Here are 10 tips we’ve learned to improve our mother-daughter communication:

1 Make a commitment to understand each other’s perspective.

2 Agree that you will disagree. It’s not about convincing but understanding the other’s point of view.

3 Accept each other’s choices without judgment.

4 Try to resolve a disagreement when it’s happening, rather than keeping your feelings inside for days.

5 Listen with empathy, not with solutions. Sometimes just saying, “Oh, that must be so hard for you” is all that’s needed.

6 Use “I” statements, followed by a feeling when you open a discussion.

7 Recognize you are both adults and let go of the mother-child dynamic.

8 Acknowledge each other when you’ve expressed your feelings.

9 Laugh whenever possible and end with a hug or “high five.”

10 Remember the big picture: By modeling good communication you’re setting an example for your children and the way they speak to you, their siblings and friends.