Life
17 Mother-Son Bonding Activities That Even A Tween Would Enjoy
Girls run in my family, so I naturally thought when it was time for me to have children that I would have daughters. Well, as the Y chromosome will tell you, I'm lucky enough to be the mom of two boys. And spending special time with them is one of my favorite things. My little guys and I are always thinking up new mother-son bonding activities for our time together.
Having boys may have been a surprise, but it is one of the best things that could have happened to me. Being around my sons has let me experience things I probably wouldn't have, if I had daughters. (And I don't just mean deferring penis questions to my husband.) My baby boys are the most fun to hang out with, because they are always up for something new. It doesn't take much convincing to get them out of the house and into an adventure. It's been a wild ride so far, and I don't see it slowing down any time soon.
Being a boy mom is a hilarious, messy, and rewarding part of my life — I really can't imagine things any other way. I love it when I find an activity or experience that brings me closer with one (or both) of my boys. If you're a mom of boys like me, and looking for new things to do with your son, try something new with these 17 mother-son bonding activities.
1Read Together
Select a picture book series or one good chapter book to read together. Maybe you take turns reading aloud, or just read at the same time and talk about together. Either way, sharing in a story as mother and son will give you time together with loads of conversation.
2Laser Tag
What could be more fun than running around and trying to shoot each other with laser guns? Not too much. A fun way to spend an hour or two, laser tag will have you laughing together and gasping for breath from all the giggling.
3Plan A Day Date
Pack a picnic, for the park, play tourist in your own town, or enjoy a special dinner for two. It doesn't matter what you do as long as you get out and enjoy a day together having fun.
4Watch A Movie
5Go For A Hike
Fresh air and a little expanded energy makes for a great time. To make the activity even more enjoyable, bring along a book to help you identify the plants and creature you'll see on the way.
6Go To A Concert
This may be one of those times when mom has to take one for the team and go see a show that your son wants to see. It may not be your favorite style of music, but the little guy will always remember mom taking him to a concert.
7Play Video Games
My boys always think it's a really cool day if I play video games with them. If you don't have a gaming system at home, you can visit an arcade neat you.
8Ride Rollercoasters
Head out to a nearby amusement park and get your adrenaline pumping. If he's not ready to take on the death-defying rides just yet, you can always play a game or two instead.
9Complete A Project Together
Pick a craft or fun project that you can complete together in an afternoon. Then sit back and admire your hard work.
10Volunteer
Spend time together while helping others. Find a place that is kid-friendly to volunteer with your son for the day.
11Surprise Lunch
My boys love it when I show up at their school and surprise them with lunch. Of course, this may be less appealing to older sons who are "embarrassed" by you. If that's the case, go out for a special lunch on the weekend.
12Pass Notes
Keep a little correspondence going by passing notes back and forth to each other. Having your own secret mail system (like leaving them under pillows) feels like a private, special connection that only the two of your share.
13Star Gaze
Sneak out one dark night for a little mother-son star gazing. See if you can find constellations or have a contest to see who can find the brightest star.
14Make A Meal
Get into the kitchen together and make a meal for the rest of the family. Cooking together can be fun and creates a sense of teamwork between the two of you.
15Learn Something New
Maybe you don't have all the moves down for the whip and nae nae, or maybe you want to try indoor rock climbing. Learning something together always bring your closer, and gives you a chance to grow together in your new interest.
16Keep Secrets
Create an activity that's just between you two. Maybe it's sneaking off for ice cream every Sunday or maybe you have a secret handshake. Sharing something special that no one else knows about will make your child feel extra special himself.
17Take A Day Trip
Find a destination that you can reach within an hour or two and venture out together on a mini road trip. Enjoy a new town or city for the day and head home full of memories.
Images: Oakley Orignials, faungg's photos, Renato Lombardero, Gordon, Gareth Williams/Flickr; Giphy (13)
