Types of Mother-Daughter Relationships

Mother-daughter relationships have a lasting impact on the family dynamic and the daughter's development. Daily interactions between a mother and her child affect the child's social, emotional and intellectual growth. While a boy's experiences with his mother are important, the unique bond between a mother and daughter is often infinitely more complex. They can influence the way a young girl feels about herself from an early age.

  1. Bosom Buddies

    • Some mothers seek to be best friends with their daughters.

      One kind of mother seeks primarily to be her daughter's best friend. This mother may be closer in age to her daughter. Communication in this type of relationship is usually open and honest, which can be valuable during a child's formative years. However, these mothers often try to live vicariously through their daughters' experiences and consequently have trouble advising and disciplining.

    Boss and Subordinate

    • A mother's constant need to dominate her daughter is not healthy for the child.

      Some mothers feel the constant need to dominate their daughters. They are often giving instructions, making suggestions, barking orders and punishing. Consequences may be harsh or unfair. Daughters of these types of mothers can become quietly resentful, outwardly rebellious or passive in social settings. This type of relationship may lead to fear or rebellion on the part of the daughter. She may feel a strong need to be "good" and "perfect" or may strive to deviate as much as possible from her mother's path.

    Rivals

    • Mothers and daughters may compete with each other.

      Mothers and daughters who are competitive with each other often have a close relationship and a solid understanding of each other. While they get along well, they have a tendency to compare themselves. One may want to be like or better than the other -- skinnier, prettier, smarter or more successful.

    Role Reversal

    • A role reversal relationship occurs when a daughter becomes the nurturer instead of the mother.

      A role reversal relationship occurs when a daughter becomes the nurturer instead of the mother. This type of relationship may stem from financial, medical, mental health or personality differences. It can be a strain on a child who feels pressured to take care of the mother at all costs. The daughter may also feel neglected in the sense that she is not receiving the parental guidance she probably needs.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Improving Family Communications
      How can I improve communications in my family?Here are a few important ways to build healthy communicationBe available: Make time in everyone's busy schedule to stop and talk about things. Even 10 minutes a day without distractions for you and yo
    • 11 Last-Minute Mothers Day Gifts That Are So Good, Mom Wont Notice You Forgot
      You promised this year would be different. You would buy your Mothers Day gift weeks in advance and spend the days leading up to the celebration perfecting a heartfelt card. But then you looked at a calendar and realized the big d
    • Communication Dos and Donts
      Here are some points to keep in mind as you communicate with your child:Listen actively.Make and keep eye contact.Look for the underlying messages in what your child is saying. What is the emotional tone or climate?Show respect for his ideas and feel