I gently knock on her door, peek in, and ask if she remembers that she has a mom. She grins, blows me a kiss, and requests I close the door behind me. Ouch! I understand, though—having been a teenager myself, I too was more interested in my own world than spending time with my mom. Sure, my mom wasn’t nearly as hip as I am now, but I still felt that tug of independence. Deep down, I want her to not only love me but to like me as well.
A couple of summers ago, I decided to plan some unique mother-daughter outings. Until then, I had always done activities with both my kids. But as soon as my son hit high school, he was more than happy to skip our “quick” mall trips.
Spending quality one-on-one time with each of your kids creates a bond that’s hard to describe. They have your undivided attention, and there’s far less negotiating on what to do. Here are eight fun mother-daughter date ideas that will coax your teen out of her room this summer, strengthen your relationship, and pave the way for lasting memories.
1. Prom Dress Adventure
We dive into the junior’s section of a department store and pick out a selection of prom or special occasion dresses. I snap pictures of her in each one (even the ones that look utterly ridiculous!). We kicked off this tradition when she was just 9 years old, and we still do it every summer.
2. Binge-Watching a Series
Netflix is our go-to! On a cozy, rainy afternoon, we bundle up under a blanket and stream our favorite shows. This leads to some great discussions about friendships, relationships, and life choices. Some teen-friendly show suggestions include Gilmore Girls, Parenthood, and The Wonder Years.
3. Reading 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 jam, try the OverDrive app for free audiobooks from your local library. We’ve even listened to titles like Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli and Lord of the Flies by William Golding during family road trips.
4. Podcast Listening
This one can be a bit tricky, given the sometimes controversial nature of podcasts. My daughter is older now, so we enjoy Gilmore Guys, but she also loves This American Life and TED Radio Hour. There are plenty of educational and crafting podcasts available too. Just be sure to check a few episodes first to ensure they’re suitable for her age!
5. Get Matching Mani/Pedis
My daughter has a thing for dark, bold nail colors, while I prefer bright pinks or subtle neutrals. Letting her choose my nail color shows her that I trust her taste and value her opinion.
6. Cooking Together
I let my daughter pick an intriguing recipe, whether from a cookbook or online. Together, we shop for the ingredients and whip up the meal. The only rule? It has to be something she’ll actually eat (which usually means we end up making some version of pizza!).
7. Wedding Gown Photoshoot
When she was 9, we had a fun photoshoot where she posed in my wedding gown. Those pictures are some of my all-time favorites!
8. Start a Mother-Daughter Journal
Meredith and Sophie Jacobs created Just Between Us: A No-Stress, No-Rules Journal for Girls and Their Moms. It’s filled with prompts like “I often dream about…” and “My biggest regret….” We’ve both opened up so much in this journal, helping me understand her better than ever.
My hope is that my daughter will look back at our summers and remember me as a young(ish), fun mom. I want her to think of me fondly as she grows into adulthood and to trust me not just now but also when she eventually becomes a mom herself.
I aspire to be the Lorelai to her Rory (or the Sarah to her Amber). Best friends forever! A mom can dream, right?
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Summary
Creating special memories with your teenage daughter doesn’t have to be complicated. From fun dress-up sessions to cozy Netflix binges, these eight unique dates are perfect for strengthening your bond and creating lasting memories together.