Being a modern mom means that you are juggling a hundred things, all while putting immense pressure on yourself to be the best mom possible.
This is a hard act to maintain, and sometimes we just want to stop the clock and bask in the blessing of our children.
Why not take a day to give your daughter some much needed one-on-one time, letting her know that despite the hectic world around you, there is always time for her.
There are tons of fun mother-daughter bonding activities that will not only create memories that last, but bring you closer together in the process.
1. Create Art
A guided art class of some sort would be best, taking a lot of the stress of planning what to create out of the picture.
There are paint classes, ceramics class, and sewing classes that would all be creative and fun.
Use the time together to discuss anything that you may have missed recently in your daughter’s life, how she likes her teachers, if she has any crushes, or what things have interested her lately.
Working on a project while talking helps take the pressure off your daughter, making conversation much easier than siting at home without any distractions.
2. Have a hair day
There is nothing more relaxing than having your hair shampooed and styled, and having that stress free experience with your daughter is priceless.
Take your daughter to your favorite hair stylist, or to a hairdresser that specializes in children’s hair.
Make sure to check in with her throughout the experience to see how she is enjoying herself, making it more memorable.
Ask what her perfect day would look like, and get ideas of what she truly finds fun; taking note on how to plan the next outing.
You don’t have to get a haircut either (unless you need it), you can get updos, braids, or a blowout.
3. Try a new restaurant
Exploring a new restaurant is always fun, even if the food turns out really bad you still have a humorous story to tell.
Name a few options and then let your daughter choose which one she thinks sounds the best.
Giving her the steering wheel on parts of the evening out will make her feel special, and that her opinion matters- because it does!
Each of you should pick something different from the menu, trying each other’s meal to see whose is best.
Don’t try to control what your daughter picks, this is a night to get to know the beautiful young lady she is growing into.
4. Set up a tea party
This is especially a favorite among young girls. Having a tea party is nostalgic and timeless.
Pull all the stops to make it exceptional. Set a table cloth down, use cloth napkins, set extra cups out in case you gals want to pretend a royal member comes calling, and have plenty of milk and sugar cubes on stand by.
Allow your daughter to pour your tea, letting her be in an authoritative type position will give you a glimpse of her blossoming personality.
Having classical music play in the background can make the afternoon seem more authentic, and don’t forget the crumpets!
5. Go to the gardens
Botanical gardens for boys are just giant hunting grounds for rare bugs they can’t find at home, never mind the rare flowers that lift you off your feet as you float by.
Taking your daughter to the botanical gardens is a different story. You can take a break on the bench and talk about what your favorite plant was, and why.
Immortalize the precious giggles you hear when she has a butterfly rest on her shoulder after waiting perfectly still for ten minutes in the butterfly garden.
Use the scenic walks along the path to chat about how she is feeling at this point in her life, and how much she means to you.
6. Go to a movie
The movie is the classic date, and that doesn’t change for a mother-daughter date.
Just about everybody loves to go to the movies. If there is a particularly girly movie out, that is the one you should go to.
While movies don’t leave a lot of room for deep discussion, they do give a common ground for starting conversation.
Plus, sharing popcorn and laughing together is just as much bonding as anything else. It’s the positive time together that matters.
7. Slumber party
Sometimes being able to leave the house for an extended period of time is impossible, especially if you have a baby to care for.
No problem! You can have a quality mother-daughter date without ever leaving home, all you need is a nice pair of pj’s, nail polish, movie, and snacks.
Have a designated spot and time for your sleepover to make your daughter know that you are setting time aside just for her.
Play a fun girl movie while you paint your toenails and talk about all your daughter has been thinking about life lately.
Nothing gets girls bonding better than a classic slumber party. Don’t skimp on the snacks and drinks! Get something that she normally wouldn’t have at home.
Mother-daughter dates can be a valuable and cherished time, where you two girls band together against the world.
Have a tradition where you set a certain day of the month as mother-daughter date night to never let your daughter guess where she is on your list of priorities.
It never hurts to remind your children daily that they are a blessing, and that you value their place in the family and their unique contributions.
(h/t Mommy Underground)