Here’s to the mothers. And a salute to those hands that change the diapers, make the beds, drive the carpools, find the matching socks, and make the ten-millionth peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It’s a sticky salute, but well-earned.

We love the by-the-book moms and the go-with-the-flow moms. The moms talking mile-a-minute to the adults in the room and the mom in the corner with eyes only for her firstborn. Whether a mom has herself pulled together right down to her polished toenails, or is lucky to pull on a pair of pants that fit before throwing her hair in a messy bun—again—there is no doubt that all moms are unique, priceless and (all right, I’ll say it) tired.

While parenting energies can vary within a single day depending on how much coffee has been administered, the following types are fair snapshots of motherhood styles according to the Myers and Briggs personality types.

What kind of mom are you?

ISTJ: The Boss Mom

ISTJ moms are rock solid. Their walls are festooned with color-coded sticker charts, tidy calendars, decorations for the upcoming holiday, and a list of people to call in an emergency and in which order to call them. Boss Mom can be strict and doesn’t like her authority questioned, but Boss Mom gets her duties done.

ESTJ: The PTA Mom

ESTJ mom lines her ducklings in a row and expects them to follow along behind her on the straight and narrow trail. The rules are there for a reason, but rather than leaning into strict discipline, the PTA Mom rewards decorum and encourages order in both the family and the events or companies she organizes. PTA Moms excel at providing structure and efficiency.

ISFJ: The Helicopter Mom

ISFJ moms make sure everyone’s needs are met, going above and beyond to create a safe and nurturing home base. This nurturing mom is authoritarian but compassionate, setting a child up for success and encouraging them to grow, build and expand on their firm foundations.

ESFJ: The Yes Mom

ESFJ moms value their children’s opinions and weigh them equally with adults when making decisions for the family. Yes Mom overextends on the regular, making sure everyone’s emotional and physical needs are met, supporting and guiding her children. Routines, gossip, and a high level of engagement with everyone around her are the hallmark of the Yes Mom.

INFJ: The Photographer Mom

INFJ moms support the potential and individuality of each child. They take the time to listen and support the emotional needs of their kids. Photographer Mom presents a multitude of unique experiences and encourages them to express their own interests, all the while with her finger on the camera button.

ENFJ: The Nurturing Mom

ENFJ moms are all about meaningful conversations and activities. They want to go deeper with their kids’ thoughts and keep all of their secrets. Warm, compassionate and charismatic, this mom seeks to connect with and understand her kids. This empath is regularly teasing growth from her children in the name of creating a better world.

INTJ: The Home-Schooling Mom

INTJ moms think strategically and love to solve challenges. Parenting is just another possibility puzzle. This mom not only encourages problem-solving skills but also provides resources, plans, and follow-through support. This mom will help her kids mastermind their way to success.

ENTJ: The Tiger Mom

ENTJ moms encourage leadership, independence, and ambition while demonstrating the concepts through their own lifestyles. Assertive and rule-oriented, the Tiger Mom will rock a trip to Disneyland with a killer agenda. Her kids aren’t asked for input once her mind is made up, but they reap the rewards of her motivated visions.

ISTP: The Pajama Mom

ISTP moms want their kids to take chances and have fun, live in the now and make memories. This mom tends to have a “hands off” style of parenting, planning experiences that allow freedom to explore both the environment and whatever questions pop into their heads. She likes to talk things out and answer the whys of life, but if she’s caught in her jammies, she’ll just laugh and keep moving.

ESTP: The Social Butterfly Mom

ESTP moms make waves. Spontaneous and playful, this mom bounces, trying new things, meeting new people, and making new friends for her children. The Social Butterfly isn’t worried about routines or structure, choosing instead to fill her child’s world with wonder.

ISFP: The Hippie Mom

ISFP moms have essential oils in the house, alternative music choices in the room, and keep their options open. Creative and sensitive, Hippie Mom has a quiet, gentle, and low-key approach to parenting that encourages self-expression and imagination through the arts. This wallflower mom lets her kids wear whatever they want.

ESFP: The Party Mom

ESFP moms have a revolving door on the house and love to watch it spin. This mom is going to host play dates, slumber parties, potlucks, open houses, and prom night. She is liable to already have future weddings planned. She enjoys entertaining and socializing with her children and expands their horizons accordingly.

INFP: The Daydreamer Mom

INFP moms are idealists and tend to focus on the future instead of the present. Leaning into understanding and emotional support, Daydreamer Mom is engaged and playful. She encourages her kids to explore their passions and be true to themselves. This mom is all about creating a happy and harmonious home.

ENFP: The Cheerleader Mom

ENFP moms let their kids help in the kitchen, regardless of the mess left behind. They bring energy and enthusiasm to parenting, encouraging imagination and brainstorming the next big project. Cheerleader Moms encourage their kids to dream big and reach for the stars.

INTP: The Curious Genius Mom

INTP moms are a bit detached with more of a “free range” parenting style. Intellectual discussions or debates, experimentation, and exploration are part of the family dynamics. This Curious Mom believes that less is more when it comes to stuff, but there’s always room for knowledge.

ENTP: The Maverick Mom

ENTP moms teach their kids to make a difference in the world. Encouraging independent thought, the Maverick Mom leans into the areas of science or technology, and thrives on creating innovative change. She thinks on her feet but has her eye on a brighter future.

Jolie Tunnell
Jolie Tunnell is an author, freelance writer and blogger with a background in administration and education. Raising a Variety Pack of kids with her husband, she serves up hard-won wisdom with humor, compassion and insight. Jolie is an ISTJ and lives in San Diego, California where she writes historical mysteries. Visit her at jolietunnell.com