We’ve often talked about problems that come along with a month previously recognized as “Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month,” and we couldn’t be more excited that May is now officially Sex Ed for All Month. Sex Ed for All is a more inclusive way to raise awareness for improving sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice for all young people, including young people who may be pregnant or parenting. And of course, in May, we also celebrate Mother’s Day. But because popular representations of motherhood are also not inclusive of all mothers, in 2011, Forward Together established Mamas Day:

“We know that mamahood is not one size fits all. But most popular images of mothers exclude mamas based on their sexual orientation, race, income, immigration status and more. And Mother’s Day, one of the biggest commercial holidays in the United States, often reinforces traditional ideas of family and motherhood that narrowly define one way to be a family.”

We know that youth who are pregnant or parenting are often subject to harmful and shaming messages that stigmatize them, or suggest young families are costly to the public. Too often, young parents are stigmatized by stereotypes, and shaming messages that suggest they are “bad” parents who are irresponsible, uneducated, incompetent, and unmotivated.

This stigmatization and isolation can create a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy, where young parents believe their potential for success is limited. Young parents must be included and affirmed, without stigmatization or shaming, in all aspects of adolescent sexual and reproductive health. (Read more on these issues in our position paper, Ensuring Equity for Youth by Affirming Young People Who Are Pregnant or Parenting).

We also know that parenting is hard, no matter what age you are, but young parents often face criticism for sharing their challenges or venting frustrations. This Mamas Day, remember to celebrate young people who are pregnant or parenting. Forward Together has Mamas Day cards to share with your family, friends, colleagues, and special young mamas in your life.