How Do I Say This?: Mothers And Daughters Should Empower Each Other

Many mothers criticize their daughters because they believe they are preparing them for a cruel world where they will be judged, critiqued, and criticized. This was true throughout history and I sincerely empathize with women of previous generations who take this approach. And, I think things are changing for the better.

Mothers and daughters need to learn how to empower one another. Here are some tips.

1. Commit to speaking positively to one another. Compliment each other and build each other up. “I love that shirt on you.”
2. Try to refrain from tearing down other women together. Do not make this one of the primary ways that you bond. “We should talk about something else. Have you been watching that new show I told you about?”
3. Spend time with other women who support you and cheer you on.
4. Try to minimize speaking negatively about your bodies with one another. “I’m trying not to speak badly about my body, can we talk about something else?”
5. Remember that there are a variety of ways to be a woman today. Daughters and mothers may choose to stay home with their children, go to work, and more. Try to embrace and support the different ways they are choosing to live their life.