Ivana Poku Hey, lovely!
Here’s a quick intro if you’re new to Mumsjourney.
I’m Ivana Poku — founder of Mumsjourney blog, author of Motherhood: The Unspoken, and an award-winning mentor supporting mums on their motherhood journey.
After the birth of my twins in 2016, I experienced severe postnatal depression. It was the most difficult period of my life, but it opened my eyes to how much of motherhood goes unspoken — and how many mums quietly struggle while trying to “hold it all together”.
Today, I support mums to feel heard, supported, and confident in who they are becoming — not just as mothers, but as women. Through my writing and private mentoring, I help mums let go of guilt, honour their needs, and build a life they feel proud of, alongside motherhood.
Before we dive in, I just want to say something important: if you’ve been feeling like you’re failing as a mum, you are not!
Seriously.
Every mum I know has days where they doubt themselves.
And let me tell you a little secret: feeling like you’re failing does not mean you are failing.
In fact, it often means the exact opposite.
If you care enough to feel worried by motherhood, it shows you care deeply about your kids.
And caring mums? They’re the ones doing the most important work of all.
Grab a cuppa, get comfy, maybe hide in the bathroom for 10 minutes of peace, and let’s explore 17 signs you’re already a good mum!
1. You’re reading this post
If you care enough to wonder whether you’re doing okay, that alone is proof you are.
A mum who doesn’t care wouldn’t ask herself this question.
Your worry comes from a place of love and dedication.
It means you care about your child’s needs and want the best for them.
If that’s not a sign of a great mum, I don’t know what is!
2. You apologise when you mess up
Everybody makes mistakes.
The key isn’t that you mess up, it’s that you acknowledge it and do something about it.
Owning your mistakes and apologising teaches your kids a massive life skill — taking responsibility.
Keep your apology short and real.
Something like, “I’m sorry I shouted, I was tired,” often works far better than a long explanation.
They’ll feel your honesty, and you’ll teach them that mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow.
Why it matters: Your kids are watching everything, and apologies teach them more than words. They learn empathy, accountability, and how to communicate effectively.
3. You keep showing up, even on tough days
Let’s be honest, some days it’s a struggle to leave the house, or even just survive!
But you keep going. You show up. I’m not sure you realise how huge that is.
Celebrate the “small” wins (they’re not so small, after all).
Even getting everyone dressed and fed counts big time.
4. You care about your child’s feelings
Even if you don’t always know what to do, you know when your child is upset, anxious, or sad.
Just as you know when they’re happy and content.
Reflect back what you notice: “I see you’re frustrated because your toy broke — that’s annoying, huh?” Simple acknowledgement goes a long way.
Awareness is half the battle.
Just acknowledging emotions shows your child that feelings are valid.
5. You reflect on your reactions
You think, “Did I handle that well?” or “Could I have been more patient?”
The fact that you notice your mistakes is actually a HUGE positive.
It means you you’re growing as a person, and as a mum.
That inner voice that says, “Hey, maybe there’s a better way to handle this next time.”, is your internal compass helping you reflect, grow, and become an even better mum.
6. You love your children
This one seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many children don’t feel that love every day.
Toys everywhere, snacks on the floor, tantrums in stereo, and you’re wondering how you’re even surviving.
And yet… your love doesn’t vanish.
That’s the ultimate proof that you’re a great mum, even when everything else feels upside down.
Related posts:
- Why Crying in Front of Your Child Can Be Healthy
- Are Your Parenting Mistakes Really Hurting Your Kids? Let’s Get Real.
- Why Trying to Be a Perfect Parent Is Ruining Your Life (And How to Stop)
7. You show patience (even if it’s tiny)
Every little bit of patience counts.
Seriously, it all adds up.
Maybe you’re letting your kid take an extra five minutes to tie their shoes, or biting your tongue instead of snapping when they’ve made a mess… those short moments matter more than you realise.
Kids notice how you handle yourself.
When you stay calm – even just for a little while!! – they start to mirror it.
Those “small” moments of patience teach them more than hours of lectures ever could.
8. You seek help or advice
Let’s be honest – reading posts like this, asking friends for tips, or talking to professionals means you’re an AMAZING mum.
You’re not pretending you’ve got it all figured out.
You care enough to get better.
That’s strength.
Seeking help also teaches your children that asking for help is a natural part of life – and that you don’t have to (and shouldn’t) do life alone.
9. You also take care of yourself
You don’t need to do yoga on a mountaintop or have a fancy self care routine.
Whenever you enjoy a hot cup of tea in peace, sneak in a short walk, take some deep breaths, or have a night out with friends… it all matters, and it all counts.
It’s proof that you’re looking after yourself – and that, in turn, makes you an even more amazing mum.
If you want more simple, proven self-care ideas, I created a free Self Care Guide for Busy Mums. It’s full of quick, realistic tips to help you recharge – even if you have zero time!
10. You worry about them
You worry about school, friends, what they’re eating, if they’re happy… all of it.
And that worry is actually a huge sign you’re a great mum.
Bad mums don’t lose sleep over this stuff.
You do.
You’re in their world, heart and soul, even when you can’t fix everything.
11. You celebrate their small wins
You know those little moments that feel almost invisible?
Like when they finally ride their bike without training wheels, colour a picture without scribbling all over the page, or tie their shoes without screaming for help.
You notice and cheer.
Kids notice when you celebrate the little stuff.
It tells them their effort counts, not just the big milestones.
It makes them feel capable, seen, and genuinely proud of themselves.
12. You make sacrifices
Sometimes it’s your sleep, your hot coffee, or the last snack in the bathroom.
Maybe it’s giving up five minutes of quiet time just to referee sibling drama.
Those little sacrifices might feel exhausting, but here’s the thing: they’re tangible ways you show your kids you care.
And it sticks with them far longer than you think.
Balance is key.
Sacrifice occasionally, but don’t completely erase your own needs – your wellbeing matters too!
13. You juggle a million things at once
As a mum, you’re basically running a tiny empire.
You manage morning routines, school runs, shopping, cooking, bedtime, maybe work…
Even when it feels like you’re barely holding it together, the truth is: you’re doing a LOT, and you’re doing it bloody well.
Final Thoughts: 13 Signs You’re a Good Mum
There you have it!
17 signs you’re not only a good mum, that you’re an INCREDIBLE mum!
I can’t stress it enough: parenthood isn’t about being “perfect” (whatever that means), it’s about showing up, reflecting, growing, and loving.
And that’s exactly what you’re doing!
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like these:
