mothering

noun

1. The nurturing of a child by its mother.

2. The protective behaviour of a mother towards her child.

3. Nurturing or protective behaviour reminiscent of that performed by a literal mother.

4. (obsolete) Shortened form of a-mothering (obsolete); practice of visiting one's literal or figurative mother or mother church (compare Mothering Sunday).

verb

1. present participle of mother