Eliza Hartley
As individuals, it’s crucial that we feel equipped, empowered, and confident in our roles. This is particularly true when it comes to the complex and rewarding task of motherhood.
These qualities can feel elusive in the world of parenting, where self-doubt, exhaustion, and constant questioning can become the norm.
Being a great mom has less to do with perfection and more with resilience, empathy, and unconditional love.
It’s a role that’s often challenged by societal pressures and personal insecurities, yet filled with immeasurable joy and fulfilment.
Through this exploration, you may discover that you’re more prepared for the journey of motherhood than you initially thought.
1) You prioritize empathy
It’s also about acknowledging them, validating them, and responding with care and consideration. In essence, it’s about seeing through your child’s eyes.
You might notice that when your child is upset or frustrated, you don’t just brush it off as a tantrum or a phase. Instead, you take the time to understand what is causing those emotions. You listen, you ask questions, you show concern.
Maybe you find yourself reading books on child psychology or attending parenting workshops to better understand your child’s emotional needs. Perhaps you’re always on the lookout for new strategies to handle conflicts in a respectful and loving manner.
In heated moments, instead of losing your temper, you take deep breaths and remind yourself that your child is learning and growing. You strive to be their safe haven, their guide, and their most trusted confidante.
2) You’re a master of patience
Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to motherhood. It’s the key that helps navigate the tantrums, the messes, the endless “why” questions, and the late-night wakings.
You might find that your threshold for patience has significantly expanded since you’ve become a mom. Instead of getting flustered with the spilled milk or the scribbles on your newly painted wall, you manage to keep your calm.
Maybe you’ve noticed how you’ve become more understanding when your little one insists on wearing mismatched socks or takes forever to finish their meal. You’ve learned to appreciate these quirks rather than seeing them as inconveniences.
Research supports that such patience and understanding in parenting foster emotional intelligence in children, helping them develop better relationships and emotional stability as they grow.
Perhaps you’ve mastered the art of keeping your cool during those epic meltdowns in the supermarket aisle. Instead of losing your patience, you acknowledge your child’s feelings and use the opportunity to teach them how to cope with their emotions.
3) You’re not afraid to show your flaws
You might find that instead of hiding your mistakes, you openly admit them in front of your child. Maybe you’ve burnt dinner or forgotten about the school’s bake sale – and it’s okay.
Perhaps you’ve had moments where you apologized to your child for losing your temper or not keeping a promise. In such instances, you’re teaching them the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions.
You understand that showing your flaws is not a sign of weakness, but a way to teach your child that everyone makes mistakes and that it’s okay to be imperfect.
This transparency builds trust and strengthens your bond with your child, making you an awesome mom in their eyes and yours.
4) You sometimes doubt yourself
You may find yourself lying awake at night, questioning whether you’re doing enough, whether you’re doing it right, or whether your child is genuinely happy. Concerns about their future, their friendships, or their life choices may weigh heavily on you.
However, these moments of self-doubt aren’t indicators of weakness or inadequacy. Rather, they underscore your profound love and dedication to your child. They demonstrate your earnest desire to provide the very best for them.
Crucially, despite these doubts, you persevere. You continue to learn, adapt, and strive towards being the best mom you can be. This blend of honest introspection and steadfast determination is the hallmark of exceptional motherhood.
Indeed, research from the American Psychological Association suggests that this reflective and proactive approach to parenting fosters not only personal resilience but also nurtures well-rounded and emotionally healthy children.
5) You celebrate the small victories
As a mother, it’s easy to get absorbed in the bigger picture, the milestones and achievements. But being an awesome mom also means finding joy in the little moments, the small victories.
Maybe it’s your child’s first successful attempt at tying their shoelaces, or finally eating their vegetables without a fuss. Perhaps it’s them sharing their toys willingly or saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ without being reminded.
You understand that these seemingly insignificant victories play a huge role in your child’s development. You celebrate them, encourage them, and let your child know how proud you are of their progress.
This gentle encouragement and recognition not only boost your child’s self-esteem but also nurtures a healthy, positive relationship between you two. Your ability to acknowledge and celebrate these small victories shows that you’re well on your way to being an awesome mom.
6) You cherish your ‘me time’
In the whirlwind of motherhood, it’s easy to forget the person you were before you became a mom. But taking out time for yourself is not selfish—it’s necessary.
Perhaps you’ve found a way to sneak in a quick yoga session while your child naps, or enjoy a cup of hot coffee in the early morning silence before the house wakes up. Maybe you take a few minutes to read a chapter from your favorite book or catch up on your favorite show once the kids are in bed.
These precious moments of solitude help recharge your batteries and keep you grounded. They remind you that while being a mom is an important part of your identity, it’s not the only part.
7) You’ve become a storytelling pro
Motherhood often brings out talents you never knew you had. And for many moms, this includes becoming a master storyteller.
You might find yourself inventing stories on the spot to entertain your little ones during a long car ride or to soothe them into sleep at night. Perhaps you’ve perfected the art of animating your voice, making funny faces, or adding dramatic pauses to make the story more engaging.
Maybe your child’s favorite superhero often makes surprise appearances in your tales, or you weave lessons about sharing and kindness into the narrative of princesses and dragons.
These light-hearted moments of bonding not only entertain your child but also stimulate their imagination and creativity, fostering a love for stories and learning. Your storytelling prowess is a delightful sign that you’re an awesome mom.
8) You’re not always the ‘cool’ mom
Being an awesome mom doesn’t always mean being your child’s best friend. Sometimes, it means setting boundaries, saying ‘no’, and sticking to the rules, even when it’s tough.
You might have moments where you have to stand your ground, like limiting screen time, enforcing bedtime, or insisting on healthy eating. Perhaps you’ve had to deal with tears and tantrums because you didn’t buy that toy in the store or let them eat ice cream before dinner.
You understand that these decisions, while unpopular, are necessary for your child’s well-being and growth. It’s about teaching them the importance of discipline, responsibility, and making healthy choices.
Although it’s hard to see your child upset, you know that being a mom means prioritizing their long-term wellbeing over short-term happiness.
9) You love unconditionally
At the heart of being an awesome mom is the ability to love unconditionally. This love fuels all the patience, resilience, empathy, and strength that motherhood demands.
You might find that no matter how exhausted you are, you’re always there for your child. Whether it’s comforting them after a nightmare at 3 am, cheering them on at their school event, or simply listening when they’ve had a rough day.
Studies, such as those from the American Psychological Association, affirm that this type of emotional bond not only supports the emotional and psychological development of children but also significantly enriches the maternal experience, reinforcing the profound impact of unconditional love in parenting.
The most important thing to remember is that this unconditional love is the cornerstone of being an awesome mom. It’s the glue that holds everything together and keeps you going, no matter what. And if you have this love in your heart, rest assured, you’re already an awesome mom.
Wrapping it up
Everyone has their unique journey and challenges. Some days might feel overwhelming, and others might be filled with joy and laughter. That’s the beauty of motherhood – it’s an ever-evolving journey of love, learning, and growth.
However, if you find yourself doubting or struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help or talk to someone you trust. You’re not alone in this journey.
Take some time to reflect on your journey so far. Are there areas where you’d like to grow? Are there moments that fill you with pride? Remember, every day is a new opportunity to learn and grow along with your child.
