Good Daughtering

By: Allison M Alford Phd, Allison M. Alford

Published by Dey Street Books, 2026-02-17

A transformative look at the hidden work of adult daughters, offering a fresh perspective on caregiving, emotional resilience, and the power daughters have to shape healthier, more fulfilling family connections--for readers of both Susan Cain's Quiet and Eve Rodsky's Fair Play. Daughters often grow up believing their role in the family is simple: love your parents, help out when you can, and carry on the traditions that bind you together. But adulthood reveals a more complicated reality--one where women take on the invisible labor of emotional caregiving, crisis management, and unspoken expectations that leave them stretched thin and unseen. So, what is "daughtering"? If you're a woman, it's the unpaid, invisible work of holding a family together. In Good Daughtering, Dr. Allison M. Alford--a leading researcher in family communication--unpacks the untold story of adult daughters and the quiet, essential work they do. Drawing on years of groundbreaking research and personal interviews, she explores how societal expectations, gender roles, and generational dynamics shape the experiences of daughters in ways that are often misunderstood or overlooked. From the subtle ways women navigate generational expectations to the emotional weight of balancing their own lives with the needs of their parents, Good Daughtering reveals the complexities of a role too often taken for granted. Full of sharp insights, relatable stories, and actionable tools, Dr. Alford's approach invites women to reflect on their relationships, recalibrate their roles, and reclaim joy in their lives. Daughters are most responsible for planning and saving for their futures and those of their families, and for supporting parents emotionally and practically as they age. More than a prescriptive guide, Good Daughtering is the long-overdue recognition of daughters who carry the weight in a family. It's a roadmap for creating relationships that are not just functional but flourishing. This is the book every daughter deserves: an invitation to be seen, valued, and empowered in her role while honoring her own needs and desires.