Speaking of Psychology
Speaking of Psychology
American Psychological Association
The invisible work of being a daughter, with Allison Alford, PhD
39 minutes Posted Feb 4, 2026 at 8:30 am.
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For many women, being a daughter is not just a family role – it’s a lifelong job. Dr. Allison Alford discusses what she calls “daughtering”: the work of managing family dynamics, from coordinating schedules to soothing emotions to worrying about a parent’s future. She discusses why these expectations fall on daughters; why the work often goes unrecognized; the role of birth order and “eldest daughter syndrome”; and how daughters and families can rethink their roles to make them sustainable and fulfilling for everyone.

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