Different Types of Mothers and Their Influence on Children

Free shipping on purchases above 500 DKK / 67 €

Tested for safety - Loved by parents

100% Made in Denmark

Types of mothers and their influence on children

Posted on
Types of mothers and their influence on children
Mothers Parenting Tips

Types of Mothers and Their Influence on Children

They are wonderful, one of a kind, and an essential part of a child’s life: mothers. Yet there is not only one way of being a mother, and each mother is unique in her motherhood. In this blog post, you’ll get to know four common types: the authoritarian, the ambitious, the empathetic, and the permissive.

When you understand what type of mother you are, you can take healthy steps in parenting - and build a strong mother-child relationship. You don’t have to fit neatly into one “mother box,” and it’s completely normal to feel like a blend of several styles.

 

Explore the common mother types

  • The Authoritarian Mother

    There’s comfort in routine, and rules are set in stone. When your child resists, discipline steps in - not as a dialogue, but as a directive.

  • The Ambitious Mother

    You dream big on your child’s behalf. Every lesson is a step toward their shining future. But in the quiet moments, you wonder - are you guiding their passion, or planting your own?

  • The Empathic Mother

    You meet your child with heart and honesty. Feelings are welcomed, named and understood - both theirs and yours. Even in hard moments, you lead with connection, not control.

  • The Permissive Mother

    You care deeply and want your child to feel happy and heard. But when emotions run high, limits soften. You value closeness - sometimes so much, saying no feels like letting go.

The Authoritarian Mother

You raise your child according to fixed rules that are not up for discussion. You expect your child to stay within the framework without complaining, but without explaining why. Instead, there is often a punishment if your child doesn’t do as you say, such as: "If you don’t finish your meal, you can’t have an ice cream"

How the authoritarian mother influences their child

The more controlling you are, the more your child will want to break the rules, and ultimately you risk your child losing respect for you. Respect goes both ways, and when you dictate the rules without explanation, you are not showing your child respect.

To break out of the authoritarian role

Try to explain to your child why you want him or her to do something specific: ‘I understand that you don’t feel like turning off the television, but we have to go now. You can watch TV again when we get home’. Then you show your child understanding. That doesn’t change the fact that the television has to be turned off now, but it’s not forever.

The Ambitious Mother

You have already signed your little star up to numerous piano and singing lessons, because you think your child is a true musical talent. All mothers think their children are perfect, and it can be difficult for you to assess whether your child is actually as talented as you think.

How the ambitious mother influences their child

It’s great when the mother is cheering but make sure that your child doesn’t get stressed by the many demands and high expectations. Your child may come to feel that he or she is not good enough if it has to live up to your ambitions. And if your child is constantly being told that it’s the next big musical star, he or she might get an unpleasant shock if the rest of the world doesn’t agree.

To break out of the authoritarian role

Try to shift the focus from everything your child has to be good at to what he or she actually wants to do. Does your child really want to sing, or does it want to play soccer or ice hockey more? Try to notice why it is so important to you that your child is perfect.

The Empathic Mother

You are good at helping your child empathize with others and understand other people’s feelings. When your child is having a hard time, you help it put feelings into words, so it understands why it feels that way and why it reacts in that specific way. You are also good at understanding your child and its feelings yourself, and although you can get angry with your child, you don’t hold a grudge and you’re able to say sorry.

How the empathic mother influences their child

Your child will become very good at understanding other people’s feelings and showing understanding for them, since this is how your child itself is met. Your child feels that its feelings are taken seriously, and it feels understood, even when you make demands or say no to your child.

To break out of the empathic role

Empathy is an important quality, and you should definitely not get rid of it. But perhaps you can get a little inspired by the authoritarian mother, if you feel that you can become even better at setting clear boundaries for your child.

The Permissive Mother

You are very loving and a good listener, but you find it difficult to set limits for your child, and there are not many consequences if he or she breaks the rules. When you say no, it quickly changes to a yes if your child cries. It is important for you to be friends with your child and make everyone happy, which makes it extra difficult for you to set boundaries.

How the permissive mother influences their child

Your child may become unsure of who decides and what is actually expected of him or her if there are limited boundaries. This makes your child very exploratory inside and outside your home because it tries to find out what the framework for its behavior is. Your child may be seen as a troublemaker, but in reality, it is just confused.

To break out of the permissive role

Try to figure out why it’s difficult for you to set boundaries. Often it is about the fact that we find it difficult to feel our own limits. For example, where do yours go? If you are unsure of your own boundaries, you can’t signal clear boundaries to your child either.

Mother gently holding her toddler using a FRIGG pacifier - creating a calm, connected moment of emotional bonding

What makes a good mother?

There’s no perfect way to mother - only the way that fits your child, your values, and your everyday life. The most important thing isn’t which “type” you are, but how connected, present, and trusted you are in your child’s eyes.

Mother gently comforting her baby with a FRIGG pacifier - nurturing emotional security and closeness

What children need most from their mothers

It’s not more toys, perfect routines, or constant stimulation. It’s presence. Comfort. Predictability. Being there in both calm and chaos - and showing your child they’re safe, no matter what.

FAQ: Understanding the parenting styles and yourself as a mother

Can I be more than one type of mother?

Absolutely. Most mothers are a blend. You might lead with empathy, but lean on structure in certain situations - or shift depending on your child’s needs. What matters isn’t fitting into a box, but recognizing your tendencies so you can parent with intention.

How do I know if my parenting style is helping or harming?

There’s no perfect style, but there is balance. Ask: Is my child thriving - emotionally, socially, and securely? If there’s tension or withdrawal, it might be time to soften or strengthen certain parts of your approach. Growth in parenting often starts with gentle reflection, not guilt.

Can I shift my parenting style as my child grows?

Yes - and you probably will. As your child changes, so do their needs. Parenting is a dynamic relationship. You might become more structured when they need guidance or softer when they’re overwhelmed. The most resilient parenting is flexible, not fixed.

Is there one best parenting style?

Research points to authoritative parenting (firm + warm) as especially healthy, but what matters most is connection. Children thrive when they feel safe, understood, and gently guided. The best parenting style is the one that helps you and your child feel secure - together.

Blogs you might also find interesting

View All Blogs