Relationships between mothers and daughters are often simultaneously beautiful, challenging, sweet, loving, and yet rife with conflict. Mothers want to teach their daughters everything they know about life; to serve as positive role models, and to help their daughters avoid the pitfalls and dangerous minefields in life. Daughters do not always welcome the unsolicited advice provided by their mothers. Many do not want to be like their mothers; in fact, they would prefer to learn on their own, and become women who are completely different from their mothers.
More than 30 years ago, when I experienced the great joy of becoming a mother, I finally understood the power of the protective animal instinct. As a lioness, it is the mother’s duty to guide, prepare and protect her cub.
As the strong mother of a fiercely independent daughter, I have also learned the importance of listening to her.
As a teenager, she informed me that she did not want me to solve her problems. She simply wanted me to LISTEN carefully to her. Too often, girls believe that we are not listening to them, and that their voices are not heard. As mothers, if we are not the first persons to set an example by listening to our daughters’ thoughts, ideas, and concerns, who will listen to them? “Mothers and daughters reflect each other, they repel each other, yet in spite of it all they love each other. Sometimes they should tell each other.” Iyanla Vanzant, Acts of Faith: Daily Meditations for People of Color
When both are open to the golden opportunities, mothers and daughters can create mutually beneficial relationships by teaching and learning from each other. We have been intentionally placed in each other’s lives to do this in positive, loving, meaningful ways. Sow seeds of love and positivity with your daughter (s). We always reap what we sow.
If you are blessed to be a mother, cherish the unique relationship with your daughter (s).
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