12 Tips to Fix a Broken Relationship with Your Daughter

As daughters grow up, their relationship with their parents changes. You may be your daughter’s friend or you two rarely talk to each other. If you do, it’s often about arguments and heated conversations. Lack of communication or lack of boundaries can damage the mother-daughter relationship. Having different personalities can also lead to a strained relationship. The good news is that you can still repair your relationship with your daughter. We will tell you the ways to mend the broken relationship with your daughter.

What are the causes of bad mother and daughter relationship?

A bad mother-daughter relationship can arise from various factors:

• Lack of communication
• Expectations are not met due to lack of boundaries
• Unsolved problems
• Frequent quarrels
• Difference of opinion
• Different personalities or values

Other factors that contribute to mother-daughter bonding are parenting styles and cultural influences, says mental health and behavioral science expert Dr Rahul Chandok. Inadequate emotional support, constant criticism or lack of space can also damage a relationship.

What are the signs of breakup between mother and daughter?

Here are some signs of a strained mother-daughter bond:

• Frequent disagreements, arguments or tension
• Difficulty expressing emotions openly
• Feeling unheard or misunderstood
• Lack of trust or respect
• Avoiding spending time together Feelings of resentment or anger Criticism or judgment from either party
• Lack of healthy communication
• Inability to resolve conflicts
• Emotional distance
• Passive-aggressive behavior

What are the ways a mother can resolve a broken relationship with her daughter?

You may think that you can’t save your relationship with your daughter, but there are ways to fix it.

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1. Encourage open and clear communication

Encourage open and honest communication where you and your daughter feel heard and respected. The expert says there is a need to create a safe space to express feelings and concerns without fear of judgement.

2. Listen actively

Just talking and expressing opinions is not enough. Your daughter must have heard it. Practice active listening by paying full attention to your daughter’s thoughts and emotions without interrupting or ignoring her point of view.

3. Empathy

Put yourself in your daughter’s shoes to understand her perspective, feelings and emotions. Even if you don’t agree with her, show empathy and validate her emotions.

4. Apologies

Even if you are older than her, acknowledge past wrongdoings or hurtful actions and sincerely apologize. This can help rebuild trust and demonstrate your commitment to change.

5. Set boundaries

Make sure you set clear boundaries with your daughter and respect them. Dr Chandhok says it helps build respect and understanding.

6. Spend quality time

Make it a priority to spend quality time with your daughter by engaging in activities that you both enjoy. Building some happy memories together will strengthen the bond between you and your daughter.

7. Get treatment

Consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in family dynamics. Therapy provides a neutral space to explore issues and learn effective communication skills.

8. Practice forgiveness

It is important to let go of grudges and grudges and practice forgiveness. It is important to forget the past and move forward without holding on to negativity.

9. Respect differences

Accept and respect differences. Your daughter may have different opinions about certain things, interests or personalities. You have to accept that the two of you will never think alike.

10. Lead by example

Be a role model for your daughter to develop healthy communication, conflict resolution and emotional regulation, suggests an expert. Demonstrate the positive behaviors you want to see reflected in your relationship with your daughter.

11. Show appreciation

Express gratitude and appreciation for your daughter’s strengths, efforts, and contributions to the relationship. It helps to strengthen the relationship and build mutual respect.

12. Be committed

Rebuilding a relationship takes time, patience and continuous effort from both parties involved. Even in challenging times, commit to the process of healing and improving the relationship. Be persistent in striving for mutual understanding and growth.

What are some bonding activities that mother and daughter can do?

Several mother-daughter bonding activities can be done to improve the relationship:

1. Cook or bake together

Spend time together in the kitchen cooking or baking. It’s a great way to bond while teaching cooking skills and sharing family recipes.

2. Participate in outdoor activities

Step outside for a nature walk, bike ride or picnic. Stepping outside and engaging in adventurous activities makes time for meaningful conversations.

3. Immerse yourself in art and craft

Arts and crafts are not just for professionals or school children. Mothers and daughters also indulge in creative activities such as painting, pottery or crafting.

4. Go out for a movie or game night

Watch your or her favorite movie together or play games you both like to play. It helps strengthen the bond and fosters a healthy relationship, says the expert.

5. Pamper yourself with a spa day at home

Treat your daughter to a spa day with DIY facials, manicures and relaxation techniques. It’s a great way to pamper yourselves together and spend some quality time together.

6. Travel

Plan a weekend getaway with your daughter or explore nearby attractions. Traveling together provides an opportunity to create experiences and lasting memories.

7. Volunteer together

Volunteer at a local charity or participate in a service project together. It is a good activity and also helps to create a positive impact in the community.

8. Exercise together

Take a fitness class, go for a jog, or try yoga together. Exercising together improves physical health and strengthens the mother-daughter bond.

9. Read on

Start reading and discussing books with your daughter. Doing so encourages intellectual engagement and provides opportunities for meaningful conversations.

10. Gardening

Spend time tending to the garden or planting flowers together. Gardening encourages teamwork and allows you to relax in a natural setting.

But if you or your daughter experience persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or helplessness related to the relationship, seek professional help to heal and improve the relationship.