Watching your child grow into an adult is an exciting adventure! If you have a daughter, you watched her dream about her future wedding from a young age. In high school, you supported her when she experienced break-ups. Now, your daughter has decided to get married!
Elements of joy, sadness, loneliness and happiness are all experienced in a marriage. Mothers have a unique opportunity to help set their daughter up for success and portray a realistic expectation of what a marriage is like. In this article, we will share four tips on how to prepare your daughter for marriage.
1. Be a Cheerleader
Wedding planning can be stressful. The bride does not need you to be asking them millions of questions about the details of the day. Rather than being a control freak, be a cheerleader. Your daughter will respond well when she understands that you have her back, no matter what conflict arises. Not only can help uplift her through the wedding plans, you can support her relationship.
Your daughter will browse a selection of stunning custom rings with her partner. When she decides on the ring that she loves, let her know how beautiful it is. When she has moments of doubt, remind her of the amazing qualities that her fiancé possesses.
2. Be Honest
As a woman prepares for marriage, there are many fears that may cloud her mind. Can I do this? Am I sure I want to make a lifelong commitment? These fears are normal. In addition, many women wonder how a marriage changes over the course of a lifetime.
When your daughter asks you what marriage is like, be honest. Inform her that there are seasons of difficulty and seasons of bliss. When you set realistic expectations, your child will be prepared to handle any situation that comes her way.
3. Let Her Ask Questions
As a new bride, your child likely has many unanswered questions. Give your daughter an opportunity to ask you anything, even if it seems silly. From cooking for two to communicating properly, there are many new challenges that lie ahead. If the bride has the opportunity to ask all of the questions that are looming in her mind, she will likely experience a sense of relief.
Remember, it is not your job to tell your child what they should do. Instead, you can offer objective advice that will equip her to make quality decisions in the future.
4. Ask the Hard Questions
Before a woman gets married, it is important that she has thoroughly thought through this commitment. As a mother, you have the opportunity to ask your daughter challenging questions to ensure that she is ready for marriage. Some questions you may ask include:
- Do you feel prepared to make a lifelong commitment?
- Are you 100% committed to your partner through good times and bad?
- Are there any red flags that you see?
Do not ask these questions in a cynical tone. Ask these questions to create an honest dialogue that addresses any concerns that your daughter possesses.
Summary
The season of engagement is exciting for many brides. Although there are many exciting decisions to be made, the commitment can seem daunting. As a mother of a daughter, you have a unique opportunity to equip your daughter for her marriage relationship. From asking questions to encouraging her decisions, you can support your daughter as she develops into a beautiful bride.