As parents, we all strive to provide our children with a good life and a happy childhood. We may use different methods and may have different means, but a caring parent invests into the overall well-being of their child.
Don’t we all want our children to know how much we love them? Don’t we want to feel connected to them and hear what’s on their mind, no matter what age? Wouldn’t we commit doing what it takes to develop a strong relationship?
Good news is that children don’t require unattainable things to feel our love. What they need is really very simple and there are lots of ways to go about it.
How to Strengthen Your Relationship With Your Child
One surefire way to a strong relationship with your kids is to regularly plan on taking each kiddo out for a mommy date.
Have you ever thought about how focused, one-on-one attention can reduce all kinds of issues that arise in everyday life with children? Often times, misbehaving is a sign of attention seeking and loving, undivided attention may just fix a big chunk of the problems. Our children are desperate to feel safe expressing both the good and the ugly that’s inside of them. When you give these tiny humans mommy and me time, they feel special and you are able to reconnect and nurture a relationship that is the crucial base of their obedience and respect.
Don’t have much time? You don’t need hours to make your child feel special. Your dates do not have to be elaborate. If taking your child out costs you too much worry, money or time, you are likely not to repeat. Rather, focus on frequency and simplicity. The most important is that you have made time available just for that child as if he were your only one.
To your little one, it isn’t easy to share you. They desire to be the center of our world and while we surely need to teach them awareness of others and selflessness, our children absolutely need and deserve undivided attention from us where they can feel like the one and only.
If you say you can’t possibly do this because you have a difficult time connecting with the children in your household, don’t get discouraged. I have a stepdaughter, with whom my relationship is pretty fluctuating. Sometimes, I literally need to kick myself out the door to go on these dates, but I have never regretted a single one.
Mommy and me time may not be about serious talks or huge discoveries about your child, especially if they are younger. It may be just playing and laughing together. But even a fairly young child (2.5 or so) grasps what it means to have mommy alone for herself. You cannot start too early in establishing the routine of time specifically carved out for each child.
Mommy and Me Date Suggestions
To get your started, here are some suggestions for mommy dates in the Midlands.
Visit Barnes and Noble
Sadly, there is now only one store open in the area at the Midtown at Forest Acres, but browsing through the books and getting a treat from Starbucks will surely prove to be a fun time with your child. This activity is appropriate for all ages, since there’s a young children’s area with plenty of activities and areas of interest for kids of all ages.
Go to a Park and Sit on a Bench Together
I love cuddling up on a park bench and just listen to my children’s thoughts. Nothing else needed. With younger children, you can play tag, hide and seek or anything else that makes you both giggle. It doesn’t have to be long, just focused.
Here are some guides to different parks in the area: Irmo/Chapin, Lexington and all over the Midlands.
Mommy and Me Classes at Art Smart Academy
Even if you aren’t particularly in fond of crafts and arts, you and your child will still have a great time creating something together. Let them take the lead and just follow along with their plans.
Get Ice Cream
Good thing is, you don’t have to go far, because ice cream shops are practically everywhere. Check out one store open for inspiration. You can chat or take a walk while enjoying the refreshing treat. If your child is younger, just watching them eating ice cream is priceless.
Go to the (Dollar) Store and Let Them Pick Out Something
I usually say no to the constant requests of “buy me something” – so this presents a great opportunity to make a special exception. On occasion, I do like to spoil my kids and I let them choose something they have been asking for.
Play Mini Golf
Frankie’s Fun Park has a beautiful course, and while playing, there’s tons of opportunity for laughter and healthy competition to reconnect the two of you.
Go for a Walk in Your Neighborhood, Holding Hands
Again, the point is to just listen to your child talk, share, explain and ask. Let them know you are there because of him or her and make sure to tell them how much you enjoy your special time together.
