Bridging the Gap: Raising a Daughter in a World That’s Softer Than Mine

I was raised on grit. On “figure it out” and “don’t cry unless you’re bleeding.” I’m a GenX woman through and through—independent, resourceful, and wired to survive. That toughness got me through some dark chapters. It helped me build a life, a brand, and a sense of purpose from the ashes. But now I’m raising a daughter in a world that speaks a different emotional language. And sometimes, I wonder: Am I too harsh? Too strict? Too no-nonsense for this generation?

The GenX Blueprint

We were the latchkey kids. The ones who learned to cook dinner before we hit double digits and knew better than to interrupt adult conversations. We didn’t have “gentle parenting” or “emotional check-ins.” We had rules, consequences, and the unspoken expectation to tough it out. That upbringing shaped me—and I’m proud of the strength it gave me. But I’m also learning that strength doesn’t have to mean silence.

The New Emotional Landscape

My daughter is growing up in a world that values softness, self-expression, and emotional safety. She’s encouraged to name her feelings, advocate for herself, and ask “why” instead of blindly obeying. And let me tell you—she does. She questions, she pushes, she feels deeply. Sometimes it rattles me. Sometimes I want to snap back into my old programming and say, “Because I said so.” But I pause. Because I see her becoming someone I never had permission to be.

Toughness Meets Tenderness

I’m learning to parent in a way that honors both worlds. I still believe in boundaries, accountability, and showing up even when it’s hard. But I’m also learning to soften my tone, to listen more, and to let her know that strength includes softness. That crying doesn’t make her weak. That speaking up doesn’t make her disrespectful. That she can be her full, messy, beautiful self—and still be deeply loved.

Learning to Apologize

One of the biggest shifts in my parenting journey has been learning to say, “I was wrong. I’m sorry.” That wasn’t part of my GenX upbringing. Back then, apologies from adults were rare—almost taboo. Authority meant never admitting fault. But I’ve come to realize that accountability isn’t weakness—it’s leadership. When I mess up, raise my voice, or react from a place of stress, I own it. I sit with my daughter, look her in the eyes, and say the words I never heard growing up. “I'm sorry.” And every time I do, I feel something healing—not just in her, but in me.

A Tee That Taught Me Something

Recently, she designed a tee for our brand that says “You Are Unique.” She chose the colors, the message, and hand drew the design. It was her way of saying, “I see people. I want them to feel seen.” Watching her create that design reminded me that this generation isn’t lost—they’re just wired differently. They’re bold in ways we weren’t allowed to be. And maybe that’s exactly what the world needs.

What I Hope She Learns

I want her to be strong—but not hardened. Kind—but not naive. I want her to know that she can cry and still be powerful. That she can speak up and still be respectful. That she can be her full, radiant self—and still be safe in this world. And I want her to know that even when I stumble, even when I default to my old programming, I’m trying. I’m learning. I’m healing alongside her.

Closing Thought:

Parenting across generations is messy, humbling, and transformative. I’m not perfect, and I don’t want to be. I just want to raise a daughter who’s braver than I was allowed to be—and maybe, in the process, rewrite a little of my own story too.