You no doubt take precautions to
ensure you don't become a mother
right now, but you may wonder if you
have what it takes to be a fab mom
later on. Well, there are ways to tell.

"Certain characteristics make a person
more likely to be a good parent,"
explains child psychologist Virginia
Shiller, PhD, author of Rewards for
Many women naturally develop
these qualities over time, she says. But
you can actively awaken them now so
they're present should you opt for future
mommyhood. We show you how.

A Strong Intuition

Can you tell if your guy is upset via his
body lingo? Do you know when a coworker
is stressed by a slight change
in her expression? Since infants can't
verbalize their feelings, "you'll have to
use indirect cues like these to interpret
your baby's needs," says Shiller.

Tap in to your intuition by taking a
minute to feel people out before they
divulge their thoughts, says Los Angeles
psychologist Yvonne Thomas, PhD.
"You may be surprised by how much
your inner voice can reveal." Then,
once you're a mom, you'll be picking
up the most subtle clues.

A Knack for Nurturing

Women who baby their men and
chicks who counsel pals in crises are
primed for parenthood. "This demonstrates
you're able to comfort others,"
says Shiller. One way to foster
your caretaking side: "If a pal seems
down, don't just ask if she's okay," suggests
Thomas. "Put your arm around
her and help her find a solution."

The Ability to Keep Your Cool

Everyone gets frazzled, but women
who rein in their emotions before they
freak have a leg up on being terrific
moms. "You probably won't take out
frustration on your future kids," explains
Daniela Montalto, PhD, a developmental
psychologist at the New
York University Child Study Center.

To train yourself to stay chill, put
what's setting you off in perspective.
Most triggers aren't worth flipping out
over. And when stress bubbles up,
have a go-to activity that relaxes you,
like hitting the gym, says Thomas.

A Willingness to Ask for Help

When a job is too big to handle solo, a
good mom enlists assistance, says
Shiller. So begin reaching out if you're
overwhelmed, say by asking your guy
to pitch in more around the house.

A Playful Attitude

A vital parenting trait is having fun.
"This helps you interact with kids better
and become part of their world,"
says Montalto. If you have trouble
getting in touch with your
carefree side, "focus
on how things feel
instead of worrying
you look silly,"
says Thomas.
"You'll let loose
and live in the
moment." Just like
children do.

What Do You Think?