I started Mommy and Me dates after the twins came into our lives and I already had two. Once everyone was of talking age and getting their own little personalities I noticed the need for my attention when they were all around me. You know the moments when one child has something amazing to share and it seems like that’s the moment the rest of the crew decides they to have something important to share and they must tell you at that same moment. The talking over each other begins and you try to keep up with who said what. I have to admit that over the years I have become really good at listening to all of them when they try to talk to me at the same time. I guess it’s a Mommy super power. But even though I have mastered that talent of listening to more than one at a time, I do have to remind them that they need to wait their turn. This is why the Mommy and Me dates are so important. These dates provide much needed quality time with each child, one-on-one.
The dates do not have to be a major planned adventure just something that the child will enjoy while they spend time with you. My kids look forward to their Mommy and Me dates, regularly asking whose turn it is. I also look forward to the dates because it gives me the opportunity to catch up with their lives outside of the home. Sometimes they even tell me things that they wouldn’t want their siblings to hear so the Mommy and Me dates are the perfect time to get all the much needed information.
In addition to the individual Mommy and Me dates, I also do some outings with just the girls and just the boys, since I have six kids. Some of our favorite activities include:
- Going to see a show
- Going out to eat
- Going for ice-cream
- Roller skating
- Bowling
- Playing tennis
- Playing basketball
- Going to the arcade
- and more.
I have also found all sorts of creative things to do even when money is tight. Making crafts at home, gardening, popping popcorn and pulling out the DVDs for a movie marathon, baking, doing each others’ nails/hair/make-up, outdoor play like jump rope, hop scotch, volleyball, bad-mitten, and corn hole to name a few.
The Mommy and Me dates allow me to stay connected to each child without distractions. For those mothers who have more than one child you know what it’s like when they come and ask you who you love more or who you like the best or who’s your favorite child? Even though I explain to them each and every time that I love all of them equally for different reasons because they are all individuals with different personalities and interests, they still ask those questions. The Mommy and Me dates allow them that special individual with me so they get that one on one time to feel special. So be sure to take full advantage of the Mommy and Me dates. The dates help strengthen your bond with your child and makes great individual memories that you both can cherish always.
