What it Takes to Be a Mother

Being Supportive and Encouraging

• It̵7;s important for mothers to support their children in all their endeavors. Cheering them on during soccer games or helping sew costumes for a play are only some of the ways to show children you support them. However, there is a fine line between supporting and smothering your children. You also need to make them feel independent and encourage them to attempt age-appropriate tasks and activities on their own. In addition, allow them to make and learn from their own mistakes. Supporting your children's interests, while taking a step back to give them room to blossom, allows your children to discover their own talents and self-worth, according to an article on the Greater Good website. (See Reference 2)

Being Present

• Being present doesn't just mean your physical presence for recitals, competitions or supervision -- it also means your emotional presence. Spending quality time with your children, interacting one-on-one, is vital to being a good mother. The abilities to exercise patience, listen and offer guidance are also necessary. Mothers who have more than one child should make it a point to spend time with each child on a daily basis, to show them that you care for them equally. (See Reference 3)

Setting and Enforcing Boundaries

• A good mother also knows how to set firm boundaries. Remember, your goal isn't to be a friend, it's to function as a loving parent, with the ability to set clear, fair rules and enforce them. Though it may be tough at times to say ̶0;no,̶1; following through will help your children develop a respect for authority. In an article on her personal website, Michelle Scharlop, a licensed family and marriage therapist, recommends thinking before reacting to your child's poor behavior choices. This will allow you to give appropriate consequences that you are willing to enact, instead of reacting and threatening a consequence that you don't want to enforce. (See Reference 3)

Serving as a Good Role Model

• Setting positive examples for your children is vital to being a good mother. Your actions and words have a profound impact on your kids. For example, if you want your children to be honest, model honesty at every opportunity. If you want your children to be kind and considerate, treat others with respect. Simple things like saying ̶0;please̶1; and ̶0;thank you̶1; can show your children the value of courtesy. If you avoid the use of foul language, you can influence your kids to do the same. (See Reference 3)

Being Happy

• One of the most essential things you need to be as a good mother is happy. When your children can see you going after your dreams with passion or being content with your home life, they are inspired to do the same. When you can take care of yourself physically and emotionally, you can better care for your children. Your joy and contentment will inevitably trickle down to your kids. Overall, your children will have a better chance at being happy and well-adjusted if you lead by example. (See Reference 2)