Mother and Son Activities

Types of Mother and Son Activities

• The bond between mothers and sons can flow in and out like the sea: from constant companions in the boy's youth to rule-setter and rebel in the young man's adolescence. Keeping the lines of communication open with a son is important for a mother Building a strong rapport comes not from Mom buying the latest and greatest video game for her son, but giving him something much more valuable: her time.
• Do not worry about spending money on him anywhere near as much as spending time with him. That time spent can pay dividends in a strong relationship when he reaches adulthood.
1. Time, Oh, Give Me Time

Giving time to the boy you gave life to is important for males as they grow up. Finding time to spend with a son is also important for a mom. It lets that young man know how important he is, gives him a road map for the future and can make him more aware of his emotions. It can also let him know what women expect of men and proper manners when with a female.

Especially in multiple-sibling families, individual time with Mom is a huge issue. Being able to have Mom all to yourself--even for only an hour or two--is like heaven for a boy and young man. Not having to share her with fellow siblings, Dad—whoever--is the best gift any boy or young man could get.

1. Common interests

Playing catch (baseball or football) does not have to be only a father-son thing. It doesn't take a lot of time or effort to go in the front yard or the street and play catch. Moms who are comfortable with a baseball mitt or football can do much to improve their relationship with a son by chucking the ball with him.

Maybe stamps or shells are more both of your speeds. Whatever it is that interests both of you that is where to point your energies. No common interests? Find a new hobby together, and go after it. Dive in to the topic, and be a font of information on the hobby as you get started in it with your son.

1. Outdoor attractions

Think "cheap tourist." Find nearby places to go that have some interest but don't require big-time admission fees.

Local zoos are good spots to head to for mothers and sons as they have plenty of interesting stuff and normally do not require high entry fees. Make sure to go to both of your favorite animals and discuss why the animals are your favorites.

Head down to your neighborhood park and spend some time just enjoying the outdoors together. Playing Frisbee and walking around the park are two basic free activities. If your child is younger, you might want to bring a book or magazine with you because at some point, something on the playground will catch his fancy and he will be off to play on it for a while. Of course, you could make the Mom Hall of Fame if you also played on the apparatus (swings, for example). Go in the late morning after making and packing some sandwiches, and have lunch at the park. This will give you more time together and be a welcome change of pace for both of you.

1. Indoor activities

Explore a museum, especially a lesser-known holder of artifacts that you haven't been to in some time, can be a great mother-son adventure. You don't get as much verbal interaction at a movie theater, but the pre-movie conversation over a box of popcorn might make up for it.

At the library communication will be at a minimum and not too deep (or loud), but a relaxing afternoon reading a book or magazine or searching the Web might lay foundation for deeper talks down the road.

1. Talking

One of the most rewarding activities for both mothers and sons is talking. Whether it is on the front porch, at the kitchen table or over the miles and over the telephone, conversation is a cornerstone for healthy mother-son relationships. The conversations can get very one-sided (and short) in the son's adolescence, but keep it going and you can hopefully lengthen that once he reaches adulthood.

Mother and Daughter Activities

• Have an all-girls day of fun! From beauty tips and crafts to recipes and playtime ideas, choose a fun mother-daughter activity that will create lasting memories.
1. Crafts and cooking: Unleash your creativity

If you're looking for an activity that promises lots of fun without costing a lot of money, do a craft or make something delicious in the kitchen. No matter how old your daughter is, it's always fun to create something as a team.

1. Preschoolers(ages 2-5)

Toddlers love to help out in the kitchen. You could give your four-year-old daughter, some pots and pans and fills them with Cheerios, so she feels she's helping her mother cook. If your daughter is a little older, measure out ingredients and have her pour them into a bowl, or give her a spoon and let her do the mixing.

Cut out a picture frame from an old cereal box and decorate the plain cardboard side with macaroni, plastic flowers or found objects around the house. Find hundreds of cool craft ideas. Help your little one make our lady bug rocks, chubby fall crayons and sports crafts.

1. Grade-schoolers (ages 6-10)

A great parent-daughter project that works for both moms and dads is scrapbooking. Pick a story to tell, like a family trip, birthday or school days. Then head out to local stores or retail chains and grab some supplies, including an album, adhesives, tools and a waterproof/fade proof ink pen. Gather photos and other memorabilia like letters, ticket stubs or certificates, and work together to create a parent-daughter scrapbook.

Or you could make a paper jewelry box (or treasure box to store necklaces and bracelets, or hockey cards, for that matter. Gussy up a plain barrette with pretty colorful ribbon or yarn. During the holiday season, have an ornament making party. If you like to make stuff with fabric, why not make a cozy fleece scarf for chilly days.

1. Tweens/Teens (ages 11 +)

Teach your daughter to make her favorite dishes and if she doesn't have any, help her find some. Try baked macaroni, tomato and cheese casserole, old-fashioned chicken noodle soup or chicken schnitzel. For snacks, movie-style treats are always a hit. Plus, get more ideas in our Food section. You can even help your daughter create a recipe book. Years later, she can take her own recipe book with her when she moves to her own place. If your daughter's room still reflects her childhood days, work with her to redesign it. E.g. when your daughter turns 11,help create a more mature bedroom that would take her into her teenage years. You can create a pattern of lavender, blue and turquoise striping with gold accenting on the walls, and restored a chair using the same color scheme.