How to be a better daughter
Ways to feel closer to your parents
Quick summary 📝
1️⃣ It can be confusing to know how to get closer to your parents
2️⃣ Small habits can actually have a big impact on trust and connection
3️⃣ Improving communication helps the home feel calmer and safer, so opening up is a big step!
If you’re here, you’ve probably been looking up ways to be a better daughter.
luna’s not sure what’s lead to this, but firstly please be reassured that even taking this step to look it up means you’re wanting to improve your relationship with your parents – that’s actually a really good first step 💖
Even by reading this, you are doing something amazing, so you should be proud of yourself!
luna gets loads of questions from teens who want to know how to “fix things” with their parents or be a better daughter.
Your relationship with your parents can sometimes feel like the hardest thing to navigate 😬
But it's super important to remember that no one expects you to be perfect.
With that said, there are some small things you can do to get closer to your family. Let’s dive in 👇
Small ways to be a better daughter
It’s the little things that change the whole mood at home 🌸
You don’t need to cook your parents an elaborate meal to feel closer to them.
You just need to show them that you are there, and that you love them:
👉 Say good morning and good night: it’s a tiny gesture that shows you care
👉 Help with one simple chore: even making your bed or clearing the dishes makes a difference
👉 Reply when they ask something: it shows you’re listening and engaged
👉 Keep shared spaces tidy: it helps everyone feel calmer and more relaxed
Improve communication with parents
Sometimes it might feel like your parents don’t understand you, but honest and simple communication can really help.
It doesn’t have to be scary or complicated for it to work!
Choosing the right moment and the right words can turn tricky conversations into chances to feel heard and understood.
If you want to talk to your parents about something, try to:
👉 Use short, honest sentences: no need to over-explain
👉 Tell them how you feel in simple words: “I feel frustrated when…” works better than accusations
👉 Choose calm moments: avoid bringing up tricky topics when everyone’s stressed
How to show gratitude to parents
Our parents do so much for us, so it makes sense that we want to show them that we are grateful for the effort they put in 💞
A little thoughtfulness goes a long way and often gets noticed more than you think:
👉 Leave a short note: a sticky note or text saying thanks brightens their day
👉 Say thank you after meals: simple words go a long way
👉 Show gratitude through actions: help without being asked or do something kind
👉 Do something thoughtful: little gestures like making a cup of tea or tidying up
Setting boundaries with parents in a kind way
It’s normal to want space and understanding from your parents, and that doesn’t make you a bad daughter.
Setting boundaries isn’t rude; it’s about helping everyone feel respected and reducing tension at home 🏠
Approaching this calmly helps your parents listen and makes it easier to reach compromises that work for everyone:
👉 Tell them what you need calmly: “I need some quiet time” works better than yelling
👉 Use “I feel” instead of accusations: helps them understand without conflict
👉 Compromise when possible: find middle ground so both sides feel heard
Your effort matters every day
Being a better daughter isn’t about perfection, it’s about small, steady effort 💫
Honest communication, little acts of kindness, and setting healthy boundaries go a long way in making your home calmer, warmer, and more connected.
If you are looking for more teen-friendly support on relationships and emotions, check out the luna app.
On luna, you can read expert-approved articles, ask anonymous questions, and join a growing community of teens who are putting their wellbeing first ♥️
How we created this article:
luna's team of experts comprises GPs, Dermatologists, Safeguarding Leads and Junior Doctors as well as Medical Students with specialised interests in paediatric care, mental health and gynaecology. All articles are created by experts, and reviewed by a member of luna's senior review team.