IF your looking for new ways to bond with your daughter, here are a few helpful Ideas!

Days can fly by so quickly and then suddenly, I realize I’ve been butting heads with my daughter. I begin to feel like we are distant and our relationship has tension. Here are a few helpful ideas I use to jump start our relationship.

1.Laugh Together:

Seek humor throughout your day and point it out to your daughter. I love doing this when I see my three year old do something cute or funny. I say, “Hey Mary, Did you hear what she just said, isn’t that cute.” Mary gets a glint in her eye and giggles. We make eye contact and giggle together, share a little precious moment just between the two of us. This one is at the top of the List because it is easy and effective.

2. Play Games:

Find a game you both enjoy (if you don’t enjoy the game, she will pick up on that!). Be loose and lay back on the correcting and micro managing, just relax and have fun with her. Point out that your really enjoying spending this time playing the game with her. The nice thing about playing games is, you can keep it simple and you don’t have to leave your home.

3. Go on a Mommy Daughter Date:

A few years ago, I was lamenting a difficulty I was having with one of my children to a friend. She said, “Whenever one of my kids is in a funk, taking them to do something special usually solves the issue.” I took this to heart, and have found that this little trick works for me as well. Even just a small errand tends to strengthen that bond.

4. Cook Together:

Girls love to do what their mothers do,involving them in this daily task sets special time apart for one another working towards a common goal. Plus eating something yummy together is always a plus.

5. Involve Her:

In addition to cooking together, anything you enjoy doing, your girls probably enjoy doing with you better than you. Try it, see what happens! The bonus is that because you enjoy doing the thing, your girls latch onto that excitement.

The thing to remember, keep it loose, don’t criticize and micromanage, give her the impression that she isn’t doing a chore. Whenever I’m arranging flowers I invite a kid or two to join me. I give her something easy and manageable.

I have to remind myself that involving her in the activities I enjoy has to be light and not forced in order to create that relationship.

6. Ask Her to Help you Get Ready:

My girls love to help me choose outfits. Why not hang out doing something girly?

Time spent discussing clothing is valuable on its own, but this little act builds confidence. Investing energy discussing her opinion ensures her that you are confident in her and believe she has a valuable opinion. Occasionally make an intentional choice to follow her style advice. See what happens, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

7. Go on a Road Trip:

This one is so fun and can make a huge difference in your relationship. Just the shear amount of time together is powerful. Listen to music and audio books you both love. Share favorite snacks, and thouroughly relish in the time and at your destination. My father and I grew super close because of all the basketball trips we took together. 20 years later I can still smell the mix of my dad and that old musty truck. The nostalgia of Country burgers and shakes, western music and philosophical and scientific discussions are preciously kept in my memory. Details like this seem simple to adults, but create a lasting impression on our kids.

Do you remember when? Share in the comments below.

8. Be Involved in Her passion:

This one goes without saying, but is a good reminder. Show that you care about what she cares about, this helps to break that age gap and share in the transcendental truths and beauties the activity brings. Allowing yourself to marvel with her as she grows and makes discoveries.

9. Enjoy Nature Together:

Enjoying nature together allows the two of you to open your mind and be receptive to idea flow.

10. Read Together:

Reading together is an organic way to dive into hard things. Curiosity and questions abound.

11. Have a Tea Party:

Most little girls love tea parties, and I would be willing to bet a lot of older girls like them too. Tea and treats are a great way to connect. Whenever I feel particularly disconnected to my girls I know a solid tea party complete with a story will help bring us closer. They see a tea party as something special, when I do this little special thing for them they know I truly do delight in them.

While doing these activities I have to remind myself that if I’m not attentive, the bonding part can fall flat.

I want to know! What are some ways you bond with your daughter, what works what doesn’t? Please share in the comments below.