As I gently knock on my daughter’s door, I peek inside and ask if she remembers she has a mom. Her playful smile, accompanied by a blown kiss, and a request to close the door stings a little. I reminisce about my own teenage years when I was less than eager to spend time with my mother. While I believe I’m much cooler and more relatable than my mom was, I still crave that connection. Deep down, I hope for her admiration to match her love.
A couple of summers ago, I initiated special mother-daughter activities to strengthen our bond. Until then, our family outings included both kids, but as soon as my son entered high school, he opted out of our “quick” mall visits. There’s something undeniably rewarding about dedicating one-on-one time to each of your children. The focus is solely on them, which eliminates the need for compromise when choosing activities. Here are eight engaging mother-daughter outings that will encourage your teen to step out of her room this summer, fostering a closer relationship and creating lasting memories.
1. Mock Prom Dress Shopping
We dive into the junior’s section of a department store, picking out a variety of prom or special occasion dresses. I take photos of her trying on each gown, capturing the fun of the moment (no matter how silly the outfits may be!). This tradition began when she was just 9, and we continue it every summer.
2. Binge-Watching a TV Show Together
On rainy summer days, we love to snuggle under a blanket and binge-watch our favorite shows on Netflix. This activity opens doors to discussions about friendships, romance, and family dynamics. Recommended shows for teens include Gilmore Girls, Parenthood, and The Wonder Years.
3. Reading a Book Together
Two summers ago, we tackled Wonder by R.J. Palacio, and last summer, we enjoyed Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume. If reading aloud isn’t your style, consider downloading audiobooks through the OverDrive app from your local library. We’ve listened to engaging series like The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood during road trips.
4. Listening to a Podcast
Podcasts can be a great bonding experience, but it’s essential to choose carefully. My daughter and I enjoy Gilmore Guys, as well as This American Life and TED Radio Hour. Check out different crafting, science, or education podcasts, but make sure to preview episodes for age-appropriateness.
5. Nail Art Day (Let Her Choose the Colors!)
My daughter loves dark, bold nail colors, while I prefer bright pinks or neutrals. Allowing her to pick my nail color indicates my trust in her taste and helps her embrace her individuality.
6. Cooking a Meal Together
We pick an intriguing recipe together, whether from a cookbook or online. After shopping for the ingredients, we prepare the meal together, with the only stipulation being that it has to be something she’ll enjoy (which usually means some kind of pizza!).
7. Photo Session in My Wedding Dress
When she was 9, we had a wonderful time taking photos of her in my wedding gown. Those pictures are now some of my most cherished memories.
8. Start a Mother-Daughter Journal
Just Between Us: A No-Stress, No-Rules Journal for Girls and Their Moms by Meredith and Sophie Jacobs is a fantastic tool. This fill-in-the-blank journal includes prompts like “I often dream about…” and “My biggest regret…,” creating a space for open dialogue. My daughter has shared so much in this journal, deepening our connection.
I hope my daughter remembers our summers filled with laughter and love, viewing me as a youthful and engaged mom. I aspire for her to carry fond memories into adulthood, fostering a relationship built on trust and relatability as she navigates her own journey into motherhood.
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Summary
This article presents eight unique activities for mothers and their teenage daughters that foster bonding and create lasting memories. From mock prom dress shopping to cooking together and sharing a journal, these outings encourage open dialogue and strengthen relationships.