“I do not think that I am a natural born mother… If I ever wanted to mother anyone, it was my father.”
- October 11, 1884 – November 7, 1962
- American
- First Lady of the United States, Diplomat, Human Rights Advocate, Chair of the UN Human Rights Commission
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Quote
“I do not think that I am a natural born mother… If I ever wanted to mother anyone, it was my father.”
Explanation
In this candid reflection, Eleanor Roosevelt reveals a deep emotional complexity about her identity and upbringing, acknowledging that motherhood did not come naturally to her in the way society might have expected. The confession that she felt a maternal instinct not for her own children first, but for her father, points to a reversal of roles shaped by early loss, longing, and emotional need.
Roosevelt’s father, whom she adored, died when she was young, and his absence left a profound mark on her life. This quote suggests that her early desire to nurture was rooted in trying to care for someone she felt emotionally responsible for, rather than following a traditional maternal path. It also reflects the pressures placed on women—especially in her time—to fit into predefined roles, such as the “natural mother,” regardless of their personal feelings or emotional readiness.
In today’s conversations about parenting, gender roles, and emotional honesty, Roosevelt’s words resonate strongly. They offer a rare vulnerability from a public figure, reminding us that not all roles come naturally—and that’s okay. Her admission encourages a more compassionate view of identity, one that honors both personal truth and the complicated nature of human relationships.
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