Mother-daughter bonds are unique in so many ways. A daughter’s sense of self value will be influenced greatly by the messages sent by her mother. An overly critical mother will raise a daughter who has poor social skills and a bad attitude overall as compared to daughters raised by supportive mothers. Mothers understand and anticipate their daughters need. There are numerous activities that can enhance the bond between a mother and her daughter. A few of these activities include;
Schedule a photoshoot
Most moms have lots of selfies of themselves and their daughters on their phones. These photos are taken at home, in a park or wherever we go. These selfies are significant and capture random and happy moments. However, you can involve a professional photographer to capture lasting memories of you and your daughter. Plan the photoshoot together organizing the overall theme, which outfits you will be wearing, and which accessories you will use. Choose one of your favourite activities to do together during the photoshoot.
Invite and spend time with Grandma
There is nothing better than three generations of girls together. Spend time organizing a girls’ day out or lunch get to together. Grandma can make her signature meal as you help in the kitchen. During this time, ask to grandma to narrate the stories of your childhood to your daughter. You can also ask grandma to counsel your daughter on certain issues that you would want addressed by an elderly person.
Pamper Yourselves
Women get a lot of pleasure and joy from shopping no matter how old they are. Shopping can be a form of therapy as well. Take the afternoon and visit the mall, just the two of you. Try out various clothes and give each other opinions about your selections. You can also visit home décor stores, or fun places such as arcades, make sure to ask your daughter what she would want to purchase in each store. From there, go to the salon to try a new hair style or to a nail salon so you can both relax as you are getting pampered. Choose your daughters favourite restaurant then treat her to her some sweet desserts.
Play Games together
There are many games that you can play with your daughter. The best games encourage communication. A board game can test your competitive spirit. Board games also help with cognitive functions and reducing stress. Try visit ing your local toy store and choosing games together. Some of our favourites include Connect Four, Monopoly, Life, Mancala, UNO or any card game. Also try building puzzles, or Lego figures the more pieces the more fun because your daughter will rely on you for guidance.
Some video games foster healthy competition or working together to completely tasks. Try avoiding concentrating too much on the screen and focusing on winning the game so much that you will not remember to interact. You can try the family-oriented games with fun games, or the sports games. Even the interactive dance game is a lot of fun.
Make Art
Doodle, paint, design cards for friends or try something fancy. Pinterest has come in handy especially for ladies in terms of decorating and DIY projects. Look for elaborate ideas on Pinterest on how to make your favourite art design and do it together. Organize a fun paint a sip party at home and try to recreate the same picture or purchase blank pots, or piggy banks. You could also use playdough or clay to create forms to display around the house.
Creating art not only reduces stress and anxiety but also increases positive emotions. Pay attention to her particular style of art, the colours she chooses and why. Ask your daughter to explain her creative process as she works to complete her piece of work. As you create art together, you increase your bond with your daughter.
Take Interest in what your daughter loves
This step can be a real challenge for a mother especially because our kids have unique interests that change from time to time and many of which do not interest us at all. We may not even have the skills she does at all. As mothers, we may become overbearing in trying to make our daughter like what we like. You can fill her room with as many Barbies as you can find, only to realize she just loves her favourite stuff animal. Once you pay attention and discover your daughters interest encourage her passion and support her in any way you can.
Taking interest doesn’t mean doing it like the way they do. Let’s say for example your daughter loves dancing. It may be difficult for some parents to join in the dancing. However, you can take or show interest by being present, shooting videos of your daughter participating in the dance, reviewing the videos together, attending the dancing practice and shows, then treating your daughter for dinner after practice. This will count as bonding time with your daughter and she will know that you support her and what she likes.
Read a book
Your daughter may not enjoy reading books for pleasure but who does not love good stories? Read books with your daughter as often as possible. Select a book that interest the both of you. It can be mystery, adventure or suspense and take turns reading the pages. Read aloud to it make more interesting and captivating. You can even get two copies of the book and make goals to finish a chapter each week. Discuss the key points and summary of the book together share ideas and lessons learned in the book. She will very soon learn to love reading and this will help to excel her general knowledge.
Ask how you can help
While this is not really an activity, as your daughter grows older, she will become more instinctively independent. As a parent, it is your duty to allow her some space to make her own decisions. Let her begin to prepare her own snacks for school, take a bath alone, or even brush her own hair. Let her choose her own outfits, friends, and interests. Often acknowledge when she is handling everything well on her own. Ask her if she needs any help from you. This question not only makes her feel appreciated but also assures her that she is not on her own.
Creating time to connect with your daughter is a joy and privilege that should never feel exhausting or overwhelming. Open interactions and having a lot of fun is your only goal. Trying doing one thing on the list and see what your daughter enjoys the most and do it consistently.
This is time that you will both treasure and an unbreakable bond will be created. A bond that will help your daughter enormously as she grows up. Lastly, remember to use this time to affirm and get to know her heart and interest. This will be the definition of time well spent.