nurturers
People who cultivate
Nurturers are people who care for and encourage the growth of others.
The term emphasizes emotional support and patient development rather than mere provision: Teachers are often natural nurturers.
While applicable to anyone, nurturer carries traditionally feminine connotations—sometimes used pointedly to challenge assumptions about who does caregiving work.
Sharing another's emotions
- compassionConcern for others' distress
- patienceCalm during delays
- kindnessConsiderate, caring disposition
- warmthHeat you feel
tenderness · gentleness · understanding · devotion · selflessness · attentiveness · encouragement · reassurance
Mother or father
- grandparentParent once removed
- guardianProtective caretaker of another
- fosterEncourage development of
- adoptiveLegally taking as one's own
nanny · babysitter · aunt · uncle · elder · godparent · midwife · doula
Support spurring continued effort
- guidanceAdvice for decisions
- provisionPreparatory supply or clause
- sustenanceMeans of living
- protectionGuarding against harm
advocacy · reassurance · aid · backing · sponsorship · benefactor · patron · provider
One who instructs others
- mentorTrusted wisdom-giving advisor
- coachOne who instructs
- counselorOne who advises
- guideLeader or instruction book
tutor · advisor · elder · guru · sensei · role model · sponsor · confidant
One who cultivates flora
- farmerOne who cultivates land
- growerOne who raises plants
- tenderSoft or sore
- cultivatorSoil-turning implement
propagator · horticulturist · seed saver · plant parent · orchardist · beekeeper · shepherd · steward
empathy
Sharing another's emotions
- compassionConcern for others' distress
- patienceCalm during delays
- kindnessConsiderate, caring disposition
warmth · tenderness · gentleness · understanding · devotion · selflessness · attentiveness · encouragement · reassurance · unconditional love
parent
Mother or father
- grandparentParent once removed
- guardianProtective caretaker of another
- fosterEncourage development of
adoptive · nanny · babysitter · aunt · uncle · elder · godparent · midwife · doula · childminder
encouragement
Support spurring continued effort
- guidanceAdvice for decisions
- provisionPreparatory supply or clause
- sustenanceMeans of living
protection · advocacy · reassurance · aid · backing · sponsorship · benefactor · patron · provider · breadwinner
teacher
One who instructs others
guide · tutor · advisor · elder · guru · sensei · role model · sponsor · confidant · shepherd
gardener
One who cultivates flora
cultivator · propagator · horticulturist · seed saver · plant parent · orchardist · beekeeper · shepherd · steward · conservationist
- pamperersdoters, coddlers, indulgers, spoilers, fussers
- sycophantssycophant, sycophants, toady, toadies, bootlicker
- supportersfan, patron, supporters, backers, backer
nurturersabusers
Those who harm others
abandoners · deserters · destroyers · tormentors · child abusers
nurturersstunters
Performers of dangerous feats
corrupters · destroyers · crushers · saboteurs · warpers
- nature versus nurtureDebate over innate versus acquired traits
- nature vs nurtureWhat shapes us more
- nature and nurtureInnate traits and environmental influences