Anyone who is a mom knows that you have the most difficult yet rewarding job in the world. Getting a sloppy kiss after a rough day is enough to make you forget that you slept, rather unsuccessfully, the floor is buried under a mountain of dirty laundry and you’re a little foggy on exactly when you last had a shower.
As a momma to four I know how challenging at times it is to have quality one on one time with each of my little ones .
Am I alone? I don’t think so.
Maybe there are super moms out there who manage to juggle it all…I am not one of them.
So if you are struggling like me, I have some suggestions on how to shower your kids with 1 on 1 attention through these 10 “Mommy and Me” date ideas:
- Totally UNPLUG. That’s right, Leave your phone at home and spend your time together blissfully unplugged. If you really need to capture the moment, take a selfie at the end of your “Mommy and Me” date.
- Take turns planning a date. I mean, you can come up with some fun options, but I guarantee that they won’t be as creative as what your child will come up with.
- Bake something. I have learned the best lessons in the kitchen, and I want my kids too as well. Pick out a new recipe , visit the grocery store, and get baking!
- Go back in time…to when you were a kid. Introduce your kiddo to things you loved as a kid. For me, The Goonies, “The Flintstones,” and my love for roller skates are things that I want my kids to love as much as I did.
- Video game competition. Dust off those controllers and challenge your little ones to a game Mario Party! Seriously, show them your mad Tetris skills, work together to “wrap” Bubble bobble for the zillionth time!
- Hit the pool! There are tons of great indoor water parks as well as outdoor pools to spend lazy summer days and make memories that last a lifetime.
- Explore a new neighbourhood. ventured out of the suburbs, pack a picnic lunches and discovered some fantastic new playgrounds.
- Read a book together. Depending on your child’s age, you can have a book marathon together, or you can read through an entire chapter book together. I can’t wait until the youngest is ready to be introduced to some of my childhood favourites!
- Stargazing is hands down the cheapest, easiest way to spend the evening. Visit amazing space to find out what to look for any night the week Or print off a free star map. Don’t forget a blanket, snacks, and some binoculars if you have them.
- Tackle a project. This can be something as basic as the monthly (and free!) Home Depot craft or more complicated such as making your own play tent. Just be sure to wear your safety goggles!
Such a great post! i love your idea. There is nothing better than alone time with your child – and the best advice of all is to unplug!
Thank you for your sharing!
These are terrific ideas for young children. My kids are adults these days and it is even more difficult to find things to do with them.
My wife doesn’t do the video game thing, instead they do board and card games. This way they have time to talk too!
I took my son roller skating for our mommy and me date this past weekend and it was a blast!
Many of these will be good Grandma and me dates too 🙂 Our grandchildren just love it when they get one on one time with any of the adults in their life. Love this list.
These are so sweet. They sound like fun dates for my husband and I too, haha. Especially love the idea of unplugging and stargazing.
Love all of your ideas especially totally unplug! Its so important to connect with our kids and ideas like these are perfect!
I love your list of ideas! I’m really good at finding things for all 3 of my daughters and I to do together, but one on one time is really important too. Each of them is always hoping for that and it’s a struggle for me to find time for each of them. We are going to try a few of your suggestions!
There are geat ideas. I love the idea of taking turns planning dates. It would be so fun to see what ideas kids come up with.
I have been trying to read more with my daughter. It truly makes a difference. You are so right about unplugging. We need to do this more often!
I love these ideas. There is nothing better than alone time with your child – and the best advice of all is to unplug!
These are all such great ideas! With the warm weather we are having, I think we are going to try some stargazing tonight!
These are such good ideas. I like that you included unplugging. This book I am reading now talks about people being busy because they always have their faces in the phone. This makes sense. I also love the video gamign together idea. Yup! That is something they would definitely love.
These are great ideas Heather! I love showing the kids old school stuff. They now love Inspector Gadget and all the old Disney shows!
Funny you mention this, b/c I was working on a trip to an indoor water park this morning! My son and I love star-gazing too. That’s always a good one.
these are all wonderful ideas. I think Mommy and me time is important for bonding and for getting to know your child.
I love these ideas! I have three kids and we try once a month to have some one-on-one time with each of them. It is so fun to have those conversations with just them, hearing their thoughts uninterrupted.
These are such great ideas! Even though I only have one, mommy and me time is so important. I applaud you for being a mommy of four! I’m sure it is so exciting yet exhausting.
I did always like having a little time to bake with the kids. These are all great ideas. Reading together was always nice too.
I have a tween and a new teen. All these suggestions hold true! They love( still) having the individual attention with mom or dad.
I love to do group mommy and me time with both kids and then also one on one with each kid. We like to have our dates be exploring something new, cooking something together or taking a mini-trip.
so many wonderful ideas. I think moms and daughters should spend time together. It’s a great way to bond.
I feel like that special mommy and me time is so important. I miss the days when my kids weren’t in school and these days were easier to have!
So many fun ideas, I think it is so important to make alone time with out kids, calling it a date will make them feel so special. I love the UNPLUG idea, I am working on really trying to NOT be looking at my phone or devices when my kids are talking to me
Great idea tips share. thanks for sharing.