Are you having trouble bonding with your teenage daughter? Does she seem distant? Are you not able to ‘connect with her’ any longer? Read further to see how the following 5 steps can help you develop a deep bond with your daughter.
-
Talk About Being A Friend
Once your daughter enters her teenage, she is looking for a friend to confide her secrets and worries to; try to be that person. Encourage her to share things with you; talk to her as a friend and make her comfortable enough to share her problems with you.
-
Don’t Judge Her Or Her Friends
You have been there too; so don’t judge her (or the company she hangs out with). At the age which she is in, she might get too influenced by the people around her, the stuff she sees in the media and other things. As she grows up, she will understand what is right for her and what is not; gently guide her in that direction instead of being harsh on her.
-
Let Her Define Her Boundaries
She is experiencing new-found confidence and independence; hence, naturally, she would like to push her boundaries and see how far she can go. Encourage her to go beyond the mental barrier she has set for herself, however, also strictly stress the fact that nothing should come at the cost of her safety. Teach her how to evaluate every step she takes; guide her in defining her own boundaries.
Also read: How To Talk To Your Daughter About Periods?
-
Instil A Positive Body Image in Her
Instilling a positive body image in her is of utmost importance. Make sure that you never equate a particular body type with ‘being beautiful’; instead, teach her that she should aim for a ‘healthy body’ and that her physical appearance does not determine who she is; she is way more than her looks.
Talk to your daughter about puberty and the changes her body undergoes during her menstrual cycle. Teach her that it is a completely natural and healthy process; gifting her a period starter pack is a great idea in welcoming her to womanhood. Teach her how to maintain hygiene and be healthy and fit.
-
Teach Her To Deal With Attention From Boys
She might suddenly find herself getting a lot of attention from boys. If you have been able to become her friend and confidant then she would surely confide her confusions and feelings on the same. Deal with such issues by sharing your own experiences; don’t preach to her as she would simply dismiss it. Remind her that her primary focus should be her life and achieving the goals she has set for herself; however, on the sidelines, hanging out with friends and having fun is also important as these years are the prime years of her life. Teach her to create a balance in her life.
Also read: Why, When & How To Have The Period Talk With Your Daughter?
Conclusion
Building a strong bond with your teenage daughter is essential for her emotional well-being and your relationship with her. The teenage years can be challenging for both parents and teenagers, but by implementing some of the tips mentioned in this article, you can make the journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Encouraging open communication, actively listening, spending quality time together, and respecting each other's boundaries are all key elements to fostering a positive and lasting relationship with your teenage daughter.
As a parent, it is important to remember that your teenage daughter is going through a significant transition in her life, and your love and support can make all the difference in helping her navigate this period with confidence and self-assurance.
Try to be your daughter’s best friend; go beyond being her mother!
Shop all Adira essentials including period starter kit for an extra 10% off using code "MOMNDAUGHTER"