If you aren’t sure about motherhood, take a look at these 10 indicators that you would be a great mom. Let’s see how you measure up!
1. You are nurturing.
Raising children means having fun band-aids at the ready, giving hugs for both good and bad times, and providing life lessons to mold them into amazing adults. You have been through heartache, skinned your knees, and had both good and bad times, so you are already equipped! You also carve out time with your partner and understand that nurturing that relationship, with and without the kids around, is equally important.
2. You are strong.
You know that being a mom doesn’t mean you are a best friend. Enjoying your kids is great, but you are strong enough to know when to set boundaries and hand out consequences that will teach them how to act in the world.
3. You are fun.
You know how to have fun with your family. You can be silly and teach a little math while baking cookies. For example, 1/2 cup and 1/2 cup equals 1 cup! Sometimes, you can start a water balloon fight on a hot summer day. Being a mom doesn’t mean you have to lose your spontaneity and sense of fun. You just get to use it in lots of new ways!
4. You are vulnerable.
Gone are the days of the perfect mother, like Donna Reed or Leave it to Beaver‘s mom who was always impeccably dressed and wearing pearls while getting a balanced meal on the table at 5:30 pm sharp. You know it’s okay to admit to not having all the answers or making a mistake. This will also teach your children that it’s okay for them too. You will be a role model for how to fix mistakes and find answers to the things you don’t know (like more great lessons that kids need to learn).
5. You are dedicated.
When you decide to do something you are all-in. You know that having and raising kids isn’t something to be taken lightly. You are willing to do what it takes to keep them safe, help them learn, and help them grow to become confident, fun, and happy adults. You are also dedicated to keeping your relationships with your partner, family, and friends. You understand that there needs to be a balance. You know that the kids can’t always come first – and that that doesn’t make you a bad mom!
6. You are protective of those you love.
If you currently have girlfriends or family that you would drop everything for if they needed you, you are totally ready to be a mom! Being a mom is a balance of nurturing, teaching, and protecting them when you can. You know that doesn’t mean coddling them and thinking they can do no wrong, but you are willing to stand up to others who may be crossing a line when it comes to your kids.
7. You know how to ask for help.
You understand that there will be times when you need help and you won’t be afraid to ask for it. The “Super Woman” syndrome (where women try to do it all and think asking for help is a sign of weakness) is a recipe for exhaustion. A rested mom who is happy and not constantly overwhelmed is a better mom. She’s also a mom that shows her kids that asking for help is a good thing! Communicating and asking your partner for help is the key to success – divide, conquer, and live a happy life!
8. You know how to say “NO.”
Knowing how to say “no” is a key ingredient to being a mom. Kids will ask for all sorts of things and some won’t be safe. Sometimes they won’t be aligned with your family values and others will simply be out of your budget. You know that saying “NO” can be the most loving thing you can do. You don’t just say “YES” so people will like you.
9. You know you will have to eventually let go.
You understand that one day, these little humans who once depended on you for everything, will become more and more independent until they one day leave the nest. You may have mixed emotions, but you also know that that is what your job as a mom is all about – helping your kids become independent, self-sufficient members of society. (And if all goes well, they will love to visit!)
10. You are a little scared of being a mom.
If you have some doubts about how you will cut it as a mom, it probably means you will be a natural. You are thinking things through and realize having a child isn’t about someone to love YOU unconditionally, but rather another human being who you will be responsible for. They will change your life in amazing ways and challenge you at the same time. Featured photo credit: mother and son – by Tara Reed (article author) via flickr.com
