mothering

American  

[muhth-er-ing] / ˈmʌð ər ɪŋ /

noun

1. the nurturing of a child by a mother or in the way that a mother does.

   I'm so relieved to be finally able to do the mothering of my children in my own home.

2. the act of caring for or protecting like a mother, sometimes in an excessive way.

   Even though her cold wasn't better yet, she was getting tired of his mothering.

3. (in rural England) the custom of visiting one's parents on Laetare Sunday with a present.

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Etymology

Origin of mothering

First recorded in 1640–50; mother ¹ + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

“Kin,” set in the segregated South in the 1950s and ’60s, focuses on the crucial importance of mothering, sisterhood and close female friendships in young women’s lives.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

I just really, like, I can’t imagine mothering without their help, because they’re just so in tune to each other.

From Salon • Nov. 2, 2025

And it behooves city fathers and mothers to take this sentiment seriously, if they wish to keep mothering and fathering.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2024

"When she was in town, she was very involved," is how she diplomatically sums up Cass's mothering style.

From BBC • May 5, 2024

Not that I wanted or needed any mothering.

From "One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia