The relationship between a mother and daughter is a beautiful thing.

It is unlike any other relationship for it is built on the ever-lasting love and bond between a mother and a child.

There are different ways we can see this bond. For one, we can see mothers and daughters who are the best of friends. They know each of their secrets, heartaches, and achievements

Other relationships tend to be distant yet comforting. We can see a daughter traveling home once a week to meet with her mother or calling her on the phone each night. But, others couldn’t hold a single conversation without arguing.

There is no right or wrong way to express their connection and bond because it depends on each person.

Whether a mother and daughter relationship is good or prickly, Psyche Central was able to create a list of tips from professionals that will help in a better relationship between a mother and daughter.

1. Start making changes on yourself

Some people believe that the first step towards a better relationship was for either mom or daughter to change their behavior. But, according to Linda Mintle, Ph.D., marriage and family therapist and author of I Love My Mother, But… Practical Help to Get the Most Out of Your Relationship, you should not wait for the other person to make a move.

“Think about how you feel in the relationship and what you can do to change”

Instead of waiting for the other person to change, think about what you can change on yourself. By doing so, you can learn about how you can change your reaction and response to better communication and relationship.

2. Learn to properly communicate

Communication is key to a healthy relationship. Most arguments arise due to miscommunication.

This area has always been a challenge for moms and daughters.

For improved communication between a mom and daughter, it is better to talk in a private place and calmly express your feelings. Take note that you have to keep an open mind and let the other person tell their side.

Instead of butting in when a person is talking, let them have their time to speak then express your thoughts. State your concerns in a heartfelt, sincere, and gentle manner.

Do not forget to be an active listener. Instead of assuming and dismissing someone’s else feelings, learn to empathize, and put yourself in their shoes.

3. Learn to forgive yourself and others

According to Mintle, forgiveness is an individual act. She sees it as a key to well-being. Teaching yourself to forgive doesn’t mean that what occurred was okay.

She even advised daughters to:

“I’m constantly telling daughters you have to forgive your mom to be healthy.”

Another important advice she shared was:

“The better you can forgive, the better you can repair the damage quickly,”

4. Focus on the present than the past

Some wounds are difficult to heal when we cling to the mistakes of the past.

According to Psychologist Roni Cohen-Sandler, Ph.D., daughters and mothers have “an old argument that runs like a broken record in the background.”

Instead of dwelling on the past, focus your attention on the present and what you can do today.

5. Accept that you don’t always have to agree on everything

Mothers and daughters tend to disagree on a lot of things. Daughters think that their mothers don’t trust them to make adult decisions while mothers think they aren’t needed anymore by their daughters.

According to Dr. Cohen-Sandler, “it’s healthy for moms and daughters to have major disagreements.”

We have to accept that mothers and daughters are two different people. They have different interests and passions.

They just have to accept that they can’t agree on everything and learn to respect each individual’s decisions.

As stated by Dr. Cohen-Sandler:

“The bottom line is that moms and daughters can be close but they’re not the same people. [They’re] allowed to have different interests, goals, and ways of handling things”

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Source: Psychcentral, RoniSandler, Amazon