If you’re lucky enough to have a daughter, or more than one, then you know how wonderful the mother-daughter bond can be. Kids grow up so fast, which is why we should cherish every opportunity to make memories and build a relationship to last a lifetime. Here’s 10 ways you can spend a mother-daughter bonding day that you’ll both remember.
1) Have high tea
What could be more mother-daughter than a classic high tea? Following the success of their Easter event, First Edition Canberra is hosting a Prince & Princesses High Tea at the end of the month. Come along for tasty treats and a range of activities to entertain the kids. Dressing up is highly encouraged and activities for the day include face painting, necklace and crown decorating, nail painting and everything glitter. The event is from 11am-1pm on 30th April and you can pick up tickets here.
Find out more from First Edition on their website and Facebook.
Can’t make it for this fantastic event? Host your own royal high tea at home. We’re thinking simple point sandwiches and sweet scones with jam and cream. Lemonade scones are a breeze to make and only require 5 ingredients. Check out an easy recipe here and pick up all your baking or cooking needs from MyDeal home and garden.
2) Start a herb garden
Herbs are relatively easy to plant and grow, plus they make the best seasoning for your cooking. Chives, mint, parsley, basil, thyme and oregano are great additions to lots of different cuisines. It’s a fantastic way to tech your daughter independence and responsibility by sharing the tasks needed to keep your plants thriving. If you have a lot of tools in the garden make sure they’re stored away in a safe shed for peace of mind when your daughter is unsupervised. Herbs are also great plants for growing indoors so if you don’t have a large garden, or a green thumb, you can still enjoy the bonding experience with an indoor planter beneath the kitchen window.
3) Go on a scavenger hunt
Victoria Garlick, founder and CEO of Air Events Global, loves treating her 11-year-old daughter to a day out exploring the city. Here’s how it works:
“I have 3 children and one of my favourite things to do with my daughter is to arrange a scavenger hunt around Sydney (can you tell I am an Event Director)! I create clues and have each envelope pre-prepared, so we begin at Manly Wharf and get the ferry into the city and we end up everywhere from Circular Quay, Pitt St Mall, The Rocks and Darling Harbour. She has to solve a clue to get us to the next venue and she has to figure out the best way for us to get there, walking, train, bus, ferry etc.
It is an amazing day out and such a great one-on-one experience that can be as expensive or cheap as you like. Last time our last stop was Taronga Zoo and I had packed a picnic that we enjoyed overlooking the harbour.”
Check out Air Events Global on Facebook and Instagram.
4) Start a family photo album
Turn your mother-daughter day into a trip down memory lane. Print off photos of your own childhood and tell her stories from your side of the family. Or put together an album all about her; from pregnancy to the early years to today.
5) Share your favourite movies
New movies come out every year but there’s something beautiful about sharing a classic with your kids. From movies you’ve seen or adored to ones that are just laughably old compared to the animations of today. You could even go more old school and pick them up on DVD. Store your ‘vintage’ collection in a stylish cabinet so they’re always on hand for an impromptu movie night. Check out these favourites from the 80s and 90s:
· Back To The Future
· ET
· Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
· Who Framed Roger Rabbit
· Mrs Doubtfire
· Matilda
· The Sandlot
· The Little Rascals
· My Girl
6) Go for mani-pedis
An oldie but a goodie; treat your mini me to a mini spa day. Most little girls love to be pampered and a trip to the nail salon is a chance for you to both kick your heels up and enjoy an hour off. Massage chair optional.
7) Visit a food market for fun
Shopping for groceries can be a chore but checking out the local market is a nice way to turn a necessity into an adventure. Take a trip to the market and stock up on picnic goodies. It’s a great place to encourage your daughter to try new tastes and understand the importance of fresh food in a healthy diet.
8) Learn to dance
Nothing too serious; skip the Cha Cha and Rumba. Instead, check out Youtube for fun and kid-friendly dance routines from their favourite movies to a range of popular songs. Practice your moves together and perform for friends and family at your next party.
9) Get dressed up
Fashion should be fun but as an adult It’s easy to fall into the practical, comfort trap. Live a little and give your daughter the chance to choose what you wear for the day. Get creative and plan outfits for each other, then strut your fashions down to the local café for a coffee and cake break.
10) Pull a sickie
Coming down with the sniffles? Treat yourself to a spontaneous long weekend by skipping a day of work and school together. While everyone else goes about their day you’ll be relishing in uninterrupted bonding time. And it may be just what the doctor ordered to get over your minor woes.
It doesn’t take a lot to nurture an amazing mother-daughter bond. A special day dedicated to just the two of you each month is enough to build a lifetime of memories.
