Mother - Daughter Relationships

This Mother’s Day, take a new look at your Mother - Daughter Relationship. There is not a perfect mother-daughter relationship. I have good relationships with my 70 year old mother and my 90 year old grandmother. I also have a pleasant relationship with my 18 year old daughter. However, none of these relationships are perfect and all of them have a different dynamic. Starting a ministry that was inspired by my relationship with my daughter, insirped31.org, I have seen many mother-daughter relationships, which has confirmed that not one of them is perfect either. However, through my experience, I have learned three very important lessons about the mother/daughter relationship.

Do not compare. This is the first, most important tip for you. Do not compare your relationship to that of another mother and daughter. This is a trap, set for you by the enemy, to steal your joy. Instead use the scripture Philippians 4:8 as the lens through which you view your mother or daughter. Look for whatever is excellent or praiseworthy in them. Each woman/girl was created with strengths and weaknesses; concentrate on their positive attributes and encourage them with kind words of recognition and praise.

Celebrate her uniqueness. Recognize your originality and that of your daughter’s. Each of you is unique. Celebrate this by honing in on what makes each other special. Whether experiencing an interest or hobby together or by providing opportunities for the other’s uniqueness to shine. For example, if your daughter loves to cook, sign up for a cooking class together. If your mother is an excellent painter, show off her abilities to friends and family whenever possible. Be each other’s biggest fan!

Focus on God’s truth. God is the author of both of your stories. He is the designer of your dreams. If both of you focus on His truths, you can have confidence in the creation of each other’s uniqueness and purpose in life and understand there is a divine plan for your relationship, which is a direct blessing from Him. This Mother’s Day, focus on your mother/daughter relationship. 

Credit given to Roxanne Packham, Inspired Design 2012. www.inspireddesignpublications.com Inspired Design is a 501(c)(3) organization. Our vision to inspire women to practice hospitality and celebrate their family legacy through books, speaking engagements and seminars illustrating the true beauty of the home. Inspired31.org is a mother-teenage daughter ministry whose mission is to teach girls to find & follow God's path for their life. All proceeds from Inspired Design sales go to support Heart of Hope Ministries International, an outreach to orphans in Romania.