Source : WordNet®

maternalism
     n 1: the quality of having or showing the tenderness and warmth
          and affection of or befitting a mother; "the girl's
          motherliness made her invaluable in caring for the
          children" [syn: {motherliness}, {maternal quality}, {maternity}]
     2: motherly care; behavior characteristic of a mother; the
        practice of acting as a mother does toward her children