Unhealthy Mother-Daughter Relationships: My Biggest Regret & What I’d Do Differently

What if you could sit down with your parents and finally tell them what they got wrong? Or ask your kids what they wish you'd done differently? Today, Mel and her daughter Sawyer are having the kind of honest conversation most families never have. And Sawyer isn't holding back. She asks Mel: -What do you think you got wrong as my mom? -What do you wish you did differently? -What did raising three kids teach you? Mel opens up about her biggest regrets, the mistakes she's still making, and the ways her own childhood shaped the mother she became. But what makes this conversation so special is that Sawyer shares her side, too. You'll hear why Sawyer sometimes turns to her dad instead of Mel, what she wishes her mom understood about her, and how even the most loving families can fall into patterns that leave everyone feeling frustrated or misunderstood. As Mel and Sawyer talk, you'll hear things you can do to make your relationships better, too. In this episode, you'll learn: What Mel wishes she'd done differently raising her three kids How trying to help your kids can sometimes push them away What adult children wish their parents understood How your childhood shapes the way you communicate, show love, and handle conflict Why mothers and daughters can have such complicated relationships One simple question that can change how you communicate with the people you love How to stop repeating the same arguments and frustrations in your family A practical way to stay calm when someone pushes your buttons Why you don't always need to agree to understand each other How to build a closer, more loving relationship with your family, no matter how old you are Whether you're a mom looking back on raising your kids, an adult who wishes your parents understood you better, or someone who wants less tension and more connection with your family, this conversation will give you a new perspective. You can't change everything that happened in your family, but you can change how you understand each other and what happens next. For more resources related to today’s episode, click here for the podcast episode page: Follow The Mel Robbins Podcast on Instagram:   / themelrobbinspodcast   I’m just your friend. I am not a licensed therapist, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. Got it? Good. I’ll see you in the next episode. In this episode: 00:00 Meet the Guest 02:48 How to Raise Capable, Independent Kids 03:58 The Truth About Becoming a Parent 04:58 When Childbirth Doesn’t Go as Planned 08:31 How to Break Generational Parenting Patterns 13:21 How to Respond Instead of React 22:19 How to Be Brave When You’re Scared 34:50 How to Ask for What You Need 50:45 Your Emotions Don’t Have to Control You — Follow Mel: Instagram:   / melrobbins   TikTok:   / melrobbins   Facebook:   / melrobbins   LinkedIn:   / melrobbins   Website: http://melrobbins.com​ — Sign up for Mel’s newsletter: https://melrob.co/sign-up-newsletter A note from Mel to you, twice a week, sharing simple, practical ways to build the life you want. — Subscribe to Mel’s channel here: https://www.youtube.com/melrobbins​?s... — Listen to The Mel Robbins Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop every Monday & Thursday! https://melrob.co/spotify https://melrob.co/applepodcasts https://melrob.co/amazonmusic — Looking for Mel’s books on Amazon? Find them here: The Let Them Theory: https://amzn.to/3IQ21Oe The Let Them Theory Audiobook: https://amzn.to/413SObp The High 5 Habit: https://amzn.to/3fMvfPQ The 5 Second Rule: https://amzn.to/4l54fah