The Gift of Raising Girls
As a mom to two girls, I must say (and without sarcasm), “Raising girls is fun!” No, really. When I was a child, I remember always wanting to have a daughter when I grew up. Little did I know that my future would hand me two, and I couldn’t be happier. Don’t get me wrong—I don’t have anything against boys. I think boys are wonderful. However, as a little girl who loved her dolls (and still does), I always knew I’d love mothering girls. And I was right.
First of all, there are the adorable clothes, the cute ponytails and braids and the plethora of princess movies. Let’s not forget about the sleepovers, the giggles and all of the drama that comes with girls as they grow into the beautiful teen years. While some days aren’t so sugar-and-spicy in our home, I love every minute of it, and I thank the heavens for all of the opportunities life has given us “girl moms” to bond with our girls. As moms, the trick is to take advantage of “girl time” as much as we can before our daughters grow up. Sometimes, though, it can be hard to think of things to do. So here are some wonderful ideas to get you bonding:
Moms of young girls:
Color pictures. Because coloring books are all the rage right now, take out your crayons or colored pencils, decide on a page to color in the coloring book(s) and color together! When you finish, hang your pictures on a wall for everyone to admire.
Go on a nature walk. It doesn’t have to be at a park or in the woods. Simply walking around your neighborhood, down the street or in your own yard will give you the opportunity to look at the nature around you.
Have a dance party. That’s right. Just the two of you. Dress up in your jazziest dancewear and blast some fun music to dance to. Teach your girl some of your moves and let her teach you some of hers!
Read a chapter book together. Snuggle up under a blanket on the sofa and read a good book together. You might even make it a reading tea party or picnic!
Have a spa day. Paint each other’s nails, style each other’s hair and have fun with the makeup! A spa day at home is always the best way to bond and get to know each other better.
Take a field trip. No, it doesn’t need to be educational. It just needs to be fun! Spend a day at the zoo or go to a park or movie.
Moms of ‘Tweens and Teens.
Take a class together. Learn yoga or painting. Check out a pottery class or learn a foreign language together.
Dress up and go out on the town. Be on the lookout for free local performances or coupons for ballets, plays, operas and other events in your town. This is a great opportunity to try new things and talk about them afterwards.
Get pampered. Go to a local spa and get massages, have your nails done or get pedicures together. And when the relaxation comes to an end, be sure to pamper your tummy with a good lunch or dinner with her.
Help out a cause. Volunteer or fundraise for a cause you both care deeply about, such as a local animal shelter, children’s hospital or soup kitchen.
Visit an art museum. Spend the day meandering through walls and rooms of art. Talk about your favorite pieces over brunch or lunch.
Teach her how to cook/bake. Find a yummy recipe and show your daughter how to whip up something amazing. Spending time in the kitchen together is always a delightful way to learn more about each other and form that close bond.
Aside from the occasional bumps in the road along the way, raising girls truly is a gift. It’s a blessing unlike any other, and when we devote some of our time to our daughters and truly bond, nothing will ever break it. So get on with your bad selves, moms, and bond with your girls! You won’t regret it.
Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein loves spending quality time with her two girls, baking, playing dolls, talking, dreaming, storytelling and doing arts and crafts.