Any fun ideas for mom and teen to do together?

Cindy - posted on 04/30/2014

I have a 14 year old daughter that could care less about me or my feelings? She will not go to the movies with me or even let me sit beside of her on the couch anymore? Until this past year me and her used to stay up late together and watch tv and laugh. But now her phone is all she wants??

Betsy - posted on 01/26/2013

how about roller skating, visit barnes and noble and buy a book and have starbucks coffee( the kids around here love that!) go out for lunch. make cupcakes together and decorate however she wants. go to a thrift store. do each others nails. make homemade cards for soldiers. learn to braid her hair. get old t shirts and tie dye. hope this helps! at this time of year (spring yea!) you can start vegie seeds inside, then garden together. Ive seen a bean teepee that was soo cool!! for class projects use plastic drink cups and potting soil and plant marigolds. they should be ready for mothers day. there are many places to buy inexpensive beads and stretch cord to make fun jewelry together. boys can do some of these things too. my son loves to bake cookies. I took him bowling and fishing(under 16 is free to fish in PA) and he loved the library!

Victoria - posted on 12/10/2014

I'm 18 and my favorite times are when me and my mummy make artistic shots, drink hard cider, and then take a hit off the bong. Try it with your daughters it will be a great bonding experience :)

Clary - posted on 07/11/2014

I don't know if this will be helpful but I'm 13 years old, and me and my mum aren't like super close. But I think the things that I would like are to do things to be closer. Like I would NEVER let my mom like braid my hair or like wax my legs. I think that girls just need to know they are loved, but not in weird ways like I love you so much or you're just sooooo beautiful. For me if my mom says that stuff I feel like she's forced to say that, so the little things end up being the big things. Like watching stupid old movies together just to laugh about it, or baking just cause you want to. If anything those are the moments I love the best with my mom cause you're not stressed out you're just comfortable and hanging out.

Sarah - posted on 10/24/2012

I love a lot of these ideas... But, one thing I've been doing with my teenage daughter is the grocery shopping. At first she was bored and didn't want to be involved, but then I started giving her certain tasks like we need 4 avocados. She didn't know how to choose an avocado, so she had to ask, and I have taught her how to plan meals for the family (or just herself), how to write a grocery list, how to choose a budget, how to pick fruits and veggies, and how to cook for the family (or just herself). This is important stuff that she will need to know, but we also have a fun time doing it together, whether it's searching for recipes or just trying to get it done as quickly as possible. We especially like the Farmer's Market where there are always samples, great prices, and a bustle of activity. These days, she's responsible start to finish for one meal a week for the family. It's an awesome break for me and a great learning experience for her! :D

Cindy - posted on 05/30/2017

Cheap? You're rude. Deanna thanks for asking the question so many of us would love to know.

Pamelachurch - posted on 11/15/2016

I felt distance with my daughter and I and decided it would be good for us to volunteer together so we started at the therapeutic horse back riding association it was a great experience together

Ashley - posted on 10/14/2016

Maybe just spend time with her, I am also not a mom, I am 13, and honestly I love it when my mom and I just have 1 on 1 time. Even if we just go for a drive, were spending time together, talking or listening to the radio, an I love it. It also depends on your daughter. Also, when you two spend time together try to make sure neither of you is on your phone.

Ashley - posted on 10/14/2016

That is so sweet.

Tamsin - posted on 04/07/2015

Heres some things my mum & I enjoy doing together
We can watch a movie, paint toenails, wax legs, make our own face masks, baking, cooking, doing each others hair, trying on different clothes & making outfits out of them for each others reference, photo shoot & make a photo collage out of it, make random art projects, DIY’s, make clay trinkets (will have to get polymer clay), walk the dogs together, go for a bike ride, eBay window shopping, go window shopping at a shopping village, dye our hair, play the wii, onesie night, hot spa bath, tell each other our embarrassing stories .etc.

Danielle - posted on 07/22/2014

About 2 years ago I started a journal with my daughter. I write her a note then she writes to me. It is private and just for us. I love going back and reading through the letters. She will also enjoy these journals when she is grown and I am gone.

Yasmine - posted on 07/08/2014

I'm a 15 years old girl and I honestly don't know if my reply will be helpful or not.
Anyway, I've read some of the replies and I personally don't think I'll enjoy mum braiding my hair or waxing my leg or even doing my nails. But I really love it when my mum and I cook together, even though I pretend I have better things to do :3 But what I really appreciate is when we just cuddle together and watch a movie, it somehow makes me feel so loved.
But honestly, I think it depends on whatever your girl likes, so yeah, just make sure she is interested before you drag her into your plans. Have fun and good luck. cx

Mary - posted on 06/21/2014

Deanna, you are so cheap. You NEED to provide a cost for your daughter in order to bring her somewhere. She would like to go to a store, then bring her. It takes time to find the money, and work to recieve, but if your child likes it, go for it!

Shellyellis28 - posted on 06/13/2014

My teen loves to sing so me and her enjoy concerts quite often! Also we like to go out to eat and shop she has an amazing love for Starbucks so we visit Starbucks an hit the mall?!?!?! Hope I helped . This is my first post and I already feel welcome

Joanne - posted on 05/18/2014

Here's an idea. Just go window shopping or attend art galleries. My teenage daughter and I spent countless Sundays going window shopping at art galleries. We both love art so we enjoyed just viewing all the beautiful works of all sorts of art medias.

Is there something you and your daughter both like? I also used to make things with my daughter like sewing an outfit. It's fun and we get to bond closer.

Kathryn - posted on 03/24/2014

In my experience, open communication early with your teens. Keep the dialogue going no matter what. We go camping and the car ride gives us long opportunities to talk. My daughter is 15 now and we often cook together, make salads and even talk about recipes to try. -- then follow through and shop for ingredients and make it together. It sounds cheesey, but it's a common interest for us. Our family also recently joined the YMCA. Swimming, even going through training together with someone on how to use the equipment was fun for us to do together. I feel beyond lucky to have this relationship with her. I can't lie though, I have to bite my tongue when she talks about some stuff that goes on at school. I have to be careful not to turn into preachy mom and shut her down on her ideas and dreams. This time is separate from talking about schoolwork, homework and grades.

I also swear by this. Having a family pet, a dog or cat that you and your kids, especially teens, really love - always brings you together. Spend an afternoon bathing and pampering the dog. Your hearts will both be filled with love and laughter.

Israel - posted on 03/22/2014

that is a really kool idea

Taylor - posted on 02/27/2014

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Kit - posted on 01/18/2014

i am a teen and my mom and i do lots of things together we go for walks watch movies do crafts and bake together but i get bored a lot so we go shopping and we dont buy anything we just try on crazy clouths its really fun you should try uit too.

Tracy - posted on 10/26/2013

Go for a long walk and talk to each other

Maria - posted on 10/14/2013

Dyi pedicures together is free and will give you both time to talk and admire each other's work. Also cooking or baking together for yourself or to give away as a gift or thank you. Try something new.

Deborah Ridgely - posted on 10/14/2013

I have 2 teen girls and very little $, but we manage to have fun. They also love to shop, so I take them to thrift shops when I can to save money. Also, they love to walk and sometimes I go with them. It gives time to chat. We use the local library a lot! They have free programs we can participate in like after school movies or a Pinterest craft club. I have taught my girls to sew and they have learned to do card making and some crochet. We like to sing together, turn up some tunes and dance, while we wash dishes or make food together. Sometimes we watch movies checked out from the library. Sometimes we do makeup. Sometimes we read together for fun or entertainment. We look old tv shows up or old songs up on you tube. That helps bridge any generational gap. We also pray together and go to church together as a family. On outings (we live in town now, in a small town) we can walk down the street to get to the downtown areas. Sometimes we just go to the coffee shop to hang out and enjoy a yummy coffee drink. In the summertime our town has free concerts on the green. We can walk there and have a blast. In summer we garden together, too.
I am sure there are some events and places to go for free or cheap in your area. The important thing is keep good communication with them and they will trust you with their secrets! It is awesome when you take the time and make it special. They will let you gude them through the awkward years! Blessings!

Maria - posted on 10/13/2013

Have you asked what she would like to do? I've found just being available to talk and hang out and be VERY careful to not judge what she is talking about while I cook dinner and what not is helpful. She enjoys just having me around.

Dana - posted on 10/10/2013

I definitely have to second all of the great ideas that people have already mentioned. I have a 16 year old daughter - sometime will just watch TV or movies or just talk (mostly laugh over silly things) but we have also done the manicure/pedicure thing (we found a local beauty school that provides services so the total cost for both of us is less that $50). I have taken her to the theater to see plays, musicals, etc. Neither of us are big shoppers but we still sometimes have fun just window shopping. Do things that she has expressed interest in, expose her to new things, try something together (cooking classes, painting classes, etc.) - just make sure to listen to her feelings and be open to talk. If she feels like you truly want to spend time with her and that you want her to have fun (versus forcing her to do things) then she will be much more open to the experience.

As for the moms of boys - there are alway local events, minor league sports, etc. My best friend's son loves to cook so they do that together. I would say the same thing as above - find something that they are interested in or want to learn more about and just go for it.

Bethany - posted on 10/10/2013

I'm a 13 year old British girl and when me and my mum get time we make tablet. Don't know if you Americans have that but it's a kind of like fudge but it's crunchy and in my opinion better. If your on a budget and need something cheap rent a movie or play the Nintendo wii. It has brought my family closer. Hope you guys have fun. :) xx

Myriam - posted on 09/17/2013

Movie night! Dinner! Swimming!

Bj - posted on 04/23/2013

Does anyone have a preteen boy???

Bonnie - posted on 01/28/2013

manicure, try on clothes and take pictures, game day, cook/bake together, do each others makeup, movie theme night, bike ride together, volunteer together.

Kathy - posted on 01/23/2013

I find alot of stuff on pinterest!

Alethia Michelle - posted on 01/22/2013

That same thing is going on what me and my 13 preteenager. Ringt now all she like to do is go out side and play with this two face little girl who is all trouble since the day i meet her. She stay right across the street from my mother. That why I'll try to do mother and daughter thing as soon as possilble that how bad she is her sister to and she is almost a grow woman she is almost 18 year old. Right now i try anything that do not have me do a lot of work or been out side as it start to get cold out side. Like you said i cant affort to take out on a shopping trtp.

Deanna - posted on 12/17/2012

What interests does she have? Is she a fan of museums? Or movies? A dinner out? Is she a sporty girl? What about just a walk?
Each girl is different. I would have liked a dinner out and a trip to the museum. My sister would have loved a shopping spree or just a walk. There is nothing that says you can't just go to a mall and look.

Torie - posted on 12/16/2012

take her to do something like you haven't done sens she was maybe 10 or 8.maybe do something at home like arts and crafts or bored games with the family.

Torie - posted on 12/16/2012

take her to do something like you haven't done sens she was maybe 10 or 8.maybe do something at home like arts and crafts or bored games with the family

Cindy - posted on 12/05/2012

What about moms with teenage boys?

Michele - posted on 10/24/2012

Exactly! Most girls (once they hit middle school) LOVE this stuff! I know I did. It builds their confidence too....and helps you too! It's a win-win situation for the both of you! :)

Michele - posted on 10/23/2012

My mother became a single mom when I was in high school. With very little money and very little time, I am amazed at how she always seemed to make time for me (I am the only girl). We had a "craft box" - a box that we always threw odds & ends in to make wreaths, painted crafts, etc etc etc. I am 37 and pregnant with my 5th, and she still has the box. Every now & then she'll break it out if we need something. LOL I love it. It is something special that we share together. I have done the same thing with my girls in the past. ALSO - AC Moore also offers free (or REALLY CHEAP) craft classes - just go online. Another thing we did together was cook and/or bake. I swear she had ulterior motives in teaching me cook! Because, by the time I was 16 or 17, I was cooking dinner by myself for the family. BUT - whatever her reason, I still had fun - I had a great time working WITH her (even if she wasn't there - it seemed like it was more of a "team effort" - I felt needed & felt a sense of accomplishment when I helped her with that). We had a special "recipe binder" that we BOTH put recipes in - either ripped out of a magazine or whatever. All of those "free" activities stuck with me forever! You can't put a price on that! :)

Isabelle - posted on 10/22/2012

you can go to the movies,get your nails done, go to great america, the mall, arts and crafts

Ramona - posted on 10/18/2012

My dd and I like to do crafts together. It is such fun.

Michele - posted on 10/17/2012

Just sometimes sharing the same air as your beautiful daughter is all you need!

Constance - posted on 07/07/2011

I take my kids bowling. AMF bowling centers have some very resonable prices. I also do volunteer work with my teenagers. My 15 yrs old loves animals so she voluteers with the local shelters and and with an organization that gives low cost rding lessons to disabled childen. She loves when we take cae of the horses together. She learns things from me and we can talk without the other 7 around. I do a tn of different things to give them one on one time.

MaryLou - posted on 07/07/2011

A trip to the beach, just relax, tan. If athletic or into sports, go to a game or play a sport(tennis). Bike riding, hiking. I used to have girls night-her favorite meal, board games, then watch a chick flick with popcorn. Some teens like to walk. There is watching t.v. Just walking around a mall(window shopping). Going for a coffee and just talking or relaxing. Some like to bake.

User - posted on 06/30/2011

My daughter and I like to play cards. Good times, laughs, fun competition and talks.

Mary-louise - posted on 05/31/2011

well like the other moms say just sit down and ask your daughter what are her favorite things she likes to do make a list of all your favorite things to do too, then each day/week chose 2 favorite things from both lists, remember to strike it of, then toss them around in a hat/bowl and chose 1/2 things to do and then go ahead as planned an have an enjoyable time just getting to know each other as mother/daughter or be best friends .... love and leave ya hope all things workout good

Christy - posted on 05/30/2011

Just see what she enjoys and make it a part of your life too. My daughter loves to draw and read. I cant draw a straight line but I can read. Now we share books and then discuss them. We have our own little book club in our home. we take trips to the library and if we have some extra money books a million and starbucks. She loves it. Our relationship has improved so much since we began this. I really encourage you to find something that interests your teen and join her.

Shane - posted on 05/26/2011

I feel that just spending time with my teenage daughter has been the best thing for us. We don't have to be doing anything specific, just me giving her my undivided attention for a while makes her feel special.

Melissa - posted on 05/26/2011

ask for her ideas too, I always am on a tight budget, for movies, i let my kids pick some out from the library, they are free, believe it or not games are fun, ask her her favorite games, music (i had to grit my teeth thru some of theirs, I now have a 16 year old boy, we either walk or drive and stop and look at nature things, fishing you just need a fishing license, look for free community events, yes even my son likes to "shop" we go window shopping and maybe pick out something special to save up for, teaches them not to impulse buy, and the value of waiting, spending time together does not require money, talking is free, riding the bus together would be fun, I still owe my son an amtrack ride (train) someday kids understand they just want your love and attention no matter what ya are doing.

Jasmine - posted on 05/25/2011

Strike up a conversation about sex and masturbation.....always cures boredom in my house ;-)

Kelleigh - posted on 05/20/2011

My 16 year old and I love to get manicures or pedicures together. She also likes to bake, so we will look up new baking ideas and make them for her to take to her friends as school or soccer team. We usually make some cool kind of cupcake and have a lot of fun decorating together, I find when we get involved like this she just starts talking and sharing her life with me..

Letitia - posted on 05/20/2011

is she crafty? There are several inexpensive crafts you can do together, or take a walk or hike. I find that I have the best talks with my kids when we're just hiking or riding in the car: something you do for a few hours and you aren't looking at each other--it's weird, but that makes people talk more...

Melanie - posted on 05/19/2011

have you tried a movie, or a coffee. starbucks does cost like 5 bucks a pop so 10 for the both of you but time to sit and chat. or walks if your area is nice. my kids love to garden with me. they always have. my biggest (hell be 18 sat) helped me to dig and plant a huge veggie garden this year hes so excited to eat the good stuff thats working its way up

Bridget - posted on 05/18/2011

My 15 yr old daughter and I go to learn to roller skate lessons at our local sports centre, It's so much fun learning together.

Aliska - posted on 05/18/2011

If she's girly have 'beauty nights', make your own face masks, wax each other's legs, paint nails etc. Have fun trying new things, there's lots of books with recipes for home made beauty products. You can make the stuff together and use it together too.

It's obvious but movie nights are good too. Take it in turns to pick a movie to watch together. Get her to pick something she really likes that you haven't seen to watch together then the next time you choose on the same basis.