Tara Lisciandro-Hornich is a Type 2/3 curly mom and healthy lifestyle advocate.
The nature of the child is amazing. Taking moments to be with your child and spend quality, wholesome time together can change your outlook on parenting and simple day-to-day tasks. Below are a few ideas and activities you can share with your daughter. Remember, they can all be enjoyed together as long as you are mindful as you do them.
Image Source: @asharel.chastain
Being mindful is simple but not always easy. Simply put, mindfulness means staying in the present moment, being aware of what is taking place with all of your senses, and passing no judgment as you do so. Being mindful while playing and being with your child may just turn playtime, storytime, and “girl” time into something a little more if you practice.
Curly Mom & Daughter Bonding Activities
1. Beauty/Spa Day!
Image Source: @nicoleraudonis
Taking your toddler or little one to a spa doesn’t have to be expensive…Shop a local drugstore together to pick out a fun, new nail polish color, loofah, and bath soap or bubbles. At home, fill a tub with your new bubbles, teach your daughter how to use a loofah, and soak in the beautiful scents of lavender, citrus, or berries. Follow up a perfect bath with a mani/pedi for the both of you – at home. If your daughter is old enough, allow her to paint your toes or hands, too!
2. Tea and Books
It’s never too early to introduce fine teas to children. Look for teas with little to zero caffeine. There are a variety of peach and white teas that may appeal to your daughter; try them out. Then, find a comfy place at home where the two of you can curl up with a blanket, your teas, and a good book. Make it a ritual.
3. Kitchen Time
Image Source: @hangingwiththecoopers
Take out grandma’s old recipe cards or a favorite cookbook and begin to teach your daughter how to make a family culinary tradition. Don’t have one? Start your own and create your cookbook with your daughter!
4. The Art of the Garden
Image Source: @motheringhappily0
Find a little place in your yard to start a small garden, or if you’re limited in space, start a container garden. Pick a few plants, like lavender, that you can plant, grow and use. Some plants, like lavender, can be dried and used for other projects. Having time spent outdoors together and creating something for the family is an amazing way to bond and share quality time.
5. Turn Your Home Into a Salon!
Browse your favorite health and beauty stores with your daughter and take home a few favorite or new shampoos, conditioners, gels, or items to make your products. Once home, have your daughter play the stylist’s part and allow her to apply products to your hair and style it. If she’s too young, moms can play the stylist.
Image Source: @hairtagebymindy
After washing and conditioning, play up your daughter’s hair with something new and different. Try an updo or pigtails, braids, or play with hair bands and clips, things she doesn’t normally wear. Finish off your salon time by taking photos of the two of you to capture and remember the fun!
What activity will you be doing this summer? Learn more about how to care for your kids’ curls this summer.