Month:

• Have a check-in: Ask yourself (or a loved one) how you are really doing
• Share resources: Save or share the Maternal Mental Health Hotline number
• Ask for support: Explore First 5 Nevada and see what help is available
• Celebrate small wins: Every diaper changed, meal made and hug given matters
• Show kindness—to yourself and others

We’re Here for You

First 5 Nevada is here to walk alongside families during the most important early years. Whether you need support today or are planning ahead, help is only a few clicks away.

This May, let us honor mothers not just with flowers or cards—but with understanding, support and real help.

From all of us at First 5 Nevada:Happy Mother’s Day, and thank you for all that you do.