My two eldest children are daughters, and they couldn’t be more different. One is calm and studious, while the other embodies a new wild animal persona each year, but they are both undeniably my girls.
I’ve always dreamed of being a mom to girls. I’ve heard the notion that raising boys is easier, but I’ve never quite grasped that perspective. Girls are incredible! Perhaps it’s because I am one myself, or maybe it’s due to my deep connection with that feminine essence.
I absolutely adore my son, too. I’m head over heels for him, and the bond we share is something I never anticipated, yet it feels distinct from my connection with my daughters. The mother-daughter relationship resonates with me in a way similar to the friendship I share with my sister-friends. We traverse the world with the shared experience of being women, understanding the physical transitions of growing up—like getting breasts and starting our periods. We navigate the same maddening societal pressures regarding our bodies and self-worth. I have the opportunity to share my experiences and guide my daughters as they prepare for their own journeys into womanhood.
My eldest daughter is now 16, and I can see our relationship evolving from one of parental authority to that of a friendly mentor. We can grab coffee together and discuss everything from school and world issues to boys. She seeks my advice and values my perspective (thank goodness), and I find that I’m learning from her too. I cherish how our relationship is growing, even though I know we may face challenges in the future.
My younger daughter, now 12, is cautiously inching towards puberty. She yearns to cling to her childhood, and I admire that about her. I understand her hesitance about the upcoming changes, but I also know that, when the time comes, she’ll embrace the complexities of womanhood with open arms. I’m enjoying this phase, as she snuggles next to me on the couch like she did when she was a toddler, whispering her secrets into my ear.
There’s a special confidant nature to the bond between mothers and daughters, a unique understanding that sets it apart. At least that’s been my experience thus far. Looking ahead, I see how our connection will evolve while remaining steadfast. While we may grow apart physically and possibly emotionally, I believe daughters need their moms even more in adulthood than they do in childhood. When they face heartbreaks, navigate motherhood, or even have their own children, I’ll be there to support and encourage them, having walked those paths myself.
Some may argue that it’s sexist to claim a unique bond between mothers and daughters, or take issue with my reference to gender in describing my daughters. However, this is my reality. I have a special bond with my son as well, but it’s distinctly different—not superior or inferior, just different. Our shared experiences as women foster a connection unlike what I share with my son.
I truly love being a mom to girls and am excited to witness how our relationships will evolve as they transition into adulthood. The bond between mothers and daughters is truly incomparable.
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Summary:
The article highlights the unique bond between mothers and daughters, capturing the essence of their relationship as they navigate life’s transitions together. It reflects on the shared experiences that deepen their connection while acknowledging the differences in the mother-son relationship.