How to Establish a Good Relationship with a Teenage Daughter

Be assured that your adolescent daughter needs you as much as she always has, but in a new way. She's growing up and cannot tolerate being treated like a child. What worked at ten is antiquated only two years later. The teen years are difficult for both mothers and daughters as they struggle to stay close. She's interested in going out into the world and having new more grown up experiences while mom struggles to find the balance between allowing more freedoms and keeping her safe.

Instructions

    • 1

      Encourage independence but don't take her wanting to hang out with friends personally. Your daughter's desire for independence does not mean that you are not a good mother or that she does not want you in her life, it means that she's growing up.

    • 2

      Tell your daughter that that you want to have a good relationship with her. Tell that you are willing to work at making it better. Ask her if she is willing too. Ask her what is one thing she might suggest to make your relationship better.

    • 3

      Redefine you relationship. Tell your daughter that your mother daughter relationship is going through a transition and there might be some rough patches. Remind yourself that your relationship is maturing and that there will be many positive benefits for the both of you.

    • 4

      Ask her to be patient with you because you're learning new skills too. Give your daughter plenty of time to practice the responsibilities that come with the new freedoms.

    • 5

      Fix the mistakes. When she makes a mistake, which we all do, tell her, "You've made a mistake. You can fix. I will help you. I forgive you." When you make a mistake, which you will, tell her, "I made a mistake, I'm sorry, will you forgive me?"

    • 6

      Send positive messages to your daughter daily, such as: "I love you! There is nothing that will make me stop loving you," and "You are remarkable! You can accomplish anything," and "I believe in you."

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