In New Mexico, family has always been central to the community, with a tradition of togetherness that spans generations. However, Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly hesitant to start families due to cultural changes and economic pressures. In response, Anne Doherty launched the Family Month Project to propose a New Mexico and National Family Month between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day each year.
The initiative aims to gather 50,000 signatures to encourage Washington to establish this month. The goal is to create a time for government organizations, non-profits, and businesses to celebrate family pride, foster healing, and promote growth. Despite New Mexico's strong family values, young adults face challenges that make parenthood daunting.
Nationally, U.S. birthrates are at a historic low. Women are expected to have an average of 1.7 children—below the 2.1 needed for population sustainability without immigration. This trend is influenced by factors such as increased education, career demands, delayed marriage, and economic burdens like housing and childcare costs.
In the U.S., the average age of first-time mothers has risen to 27 years old; urban mothers average 32 years old now compared to 21 in 1970. Only 50–55% of first-time mothers are married, and 23% of U.S. children live in single-parent households—the highest rate globally—often under economic strain that discourages family growth.
Millennials and Gen Z are redefining family but face modern realities that clash with their aspirations. They wish to provide security for their children in dual-career households supported by costly daycare ($10,000–$20,000 annually). However, student debt and rising housing costs make this vision difficult.
Influenced by instability from climate change fears, shifting gender norms, and the COVID-19 pandemic, they also struggle with optimism about building a family. Yet in New Mexico—where family gatherings and cultural traditions strengthen bonds—there is potential for leadership in this area.
The last legislative session honored a "New Mexico Family Day." By joining the National Family Month Movement, New Mexicans can encourage government agencies to offer family-support programs while non-profits provide resources for healing and growth. Businesses could promote family-friendly policies.
This collective focus would convey a powerful message: families are worth cultivating and healing. By signing the Family Month petition at https://chng.it/7TJzDMpBsy or http://familymonthproject.com., New Mexicans can honor their legacy of family pride and empower young adults to build stable homes.
With Mother’s Day 2025 behind us and Father’s Day ahead, communities across New Mexico—from Albuquerque to Las Cruces—are encouraged to gather signatures for Family Month. The aim is a future where every New Mexican family is celebrated and inspired to thrive while carrying cherished traditions forward.
Information from this article can be found here.
