There is something about the relationship between mothers and daughters that is truly unique. These relationships are often characterized not only by love but also by deep sensitivity, and during the early years of a child, this relationship is often marked by constant friction.
Ask any mother who has a daughter about her relationship with her and she will tell you about her daughter’s mood swings, irritability and unexpected reactions to her well-intended behavior.
The truth is that most daughters are trying very hard to live up to their mother’s expectations. The young lady is also struggling to please her mother and also gain independence from her mother at the same time, and this can be very tricky. So as a mother, you need to be sensitive to these things.
These 5 tips will help you have a healthy relationship with your daughter.
Mothers should try to make most conversations constructive, rather than critical. For example, instead of pointing out something she’s wearing that you don’t like, point out something you like. When your daughter makes a bad decision (which she’s bound to do) don’t focus on the error, focus on helping her enhance her decision-making skills in the future.
Spending relaxed time together while discovering common hobbies and interests helps deepen the mother-daughter bond. For example, take yoga classes together, go jogging together etc. You can explore something that is new to both of you also. Take a knitting class, carve out time to try a new activity that can bring you closer and create fun memories along the way.
If your daughter confides in you, keep the information confidential. While it may be tempting to share what you’ve spoken about with others, doing so is likely to lead to a breakdown in trust and communication between the two of you.
When feelings are hurt and emotions run high, it’s often very hard to forgive or ask for forgiveness. Saying sorry after an argument opens the door to a candid conversation that allows us to better understand how our words and actions make each other feel.
Your daughter might view this as an attempt to make things about yourself and perhaps even that you’re trying to engage in a bit of competition. Your daughter is in the midst of figuring out who she is, and more than anything else, she needs you to give her support in a gentle manner. Always keep an open line of communication, but bear in mind that when interacting with your teen daughter less is more. Fewer comparisons and less drawing conclusions. Instead, do a lot more listening and be supportive, it will likely lead to a calmer and more harmonious relationship.
