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The
stereotype is true: Young boys really do love their mommas. They come to us
when they’re hurt. They give the best bear hugs. They get insanely excited to
show us their new Hot Wheels, plastic dinosaur or even just a cool rock. If
you’re like most “boy moms,” you wouldn’t trade any of it for the world.
As they grow
older, it’s important to continue nurturing this special bond by carving out
one-on-one time to spend with your boy. Whether he’s still a toddler or
becoming a handsome tween right before your eyes, these mother-son activities
will help you grow closer than ever.
1.
January – Go Ice Skating
The holidays
may be officially over, but January’s brutally cold weather is perfect for
outdoor ice rinks. Why not take your son to your nearby skating rink and sneak
in one last skating session before the rink closes for good?
Learning to
find your balance on the ice can be tricky, so make sure you both utilize a
stabilizing bucket until you get the hang of it. Even with the bucket, you’ll
probably end up with a bruised bum at the end of the day. But hey, that’s what
love is all about.
2.
February – Play Games at
the Arcade
C’mon, is
there any boy on the planet who wouldn’t be absolutely thrilled to go to the
arcade? We can’t think of a single one. Your son will love playing the latest
and greatest games while racking up tickets to exchange for a prize later. Get
in on the action with multiplayer games that make you a true mother-son team or
challenge him to a heated game of air hockey.
3.
March – Visit a Museum
If March’s
finicky weather is derailing your plans, consider taking your little one to a
children’s museum. Sure, the museum’s interactive exhibits unleash your inner
germaphobe like no other (that’s what hand sanitizer is for 😉) and you might be a little unnerved
at the sudden interest your son has taken in ancient Mayan sacrifice rituals,
but it’s all part of the fun. When the rain finally stops, you can zip down to
the ice cream parlor across the street and finish the day on a sweet note.
4.
April – Take a Family
Fitness Class
Are April
showers keeping you and your son stuck indoors? Sign up for a family fitness
class to get out some of that pent-up energy (both yours and his). Since the
fitness classes are geared towards families, you don’t need to worry (errrr, as
much) about your little one irritating everyone with his crazy antics.
Not sure
which family fitness class is right for you and your son? Try a yoga class. In
addition to offering a vast number of physical benefits, yoga can provide a slew of mental
health benefits for kids,
such as better academic performance and higher self-esteem.
5.
May – Go Golfing
PSA: Dads
don’t have a monopoly on golfing with their sons. If you want to hit the links
with your son, then do it! Golfing is an underrated mother-son activity that
can help grow your special bond while building his lifelong love for the game.
To make him
feel like a pro, be sure to pick him up some boys’
golf clothes
made with UPF protection and quick-drying fabrics. Not only will he stay cool
and comfortable on the green, the quick-drying fabrics will help keep the
pre-teen stink under control.
6.
June – Pack a Picnic and
Go Fishing
Is your son
addicted to video games and electronics? Take a break from the screens by going
on a picnic and a fishing trip. You can make sandwiches beforehand, buy his
all-time favorite chips (Cool Ranch Doritos, obviously), grab some drinks and throw it all in the Yeti
cooler for your
outdoor adventure. Just remember to keep it fun and safe by choosing an easily
accessible area that isn’t too far
from civilization.
7.
July – Hit the Water
For most of
the country, July is hot, hot, HOT. While the high heat can be miserable at
times, it’s also the perfect excuse to grab your boy’s swim trunks, get his favorite beach toys and
have a blast out on the water.
If you’re
lucky enough to live by a beach, spending the day making sandcastles together
is always a fun time. Is your son a little old for such kid-like activities?
Take him kayaking, boating or deep-sea fishing for a fun experience he’ll never
forget.
8.
August – Take a
Mini-Vacay
Don’t look
now, but summer vacation is slowly coming to an end. Now is a great time to
sneak in a mini-vacay with your son before school starts up again. It doesn’t
need to be a long trip—a quick day trip or a weekend getaway will be perfect.
That’s just enough time to explore new ground and make fond memories together.
Worried
about your other child getting jealous of their sibling? Just be sure to plan a special one-on-one
trip with them later. That way, you can
nurture your special bond with both of your kids.
9.
September – Check Out
the Farmers Market
Who doesn’t
love a good farmers market? There’s fresh produce, beautiful blooms, happy
people and, of course, the chance to support your local growers. Oh, and did we
mention the delicious samples? Drool.
You can
easily turn a trip to the farmers market into a special outing with your boy.
Just have him help you find food items for a home cooked meal to make together
later that evening. Not only will it make him feel more involved in the meal
prep, he’ll have a great time looking through each tent to find exactly what
you need.
10.
October – Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Fact: You’re
never too old to visit a pumpkin patch. There’s the thrill of trying to find
the best pumpkin, the fun hayrides and, of course, the tasty cup of apple cider
(and a delicious apple cider donut, mmm…) that always makes the trip worth
it–rain or shine. There’s also the corn maze, which can either be an absolute
blast or cause you to go into full panic-mode when your son suddenly has to pee
and you have no idea how to get out of the stupid thing. Ah, good times.
11.
November – Volunteer
’Tis the
season for giving back! Teach your son the importance of giving back to his
community by volunteering together. If he’s old enough, consider having him
help you serve meals at a soup kitchen or your local Meals on Wheels program.
Other ways you and your son can give back together include running a charity
race together (excellent for working off that eggnog, BTW), donating items to
your local food bank and helping out your local veterans’ community.
12.
December – Drive Around to See Christmas
Lights
If your son
is little, he’ll LOVE going on a car ride to see the dazzling array of
Christmas lights that light up the city. Ask your neighbors for recommendations
on which neighborhoods are best for holiday light viewing. Once you have your
route planned, take your son out for a drive with Michael Buble’s White Christmas on blast (the best
holiday album there is, hands down). He’ll love the spectacular lights in
different colors, and you’ll love the quality time you get to spend with him.
