I gently knock on my daughter’s door, peeking in to remind her that, yes, she has a mom. She flashes me a smile, blows a kiss, and requests I close the door on my way out. Ouch! I remember being a teenager, too, when my mom felt more like a distant relative than my best friend. Sure, my mom wasn’t as “with it” as I am, but I understand the struggle. Despite my efforts to be a parent first, a part of me yearns for her to appreciate me as much as she loves me.
A couple of summers ago, I decided it was time for dedicated mother-daughter activities. Until then, I was all about family outings, but as my son entered high school, he quickly opted out of our “quick” mall trips. There’s something truly unique about spending quality one-on-one time with your child. With no need to compromise on plans, you can focus solely on each other. Here are eight mother-daughter dates that will coax your teen out of her room this summer, strengthen your bond, and create cherished memories.
- Fantasy Prom Dress Shopping
We dive into the juniors’ section of a department store, selecting a pile of prom or special occasion dresses. I snap photos of her trying on each gown, regardless of how they look! We started this tradition when she was just 9, and it’s now our summer ritual. - Binge-Watching a TV Series
Who doesn’t love a good Netflix session? On a rainy summer day, we snuggle under a blanket and stream our favorite series. This opens up conversations about friendships, romantic interests, and even tough topics like drugs and relationships. A few great show options for teens include Gilmore Girls, Parenthood, and The Wonder Years. - Reading Together
Two summers ago, we tackled Wonder by R.J. Palacio, followed by Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume last summer. If reading aloud isn’t your style, check out the OverDrive app for free audiobooks from your local library. We’ve enjoyed family road trip listens of The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series by Maryrose Wood, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli, and Lord of the Flies by William Golding. - Podcast Listening
This one can be a bit tricky, given some podcasts’ candid nature. My daughter, being a bit older, enjoys Gilmore Guys, but she’s also a fan of This American Life and TED Radio Hour. There are plenty of educational and craft-themed podcasts out there as well. Just preview a few episodes to ensure age-appropriateness before sharing with her. - Matching Mani/Pedis
My daughter loves dark, bold nail colors, while I’m usually drawn to bright pinks or neutrals. Allowing her to choose my nail color shows I trust her taste and value her opinions. - Cooking Together
I let my daughter pick an intriguing recipe from a cookbook or online. We shop for the ingredients and whip up the meal together. The only rule? It has to be something she likes—typically some variation of pizza! - Wedding Dress Photoshoot
When my daughter was 9, we took photos of her in my wedding gown, and those pictures remain some of my most treasured keepsakes. - Start a Mother-Daughter Journal
Meredith and Sophie Jacobs authored Just Between Us: A No-Stress, No-Rules Journal for Girls and Their Moms, which is a fill-in-the-blank journal packed with prompts like “I often dream about…” and “My biggest regret….” The blank pages invite you to write whatever’s on your minds. This journal has opened up a lot of communication between us, allowing me to understand her better than ever!
I want my daughter to look back at our summers and remember me as a young, fun mom. I hope she carries fond memories into adulthood, feeling a connection with me that lasts through the years. I aim to be the Lorelai to her Rory or the Sarah to her Amber. Best friends forever! A girl can dream, right?
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