You’ve probably met someone and thought, “She’s going to be such a great mom one day.” But it’s not because you saw her with kids. It’s because of the way she carries herself in everyday life.
Patience in a traffic jam? Empathy for a friend going through a hard time? Yep, these are just a few signs that someone has that “mom instinct” long before she becomes one.
Certain behaviors give away a future amazing mom, and if you pay attention, they’re pretty easy to spot.
Here are some of the most telling signs.
1) Empathy shines through
When it comes to motherhood, empathy is a crucial quality.
It’s about understanding and sharing the feelings of another. This trait allows a mother to connect with her child on a deep emotional level.
You can observe this behavior in how a woman interacts with others. Does she show genuine concern for others’ feelings and situations? Is she able to put herself in another person’s shoes?
This ability to understand and share the feelings of her child will help her to guide them, teach them, and provide the emotional support they’ll need throughout their lives.
But remember, empathy isn’t just about understanding emotions; it’s about responding with kindness and compassion too.
2) Patience is her superpower
Now, I’ve been around a few promising future moms in my time, but the one who stands out the most is my sister, Sarah.
Anyone who knows Sarah will tell you about her extraordinary patience. I remember when we were kids, and I’d rope her into playing endless rounds of Monopoly.
Despite being older and having a million other things she could be doing, she’d sit there for hours, letting me revel in my make-believe world of property tycoons.
Fast forward to today, and Sarah is now a mom to a boisterous 5-year-old. And that patience I saw in her as a kid? It’s even more prominent now.
Whether it’s staying calm during tantrums or painstakingly explaining why eating broccoli is important – Sarah does it all with an enviable level of patience.
And that’s the thing about patience. It’s not the most glamorous trait, but when it comes to motherhood, it’s essential.
If a woman can keep her cool during stressful situations, take the time to explain things clearly, and not lose her temper easily, it indicates she has the patience needed to be an outstanding mother one day.
3) She values education and learning
Education isn’t just about degrees and schools; it’s also about instilling a love of learning in a child. A woman who enjoys learning new things will likely pass this trait onto her children.
Take Finland, for example. The country is renowned for its education system, consistently ranking among the best in the world.
A large part of that success is attributed to the value they place on education at home. Finnish parents are heavily involved in their child’s education from a young age, nurturing a culture of reading and learning from infancy.
If a woman appreciates the importance of education and promotes a learning culture, she’ll likely bring up children who are curious, open-minded, and enthusiastic about knowledge.
These qualities are key to raising well-rounded individuals ready to face the challenges of life.
4) She practices self-care
Self-care isn’t just about spa days and indulging in chocolate cake (although those can be part of it!). It’s about recognizing when you need a break, setting boundaries, and taking care of your mental and physical health.
A woman who knows how to take care of herself is better equipped to take care of others. She understands the importance of recharging and maintaining her own well-being so she can be present and supportive for her child.
If she regularly sets time aside for herself, exercises, eats healthily, or takes moments of quiet to help manage stress, it’s a good indicator she’ll be able to pass these healthy habits onto her children.
5) She’s adaptable
Life is unpredictable, and motherhood is no different.
A woman who shows adaptability in various situations is more likely to thrive as a mother.
Whether it’s handling a last-minute change of plans, making the best out of a tough situation, or dealing with life’s inevitable curveballs, adaptability is a key trait for success in parenting.
Children are ever-changing and developing. What worked yesterday might not work today.
A woman who can roll with the punches, adapt her strategies, and still maintain her sanity is someone who has the potential to be an exceptional mother.
Adaptability shows resilience and a positive outlook, both of which are valuable traits to pass onto a child. So if she’s flexible and can handle change with grace, she’s ticking another box on the outstanding mother checklist.
6) She exhibits unconditional love
There’s something incredibly special about a woman who can love unconditionally.
This kind of love is pure, selfless, and unwavering. It’s not about what you can get in return; it’s about giving because you simply can’t help but pour your heart into those you care about.
A woman who loves this way will make an extraordinary mother.
Her child will grow up knowing that they are loved for who they are, not for what they do or how they perform. This kind of love fosters self-esteem, confidence, and a strong sense of security.
Just imagine the comfort a child feels knowing that no matter what happens, no matter how much they mess up, their mother’s love remains constant.
7) She’s a good listener
Listening is more than just hearing words; it’s about understanding and validating feelings, and it’s a skill that’s surprisingly hard to master.
I struggled with this myself. I used to be the kind of person who would listen just enough to respond, often interrupting with my own stories or advice.
But over the years, I’ve learned that true listening involves quieting your own thoughts and really tuning into what the other person is saying.
This shift in my listening skills has helped me in countless ways, from deepening my relationships to improving my ability to understand different perspectives.
A woman who is a good listener will likely be an excellent mother. Children need to feel heard and understood, and a mother who listens well can provide this.
Being a good listener can also help a mother tune into her child’s needs, understand their feelings, and guide them effectively.
This skill fosters trust and open communication, laying the groundwork for a strong and lasting relationship with her child.
8) She’s consistent
A woman who is consistent in her actions and decisions provides a stable and predictable environment for her child. Kids thrive on routine and predictability; it makes them feel safe and secure.
Consistency in discipline is also key. Children need to understand that rules are not arbitrary and that consequences are reliable.
This not only helps with behavior management but also teaches kids about responsibility and the importance of keeping one’s word.
A woman who demonstrates consistency in her daily life is likely to carry this trait into her parenting, contributing to a stable, secure, and nurturing environment for her child to grow in.
9) She understands the value of quality time
Quality time is about more than just being physically present. It’s about engagement and connection. It’s about putting down the phone, turning off the TV, and truly being present in the moment.
A woman who values this kind of interaction is likely to prioritize meaningful experiences and shared memories with her child. She’ll understand that it’s not about how much time you have, but how you use it that matters.
By valuing quality time, she’ll not only build a strong emotional bond with her child but also create a nurturing environment where her child feels loved, valued, and important.
Final thoughts: Motherhood is a journey
The path to becoming an outstanding mother is not defined by a specific set of rules or behaviors. It’s a unique journey that each woman embarks on, shaped by her individual experiences, values, and personalities.
These behaviors we’ve discussed are merely signposts, guiding a woman towards the potential of becoming an exceptional mother. They are not definitive markers or prerequisites for motherhood.
Motherhood is about love, patience, and constant learning. It’s about growing with your child, making mistakes, and becoming better from them. It’s about providing a safe space for your child to grow while growing yourself.
As the renowned poet Robert Browning once said, “Motherhood: All love begins and ends there.”
So for a woman displaying these behaviors, she’s not just on the path to becoming an outstanding mother one day; she’s on a journey of love – the purest form of love there is.
