The Kind of Mother I Want to Be

Motherhood is something I think about often—in the way it lives as a dream in my heart. I'm not expecting, but I know that one day, when the chapter arrives, I want to be intentional about the kind of mother I become. I've spent time reflecting on the qualities, traditions, and love I want to carry into motherhood. Some come from my own upbringing, while others are lessons I've gathered from the woman I am today.

A Mother Who Speaks Love Out Loud

I grew up in a family that always said "I love you" every day. No matter what, those words were never withheld—they were spoken in the morning, before leaving the house, at night before bed. And still, to this day, that simple phrase is part of our rhythm. I want to carry that same intentionality forward with our own children. Love is something that should be both felt and heard, and I want our children to know without a doubt that they are cherished.

A Mother Who Listens

Children deserve to be heard. When I think about the mother I want to be, I imagine myself leaning down to their level, making eye contact, and truly listening when they speak. I want our future children to know their voices matter—even in the small things. Whether it's a story about their day at school or a bigger worry weighing on their heart, I hope they feel safe enough to come to me without fear of being dismissed.

A Mother Who Creates a Safe Home

Home has always been my safe space, and I want to create that same kind of environment for our children. Not perfect, not spotless, but a place filled with warmth, acceptance, and peace. I want them to walk through the door and breathe easier, knowing they are exactly where they belong. More than anything, I hope our home is where they feel the freedom to be fully themselves.

A Mother Who Values Moments Over Perfection

I don't dream of being the kind of mother who has it all together. Instead, I want to be the mother who chooses presence over perfection. The messy days, the unwashed dishes, toys scattered across the floor—I don't want those to take away from laughter, stories, and time spent together. Childhood is fleeting, and I don't want to miss the beauty of it by chasing an impossible idea of "perfect."

A Mother Who Passes Down Traditions

There's something sacred about traditions, both old and new. For me, spending Christmas Eve in PJs with hot chocolate and watching The Polar Express is one tradition I never want to let go of. But I also dream of creating our own—little rituals like Sunday morning pancakes, evening walks, or cozy family movie nights. I want our children to grow up with memories tied not to material things, but to simple rituals that stitched our family together.

A Mother Who Teaches By Example

I believe children learn most from what they see, not just what they're told. That's why I want to live in a way that reflects kindness, resilience, and compassion. I hope they'll notice the way I love their father, treat others, and the way I carry myself through hard times. If I can show them that it's okay to be human—to feel deeply, to try again, to forgive, and to grow—then I'll feel I've given them something lasting.

A Mother Who Holds Space for Dreams

Every child has unique dreams, and I want to be the mother who encourages them instead of steering them toward my own expectations. Whether they want to paint, build, sing, or explore, I want to nurture their curiosity. I never want our children to feel like they have to earn my approval by becoming someone they're not. Instead, I hope they always know my pride comes from who they are, not what they accomplish.

A Mother Who Loves Without Condition

At the core of everything, the kind of mother I want to be is one who loves without condition. Not for achievements, not for good behaviour, not for how neatly they fit into the world's mold—but simply for being themselves. That kind of love is what I received growing up, and it's what I want to pour into our future children.

Closing Thoughts

Even though I'm not a mother yet, I carry this vision close to my heart. It's not about painting a perfect picture—it's about grounding myself in the kind of love and presence I want to give. When that day comes, I know I won't have all the answers, but I'll have these intentions to guide me.

Because at the end of the day, the kind of mother I want to be is one whose children never have to question if they are loved.