9 signs a woman will be a great mother, according to psychology

woman great mother

Motherhood is an art.

It’s not just about carrying a child for nine months, it’s about nurturing, loving, and raising that child to be the best they can be. But how do you know if a woman is cut out for this immense responsibility?

According to psychology, there are certain traits that can indicate whether a woman will excel in the role of a mother.

In this article, we’ll explore 9 signs that a woman has what it takes to be an amazing mother. These signs aren’t about ticking boxes, but about understanding core traits that contribute to successful parenting.

1) She shows empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a trait that psychologists often link with effective parenting.

Why?

Because being empathetic enables a mother to connect with her child on a deep emotional level. It allows her to decipher her child’s needs, feelings, and thoughts even when they can’t fully express them.

Consider it a superpower that helps a mother tune in to her child’s world and respond effectively.

This is not just about reacting to a child’s immediate needs. It’s about understanding the long-term emotional and psychological implications of their experiences.

An empathetic mother doesn’t just soothe her child’s immediate fears — she equips them with the emotional tools they need to navigate life.

2) She’s patient

Patience, as they say, is a virtue.

But in my book, it’s more than that – it’s a necessity when it comes to motherhood.

I remember one particular incident with my own daughter when she was three. She had this phase where she insisted on wearing her favorite pink dress every single day.

Washing it became a nightmare because I had to sneak it off her while she was sleeping, wash it, and make sure it was dry and ready by morning.

It required an immense amount of patience to handle her tantrums when the dress wasn’t available. But instead of losing my cool, I used this as an opportunity to teach her about patience and waiting.

This experience made me realize that patience isn’t just about weathering the storm — it’s about turning every situation into a valuable life lesson.

So, if a woman possesses a good dose of patience, it’s another sign that she’s cut out for the marathon that is motherhood.

3) She’s flexible

Flexibility is the ability to adapt to new situations and changes. And when it comes to motherhood, change is the only constant.

A 2023 study published in the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science found that flexible parents tend to raise children who are better at coping with challenges.

They are more resilient and can adapt to new situations easily.

This is because a flexible mother can adjust her parenting style to meet the unique needs of her child at different stages of their life. S

he doesn’t stick to a rigid parenting script, but adapts and grows with her child.

That’s why I’m certain that a woman who embraces change and is comfortable with uncertainty will likely excel in the unpredictable journey of motherhood.

4) She has great communication skills

woman great mother

How often do we underestimate the power of words?

Clear and open communication is key in any relationship, especially in the bond between a mother and child.

A woman with strong communication skills can express love, set boundaries, and impart essential life values to her child. She can listen actively when her child speaks, understanding not just the words, but the feelings and intentions behind them.

Moreover, a good communicator knows that it’s not just about talking — it’s about listening too.

That way, a mother can create a safe space where her child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions.

Such effective communication skills are prerequisites for becoming a great mother who can guide her child through life with love, understanding, and wisdom.

5) She understands the importance of attachment

Ever heard of attachment theory?

In layman’s terms, it’s a psychological concept that emphasizes the importance of strong emotional bonds from a very young age.

According to this theory, a secure attachment between a child and caregiver (often the mother) is crucial for healthy emotional development.

Such an attachment provides children with a sense of security and builds their confidence to explore the world.

A woman with the potential for great motherhood understands this. She recognizes that her relationship with her child will be one of the most significant ones in her child’s life.

She knows that being consistently present, both emotionally and physically, can foster this secure attachment.

She’s ready to provide that comfort and security, making her child feel safe and loved.

And guess what?

This understanding is another psychological sign of a woman who will be a great mother.

6) She knows when to step back

Here’s where it gets a little counter-intuitive:

While understanding the importance of attachment is essential, so is knowing when to take a step back.

Great mothers know that sometimes, the best way to support their child is by not rushing in to solve every problem for them.

Psychologists call this “authoritative parenting” – a balance between being responsive and setting high expectations.

A woman who’s likely to be a great mother understands the value of letting her child experience failure and frustration. She realizes that these experiences are as crucial for her child’s development as success and happiness.

She encourages independence and problem-solving, all while providing a safe environment for her child to return to.

This understanding that not all battles should be fought for their child, but rather with them, is another telltale sign of a woman who will be an excellent mother.

7) She embraces imperfection

No one’s perfect – and great mothers understand this better than anyone.

A woman who’ll make a great mother knows that she will make mistakes. She’s not afraid to admit them and learn from them.

Here are a few signs that a woman embraces imperfection:

  • She doesn’t shy away from apologizing when she’s wrong.
  • She openly talks about her failures as much as her successes.
  • She encourages her child to learn from mistakes instead of fearing them.

This acceptance of her own imperfections, and the willingness to grow from them, is a clear sign that a woman is ready for the unpredictable, beautiful mess that is motherhood.

8) She practices self-care

I remember my mother once told me, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

At the time, I didn’t fully understand what she meant.

But as I grew older, and especially when I became a parent myself, her words started to make perfect sense.

A woman who’s likely to be a great mother understands the importance of self-care. She knows that to take care of others effectively, she must first take care of herself.

She takes time for activities that recharge her, whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee in the morning or a yoga class after work. She understands that maintaining her own physical, mental, and emotional well-being is crucial for her ability to care for her child.

9) She radiates unconditional love

Here we are, at the final and perhaps most significant sign: unconditional love.

A woman who’s cut out to be a great mother loves her child wholeheartedly, without any conditions or expectations.

Her love isn’t contingent on her child’s behavior, achievements, or choices. She loves her child for who they are, not for who she wants them to be.

This deep, unwavering love is what carries her through the challenges of motherhood. It’s what motivates her to be the best mother she can be, every single day.

Unconditional love – it’s not just the cornerstone of motherhood, but also the ultimate sign of a woman who’s ready to embark on this extraordinary journey.

Wrapping it up: What does this mean for you?

These 9 signs are not just indicators of a woman’s potential for great motherhood. They’re also qualities that anyone can cultivate, regardless of their current stage in life.

  • If you’re a mother already, these signs can help you reflect on your parenting style and identify areas for growth.
  • If you’re planning to become a mother, they can guide you on the values to embrace.
  • If you’re neither, they still offer valuable insights into emotional intelligence, communication, and self-care that can enhance your relationships and personal growth.

Motherhood is a profound journey of love, learning, and growth. It’s filled with joy, challenges, laughter, tears, successes, and failures.

But amidst all this complexity, one thing remains clear:

The heart of a great mother is always guided by unconditional love and unwavering commitment to her child’s well-being.

Feeling stuck in self-doubt?

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Picture of Tara Whitmore

Tara Whitmore

Tara Whitmore is a psychologist based in Melbourne, with a passion for helping people build healthier relationships and navigate life’s emotional ups and downs. Her articles blend practical psychology with relatable insights, offering readers guidance on everything from communication skills to managing stress in everyday life. When Tara isn’t busy writing or working with clients, she loves to unwind by practicing yoga or trying her hand at pottery—anything that lets her get creative and stay mindful.

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