A 'Date' with my Daughter...

Ever since my daughter, Aanya was 1, we have had a mother-daughter date. I would take her to have ice-cream at our favorite ice-cream parlour in Hamden, CT. At that time, the purpose of such outings was just to give her and myself little change from our routine. But, over the time, as our outings increased, I realised during such DATES we bond pretty well. We talk, we listen, we share things, we do things together. It has become a fun part of our lives and we look forward to it.

At home, we don’t listen to our kids that much. Sure, we hear them–the constant stream of questions, whining, and just noise sort of gets in the way of what they're really saying. But you have to listen to hear it. Spending sometime outside is a great way of strengthening the bond between you and your daughter. Its a great way to build that self-esteem in her and encourage good qualities to shine through.

Here are some tips from the things I do, that always make our day special:

1. Take your daughter to somewhere special like ice cream parlour, library, park, mall or children's museum. A date should be an escape from reality, an escape that allows you to connect and grow closer.

2. Listen to her. Ask her questions about what she likes to do and who she wants to be when she grows up. What her favorite thing about School is?  Filipa over at Pepper & Buttons has this beautiful list of things to ask your children.

3. Be affectionate, smile a bunch.

4. Most important, Have FUN with your daughter. Put disciplining on hold. In my experience, both as a child and as a mom, the joy of having mom’s full, undivided attention usually produces the most perfect version of your child. Its a win win situation Mommys!

So, go ahead, plan a date and see the difference in your daughter! 

Will soon post my date ideas, Where I take Aanya and Where you can take your daughter :)