The older my daughter gets the more it's sinking in that I don't have much time left to spend with her! She's turning 16 in a couple of months, and I know I won't be seeing her much after she gets her driver's license.
It's hard to find things to do with your teenage daughter. You might be busy, they might have better things to do...I encourage you not to let this time slip away from you. Our interests may be very different from theirs, but there's always things you can do to bridge the gap.
If you have more than one daughter, then make sure they each get their special time alone with you. I have found that these activities are also great for bonding with teens you want to reach out to and build relationships with, like a step-daughter.
I've done all of the following activities with my daughter and/or step-daughter and haven't regretted a moment. Someday I will be able to look back and appreciate the moments we shared, and I hope they will too.
1. Take your dog(s) on a walk together.
2. Cook dinner together, letting her choose the menu and help shop for the ingredients.
3. Pick her up from school and take her out to lunch, even if she misses part of a class.
4. Drive to the closest big city for the night, stay in a hotel, and spend all the next day shopping and sightseeing, taking time to stop for lunch at an outdoor cafe.
5. Read the same book together and talk about it when you're done reading it.
6. Do a scriptural book study together.
7. Get up early on a Saturday morning, go get coffee, and spend the morning going to yard sales or looking through thrift shops or dollar stores.
8. Make cookies together to give to a friend.
9. Make holiday gifts together to give to friends and family. Visit http://www.crafty-moms.com for easy craft ideas.
10. Go with your daughter to the concert of her choice.
11. Buy her the materials to start a high school scrapbook. Work on your scrapbooks while she works on hers.
12. Join a local fitness club and work out together. My daughter and I joined a local women's gym that is very inexpensive ($40/month for both of us). We get up at 5:00 a.m. three days a week to go exercise before she goes to school and I go to work.
13. Go to the local video store and rent a couple of "chick flicks" to enjoy together in the comfort of your home. Kick the men out of the house and lounge around in your pajamas.
About The Author
Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For more inspirational articles and tips for everyday living, visit her web sites at http://www.crafty-moms.com and http://www.crafty-moms.com
maid service near Lake Forest ..As a parent, you probably know that the birthday party... Read More
Being a single mother is no easy task. I know.... Read More
Depending on where you live school will be starting this... Read More
More and more parents are expressing their concerns about how... Read More
1. Encourage your babysitter by keeping their favorite foods/snacks on... Read More
"If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think... Read More
In speaking with parents a comment I frequently hear is... Read More
'Whose room is it anyway?'If you have a teenager, you're... Read More
A strange thing happened to me today. Or more precisely,... Read More
Now I know that is not how the song goes,... Read More
There is little doubt that reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic are... Read More
Time devoted the better part of an issue to it.... Read More
Having worked with parents for the last 35 years and... Read More
Q. When you consult with a family with teens, what... Read More
Summertime means insect bites and stings. Ouch! Take a leaf... Read More
I love Google and Yahoo. With Google and Yahoo I... Read More
Let's be honest! When it comes to parenting, men expect... Read More
Be sure to respect the intellectual changes that mark adolescence.... Read More
Past experience with federal education programs predicts that the No... Read More
Compulsory attendance laws are school authorities' first assault on parental... Read More
Plus size children and overweight children need patterns and clothing... Read More
Under the "No Child Left Behind Act," public schools whose... Read More
When it comes to exams, or indeed any academic work,... Read More
A sure way to double the joys of parenthood is... Read More
I could nearly fund my children's future education if I... Read More
top rated cleaning service Des Plaines ..Volunteering together is a fantastic way to spend time as... Read More
The time you will need to teach your children the... Read More
"Home Schooling ? Look Before You Leap"Are you considering home... Read More
Are you looking for the Ultimate Airplane Themed Party Games... Read More
Many working families choose a commercial or individual day care... Read More
Congratulations on your new baby! You have just brought your... Read More
Summer Survival The... Read More
Who lives in your house? Are they driving you "crazy?"... Read More
John Bishop's Goal Setting for Students.comLegacy to Your ChildrenIt's 6:30... Read More
Why do some children still do best after divorce and... Read More
I will cherish this moment. I will not let it... Read More
"I wipe my baby's chin with my college diploma and... Read More
Whether we realize it or not we teach our children... Read More
Many people consider plush toys great for children. They say... Read More
Throughout the year, many days of celebration are tucked capriciously... Read More
MYTH: If you have not parented as well as you... Read More
"How many times do I have to tell you to... Read More
It's been raining for a week and the kids and... Read More
Child care costs are are one of the most expensive... Read More
Wooden toys are one of the best alternatives for the... Read More
Many reasons will cause some people to feel the need... Read More
I have always been aware of my number one weakness:... Read More
Is your weekly shopping trip with the kids an absolute... Read More
As the kids go back to school, you can go... Read More
Home, home on the range, Where never is heard A... Read More
Parenting |