One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is time, our most valuable asset. Whether a couple hours or a couple days, intentionally seek time away with our daughters reminds them they are loved, adored and valued beyond measure.
Last month, a friend and I took our daughters to the mountains for a weekend retreat. The hardest part of planning this getaway was resisting the urge to fill the schedule with too many activities. I tend to set up lofty expectations and really, the best moments are those guided by your daughter’s sense of wonder.
Here is a guide to planning your own weekend Mother-Daughter Retreat!
1. Be Free.
Allow your sense of childlike faith and wonder to creep into your soul. Slide down the mountain, jump on a swing, cross the monkey bars. Instead of creating footsteps for your daughter to step in, follow hers.
2. Be Playful.
Go outside and explore your surroundings. Allow plenty of time to do what your girls love to do best!
3. Be Intentional
Set up goals that will encourage and foster your daughter’s spiritual growth. Teach about prayer, spend time in worship, allow them to ask questions. Facilitate discussion activities after a full morning of playtime or exploring so the girls aren’t anxious or restless. Thanks to MODSquad Moms Amy and Tracie, each girl created their own prayer journal.
4. Be Crafty.
If your girls are like mine, they love to craft. Bring simple supplies and engage in the activity with them!
5. Be Curious
Explore new places, see God’s handiwork through the eyes of your child and marvel at the mysteries of creation. Take a nature photo walk and capture the simple beauty that unfolds!
6. Be Together
Encourage interaction with siblings beyond playtime. Have the older one read a story or share their writing. Foster a sense of community by teaching your girls to encourage and listen to each other.
7. Be Creative
Set out supplies and allow your daughters to explore their creativity. Make jewelry, paint a picture or write a story. Whatever it is, allow the girls to be expressive and feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in their work.
8. Be Restful.
Go on a walk and enjoy the scenery. Create downtime in your day or your weekend to just be still.
Spending quality time with your daughters renews your relationship and etches memories on your heart and theirs. Last month, Amy also offered great suggestions for Individual Time with your girls in her Priority Parenting Series. I hope you will take the challenge to step away from the busy days to unwrap the gift of being together.
How do you spend time with your daughter?
3 Comments
Oh how I love this Melissa! What a special memory!
Thanks so much Stacey. We really had an awesome time together. Can’t wait to do it again!
O how I love your ways! You are a special mama…