Bonding Beyond Play: 10 Meaningful Ways Moms Can Have Fun with Their Kids
Hey Empowered Moms!
Let’s talk about something real—playing with our kids. Some of us aren’t big fans of playing Barbies or LEGOs, and that’s okay. But that doesn’t mean we can’t engage with our kids in meaningful ways that we genuinely enjoy. As moms, we often get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, but it’s essential to take time to bond and create cherished memories with our children. So, let’s dive into 10 authentic activities that both moms and kids can have a blast doing together!
- Pack a Picnic: Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, packing a picnic basket and heading to the nearest park or your own living room can be a delightful adventure. Spread out a blanket, enjoy some finger foods (be sure to pack their favorite treats), and let your kids run wild while you soak up the fresh air or some down time in your own home. Bonus points for packing a frisbee or soccer ball or some activity to get the energy out and make a bonus memory! It’s a win-win for everyone!
- Cook Together: If you love spending time in the kitchen, why not get your kids involved in the cooking or baking process? Choose a simple recipe, like cookies or muffins, and let your little ones help measure, pour, and mix. It’s not just about making treats—it’s also a valuable learning experience for them. Whip up some delicious treats together, put on some good music, and ask your spouse to help clean up the mess! From cookies and cupcakes to homemade pizzas and pancakes, let your little sous chefs lend a helping hand. They’ll feel empowered obtaining a new skill, and you’re on your way to leaving a legacy that lasts. Don’t forget to indulge in the treats once they’re out of the oven! Yes, you too mama! You deserve it!
- Go on a Date: Treat each of your kids to a special Mommy Date Night. Get dressed up, go out to their favorite restaurant, and then do something special together, like getting a mani/pedi or watching a movie. It’s a great way to make them feel cherished and valued. Really invest in quality conversation, take time to listen, and indulge in some bonding time. Get your spouse involved too! Dads must invest time teaching their daughters how they should be treated on a date, and their sons how to treat a young lady on a date.
- Adventure Travel: Whether it’s a short road trip to a local attraction or a weekend getaway to a new city, traveling with your kids can be an exciting adventure. Explore new places, try new foods, and create unforgettable memories together. Plan a list of options and look at a map together as a family for an added bonus skill. Whether it’s hiking through scenic trails, biking along picturesque paths, or just visiting a hotel for a swim and breakfast out, embrace the journey and embark on an unforgettable adventure with your little adventurers by your side. Make those memories, and make sure you let the little ones ‘help’ with the packing. The more you teach them early, the easier the next travel is for you 😉
- Have a Movie Night Marathon: Throw some pillows and blankets on the living room floor, pop some popcorn, and cuddle up for a cozy movie night with your kids. Let them choose the movie, and enjoy some quality bonding time together. Let your kids take turns choosing their favorite movies, from animated classics to action-packed adventures, and make some unforgettable memories with your mini movie buffs.Bonus if you can hop on amazon for a screen and projector, and set up an outdoor movie night under the stars!
- Arts and Crafts Bonanza: Unleash your creativity with an arts and crafts extravaganza at home. Take a trip to the local craft store, give each kiddo a budget, and set them free to explore options. Set up a crafting station with paints, markers, stickers, and colorful papers, and let your imaginations run wild. Whether you’re painting rocks, making homemade cards, or creating a masterpiece on canvas, crafting together is a fantastic way to bond and express your artistic flair. Be sure to grab an adult paint by numbers, or a craft you enjoy so you can work alongside your kiddos instead of stressing cleaning up the mess!
- DIY Science Experiments: Channel your inner scientist with some exciting DIY science experiments at home. From making homemade slime and volcanoes to creating rainbow eruptions and fizzy potions, there’s no shortage of fun and educational experiments to try. Get ready to be amazed by the wonders of science together. You could even bond with your little ones making a little garden, even if it’s in a large pot on your porch. They’ll love tending to the plants together. It’s a hands-on activity that not only fosters a connection with nature but also teaches valuable life skills. Grow some fruits or vegetables and whip up a new recipe together with the fruits of your labor!
- Family Game Night: Host a family game night filled with laughter, friendly competition, and loads of fun. Dust off your favorite board games, card games, and puzzles, and gather around the table for a night of gaming excitement. Let each family member choose their favorite game and take turns being the reigning champ! We love our tradition of Friday night pizza night, game night. Sometimes it gets moved to Saturday now that the kids are older and busy with their own schedules, but we make sure to keep it on the books, and everyone looks forward to it. It’s a strong family tradition!
- Explore the Outdoors: Transform your backyard into a magical camping oasis with a backyard campout. Pitch a tent, set up some cozy sleeping bags, and gather around a crackling fire pit for stories, songs, and s’mores. Spend the night stargazing and bonding under the open sky—it’s a camping adventure without leaving the comfort of home! Explore the great outdoors with your kids by going on a hike on a beautiful, sunny day. Pack some snacks and encourage them to explore nature as you hike the trails together. It’s a fantastic way to instill a love of nature and adventure in your children. Set up a thrilling nature scavenger hunt. Create a list of items to find, such as pine cones, flowers, feathers, and rocks, and set out on an adventure in your local park or nature reserve. Encourage your little explorers to use their senses and observation skills to spot hidden treasures in nature.
- Dance Party Extravaganza: Turn up the music and get ready to dance the day away with a family dance party extravaganza. Create a playlist of your favorite tunes, from classic hits to contemporary jams, and bust out your best dance moves together. Let loose, laugh, and groove to the beat as you make unforgettable memories on the dance floor. If you have older kids, consider a dance video game, and turn it into a real competition! Or find the latest dance trend online and learn it together! Bonus points for posting your video for all to see! Don’t be shy mama! You may inspire another mom to let loose and have fun!
There you have it—10 genuine ways for moms to have fun with their kids without pretending to enjoy an activity. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your mom hat and your little ones and embark on some unforgettable adventures together!
There are always plenty of ways you can engage and have fun with your kids without having to pretend you enjoy the activity. Remember, the most important thing is not the activity itself but the precious moments of togetherness and joy shared with your children. So, put aside the chores and obligations for a while, and dive into these fun-filled adventures with your little ones. Let’s create magical moments and build lasting memories that will warm our hearts for years to come! Start weaving that legacy, Mama! What are some other ways you enjoy spending time with your kids? We’d love to hear your suggestions in our group!
Want the secret to small changes that create big impact, how to start leaving your legacy before time steals all of your opportunity, grab some great advice from mamas who have reclaimed their joy, and access the 7 Keys to Becoming The Empowered Mom You Were Designed To Be?
Cheering you on,
The Empowered Moms Movement