Mother and child

A maternal protective instinct is a strong, often intuitive behavior aimed at keeping one’s child safe from danger. This instinct appears in humans as well as in many animals and includes both physical and emotional responses. A typical example: When a mother perceives a potential threat to her child—be it a loud noise, a risky situation in traffic, or a stranger coming too close to the child—her body switches into an alarm state in an instant. Her heartbeat and alertness increase, she automatically moves protectively between the danger and the child, speaks in a calming or firm manner, and makes quick decisions to bring the child to safety. The maternal protective instinct is a powerful blend of love, responsibility, and biological programming designed to help the child grow up safe and healthy. The mother would do anything to protect her child.