maternalize
Adopt maternal behavior
To maternalize is to make maternal or mother-like—to bring out nurturing, protective qualities typically associated with motherhood.
The word appears in psychology and sociology when discussing how institutions or relationships take on caregiving characteristics: The workplace has been maternalized with its daycare centers and flexible hours.
Someone may maternalize a pet, treating it as they would a child.
Gentle, caring quality
- warmthHeat you feel
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
- attachmentConnection or fondness
- fondnessWarm liking or affection
gentleness · compassion · cherishing · empathy · solicitude · endearment · unconditional · adoration
Giving confidence or hope
- reassuringRestoring calm or confidence
- guidanceAdvice for decisions
- patientAble to wait calmly
- understandingMental comprehension of something
accepting · helpful · nurturing · fostering · mentoring · championing · bolstering · uplifting
Caring for children
- cradlingHolding tenderly, protectively
- breastfeedingLactation-based infant nourishment
- swaddlingWrapping babies snugly
- soothingReducing distress or discomfort
bonding · nourishment · childrearing · lactation · lullabies · nesting · infancy · upbringing
Protecting from harm
- shelteringProtecting from elements
- safeguardingPreventing harm or loss
- watchfulCarefully attentive, observant
- guardianProtective caretaker of another
vigilant · defensive · custodial · overseeing · warding · insulating · hovering · smothering
tenderness
Gentle, caring quality
- warmthHeat you feel
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
- attachmentConnection or fondness
fondness · gentleness · compassion · cherishing · empathy · solicitude · endearment · unconditional · adoration · affection
encouraging
Giving confidence or hope
- reassuringRestoring calm or confidence
- guidanceAdvice for decisions
- patientAble to wait calmly
understanding · accepting · helpful · nurturing · fostering · mentoring · championing · bolstering · uplifting · validating
mothering
Caring for children
- cradlingHolding tenderly, protectively
- breastfeedingLactation-based infant nourishment
- swaddlingWrapping babies snugly
soothing · bonding · nourishment · childrearing · lactation · lullabies · nesting · infancy · upbringing · postpartum
shielding
Protecting from harm
- shelteringProtecting from elements
- safeguardingPreventing harm or loss
- watchfulCarefully attentive, observant
guardian · vigilant · defensive · custodial · overseeing · warding · insulating · hovering · smothering · fussing