So in your opinion, what makes a "good mother"?

[mankymummy]

list your three things...

[flyingmum]

I dunno - I'll ask my social skills group that I teach tomorrow and report back.

Now I've started thinking about it . . .

This is worse than what disks would you take to the desert island

UMMMMMMMMMM

OK: 1. Someone who gives lots of praise and positive reinforcement including hugs and is kind and cuddly

1. Someone who enforces reasonable discipline and routine whilst not being autocratic.
2. Someone is happy to accept the child they have been given rather than trying to turn them into something or someone else.

[CherryChoc]

Respect for her children
Respect for herself
Patience!

[nailpolish]

1. someone who gives their children a happy childhood
2. someone who helps their child get ready for their lives as independent people
3. someone who loves their children unconditionally

[WouldYouCouldYouWithAGoat]

the wearing of boden clothes

[mankymummy]

ha ha reality... wine featured in my top 3 too !!!

[TheCrackFox]

1. Loving and makes her DCs feel loved
2. Good sense of humour tends to lead to happy memories.
3. Wine

[PerArduaAdNauseum]

1. Seeing the child as an individual from the start
2. Keeping personal ishoos to herself (not making them a child's problems)
3. Gin. (Can't drink wine )

[beansontoast]

doing what i cant...

which is

not hissing with rage at five am to a five yr old to ''put your head on the pillow and goooo toooo sleeeep''

not feeling even a tiny bit self conscious when your children are always pale,scabby,snotty,matted and ignoring you (despite all efforts to dodge this look!)

always able to be mindful of what is a realistic expectation of a child of x age,in whatever situation.

[Kammy]

1. Love

2.Consistency
3.Dependability

[mrsruffallo]

1. Listen to your children
2. Let them know that you love then unconditionally
3. Emotional honesty

[cory]

1. Making them feel you like having them around (at least some of the time).

1. Dependability.

1. A sense of humour.

[PinkTulips]

listens to her kids

doesn't shout

is able to find the right balance between dicipline and letting kids have fun

(not me in other words )

[MrsTittleMouse]

1. love
   
2. a lot more energy than I have at the moment
   
3. a sense of humour

[snigger]

Patience

Unconditional love

Acceptance of her own and her children's imperfections and shortcomings.

[pamelat]

Being there no matter what, knowing that my DD will always know that I love her unconditionally.

Managing not to throw a strop myself when my 13 month old does (we are on a similar wave length when I am at the end of my tether!)

Making time for her, even when I really dont feel that I have the energy. Life is too short for any missed hugs/play times/stories to be read etc. My book (that I really really want to read) can wait

[LauriefairycakeeatsCupid]

to be 'good enough'

and to realise that is all she can be and that is ok

[nicewarmslippers]

really it just comes down to one thing-love them. They'll forgive you pretty much anything else.

[MrsMattie]

Love 'em, feed 'em, keep them safe & warm as far as possible.

[Rainbear]

• Giving them the respect you would to any person, listening to them and being responsive.
• Making their health and wellbeing a priority, balanced with enough self care to ensure a loving mummy.
• Letting them go... eek!

[HecatesTwopenceworth]

1 love
2 respect
3 being consistent

[Supercherry]

1). Putting the needs of your child/children first.
2). Leading by example.
3). Listening.

Oooh, there are lots, unconditional love- but assume this is a given anyway.

[FairMidden]

1. Patience
   
2. Patience
   
3. Patience
   
   My mother must have been a bloody saint - she only ever said "because I said so" once that I am aware of!

[ICANDOTHAT]

Being her children's biggest fan and not slurring or staggering after that well deserved bottle of wine !!