Do You Feed the Seeds of Misunderstanding?

Are you and your daughter doing all you can to put an end to misunderstandings? Take this little quiz and find out. Fill in the blank with "Never," "Sometimes," or "Always."

1. Do I overreact when my mother or daughter tells me something I don't like?

   Daughter's answer: ________________________________________________________
   Mother's answer: ________________________________________________________

2. Am I overly sensitive to comments from my mother or daughter?

   Daughter's answer: ________________________________________________________
   Mother's answer: ________________________________________________________

3. Do I have an open mind when my mother or daughter disagrees with me?

   Daughter's answer: ________________________________________________________
   Mother's answer: ________________________________________________________

4. Do I ever check to see that what I thought I heard my mother or daughter say was actually what she meant?

   Daughter's answer: ________________________________________________________
   Mother's answer: ________________________________________________________

5. Do I stop to consider my mother's or daughter's point of view?

   Daughter's answer: ________________________________________________________
   Mother's answer: ________________________________________________________

"Sometimes" is an acceptable and honest answer to these questions. "Never" means you are both much too rigid. If you used "Always" to answer every question, be sure that your mother or daughter verifies this. It is highly unlikely any of us are that empathetic, understanding, or perfect all the time. Still it is something to strive for.