On the last Wednesday of our children’s Mother’s Day Out year, my neighborhood friend and I sit in her kitchen. We are on our third straight day of rain, but the sun is just beginning to peak through her window. Azaleas have exploded on every bush, coloring our yards with pink and white, confetti for the end of the school year.
“I have an idea,” Jessica says and looks at me. Bubbles dance and settle at the top of our fizzy water.
“Tell me,” I reply and tuck my feet underneath me.
“What if we take turns watching each others’ kids, to give each of us an opportunity for a 1:1 Mom Date with each of our children?” Jessica poses.
“Huh,” I say. I visualize both of my kids stuck together like peanut butter and jelly the entire summer. Delicious together yet special to be savored separately. “Interesting idea!”
“Since we’ll both be home all summer and have minimal camps, I thought it could be fun to give our kids individualized attention,” Jessica finishes.
“I love it!” I cheer. We live in the same neighborhood, and our kids love to play. They are close in age and all enjoy the park, doing art, reading, and getting every toy out in our respective playrooms.
The idea is simple: although we will be with our children all day, every day throughout the summer, we want to plan for intentional time. How can I connect with each of my kids, away from siblings and the pull of chores at home? What will each child want to do? How can we have fun and enjoy one another?
We get out our calendars to add Mom Dates as appointments. We alternate weeks and kiddos. We begin to brainstorm ideas. We are thrilled to share the news of special 1:1 time!
Rock Climbing with my Son
A month later, my son and I walk into the climbing gym, both of us thrumming with anticipation.
“Are you climbing too, Mom?” he asks me, his mouth open in a grin and forehead crinkled.
“You bet!” I tell him. We step into harnesses and tighten climbing shoes. “Where should we go first?”
We’ve only been a handful of times, but my son remembers the kids’ climbing section. He takes off around the corner and down a hallway. He stops in front of the giant rope station, two giant tangles that resemble spider webs.
“Let’s do this one!” I clip both of us into the auto belay.
“Ready, set, go!” We climb, side by side, stopping every few feet to look at one another and encourage each other.
We make it to the top and both cheer! We spend the next two hours climbing — sometimes side by side, and other times I watch.
At dinner that night, my family goes around the table to share our favorite part of the day.
“Climbing with Mom,” my son says confidently and with a smile. “We were both a little scared and a lot brave!”
Mom Date Ideas
Not sure what to do? Here are some of the outings we did with our kids plus some other ideas. You know your child best!
1. Rock Climbing
Do you have an adventurous kid? Do you want to challenge yourselves together? Race to the top of a wall together at Hoover Heights or High Point. Both climbing gyms offer monthly passes or memberships, if you think you’ll climb often!
2. McWane Science Center / Birmingham Zoo
Make use of your annual memberships! Would your child enjoy diving into science or animals? Head to the McWane Center or the Birmingham Zoo.
3. Botanical Gardens / Aldridge Gardens
Does your child love flowers, plants? Or running around in open spaces? The Birmingham Botanical Gardens or Aldridge Gardens might be perfect for you!
4. Favorite Treat / Meal
Is your child a foodie? Or maybe requests a special treat or meal? This is the opportunity for a Hero Donut, Frothy Monkey brunch, Last Call Baking croissant, or Hot and Hot Fish Club tomato pie.
5. Art
Is your child a budding artist? Check out the (free!) Birmingham Museum of Art or create your own art at Do It Yourself Crafts, Creative Vibes, or one of these other local kid-friendly spots for crafting.
6. Bowling / Arcade
Do you want to compete with your kiddo, all in fun? Try bowling and arcade games at Vestavia Bowl or Oak Mountain Lanes.
