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Hey Mama,

Here at TMS, we are all about lightening the mental load. Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re making a commitment to share advice on how to look after your own mental health and support those you love who may be struggling. Observing Mental Health Awareness Month raises awareness, educates, and removes the stigma associated with mental illness. Nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. has a mental illness, which includes conditions like anxiety disorders, major depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder – so it’s WAY more common than you might think!

Mother’s Day is coming up and though we all love Mother’s Day brunches and homemade cards, acknowledging the mental load of being Mom 24/7 is sooooo important. Take the time for self-care (doing the grocery shopping by yourself does not count) and get yourself that [insert special gift here] because you totally deserve it.

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Need parenting advice? Depending on your kids’ ages, that guidance can be really, really different. Check out our community groups for “ages & stages.” From infants to teens, and somewhere in be’tween, we’ve got you covered.

Don’t see the community group you’re looking for? We’ll help you start one! Submit a formal request, and we’ll make it happen.

Mom2Mom

3 Ways to Support Your Own Mental Health

The lingering effects of the post-pandemic era continue to put even more of a strain on everyone’s mental health. Here are three ways to put the focus on your well-being and let the sunshine in.

1. Connect with other people. Have coffee or lunch with a friend. Turn the t.v. off for family dinner. Volunteer locally. Or even just call your aunt – you were meaning to do that anyway, weren’t you?
2. Learn a new skill. It doesn’t have to be taking up the piano or learning how to bullfight. We’re just talking about trying a new recipe or working on a DIY project.
3. Commit a random act of kindness. Giving someone an unexpected note of thanks will make their day – and yours. Pay a compliment to a stranger on the street – you’ll be surprised by how good it makes you feel, too.

Mental Health Awareness Tip of the Week: Grab Your Crayons

If you’re feeling anxious, take a few minutes to color. It can soothe your brain and help you relax, whether it’s your preschooler’s Paw Patrol coloring book or one designed for adults.

Things We Love

Happy Star Wars Day and May the 4th Be With You!

Whether you’re a super Star Wars fan or don’t know your ewoks from your wookies, here’s a joke to win you some street cred with your little (and large) Skywalker supporters at home:

How does Darth Vader like his toast? On the dark side.

Lighten the Mental Load this Month with these Easy Health Solutions

Hiya Kids’ Vitamins

Figuring out which vitamins your kids need is one thing. Finding them without added sugar, colors, and candy-like consistencies is another. We love Hiya, which was started by two new dads looking to create a vitamin they couldn’t find in the store. After 3 years of curating top pediatricians, nutritionists, scientists, and parents they formulated a super-powered chewable made with 15 essential vitamins and minerals while also including a blend of 12 fruits and veggies. Their subscription service delivers vitamins monthly – so you can check that off your mental list.

Check out Hiya.

Amazon Pharmacy

Amazon makes our lives easier in so many ways, so it makes sense to switch our medical subscriptions over there too. It works with most insurance plans, uses transparent pricing, and offers coupons – especially for Prime Members. And of course, everything is delivered straight to your door. Goodbye to waiting in long lines at the drugstore with your kids trying to get you to buy candy and cheap plastic toys.

Sign up for Amazon Pharmacy.

Mom Jeans & Things

Hey Mama – we’re super excited about a new feature on our Instagram feed. Mom Jeans & Things are product and service recommendations for you and your family that you’ll really use and love – because we have! Launching this Friday, May 5th – let us know what you think!

Follow Us on Instagram

Explore the City

Getting out of the house – whether it’s as a family or just for some adult time (so so important) is a top priority for us. That’s why The Mom Society is currently recruiting local Chapter Presidents across the country, so we can share IRL happenings you’ll love, no matter where you live. Interested in getting involved yourself? Check out where we’re hiring! Each week, we’ll feature exclusive The Mom Society events from a different city – and if you happen to be living near Des Moines, IA, you’ll want to check out these upcoming events:

TAKE THE KIDS

88TH Pella Tulip Time Festival

Thursday May 4 – Saturday May 6 | 627 Franklin Street, Pella, IA

Bring your best tip-toers and tip-toe through more than 300,000 tulips at this celebration of Dutch culture. Enjoy historical sights, ethnic foods, Dutch architecture, great shops, and friendly people.

Learn more.

88TH Downtown Farmer’s Market Opening Weekend

Saturday May 6 | 7am – noon | Downtown Des Moines’ Historic Court District

It’s back!! Starting this weekend, the Downtown Farmers’ Market will return to the Historic Court District. The Market supports farmers, growers and artisan food entrepreneurs from all around the state of Iowa and offers a variety of attractions and activities and live entertainment.

Learn more.

May the Forest be with You

Thursday May 4 | 6:30pm | Jester Park Nature Center

Bring your ewoks aged 12 and over to this hike through a beautiful Polk Country forest to celebrate Star Wars Day! Explore nature and gain an appreciation for the ecosystems that inspired some of the planets found in the Star Wars universe! Costumes and Star Wars apparel are encouraged. Registration required – deadline is May 3!

Register here.

Movie in the Park: Ghostbusters

Friday May 5 | 7:50pm (doors open) 8:20pm (movie start) | Colby Park, Windsor Heights, IA

Who ya gonna call? Your mom friends and tell them to bring their kids. Start everyone’s summer season off right with a movie classic you might have seen as a kid at the drive-in (remember those?). Bring a blanket and some chairs and watch for free!

Learn more.

GET A SITTER

First Fridays in the East Village

Friday May 5 (and every first Friday through August) | 5pm – 8pm | East Village, Des Moines, IA

Cocktail hour shopping en plein air? Avec plaisir! First Fridays in the East Village is a sidewalk sale celebration that continues through the spring and summer with special events to be announced each month. Join local shops and restaurants and soak up the sales. Plus, parking is FREE in designated areas.

Learn more.