My girls and I this summer.
Calling all mothers, daughters, and fathers! Friday, September 25th, is National Daughters Day… a day to shower our daughters with love, affection and appreciation. It’s a great opportunity to add a little extra love and attention to our daughters’ life, cause they absolutely deserve it!
My Life, My World
I have three daughters. Each one has definitely been going above and beyond during this pandemic. Whether it is taking on additional chores to help us out at home, learning to cook, bake, or garden or care for their pets better they are putting in the work. They are proving themselves to be adaptable, advocating for themselves and reaching out when they are struggling and asking for help. The patience, understanding, and willingness to work together as a family is something I don’t think my husband and I have given enough lip service to either. We are struggling to find our way too and the weight on every one in the family is more than the normal. Thanks, 2020!
The Expert
Deborah Ann Davis, award-winning author, parenting skills coach, mother to a daughter, and former high school educator, has a few ideas on how we can show our daughters just how much we appreciate them this National Daughters Day.
Here are Deborah’s top 5 tips on how to show your daughter just how much you appreciate and love her this National Daughters Day:
TIP #1:
Do a little fact-finding first. To truly please her, you have to know what she values and finds enjoyable. This is not National Embarrass Your Daughter Day, so whatever celebration you plan, make sure you pick something she’ll think is fun, memorable, socially-distanced and cool, not something you think is fun, memorable, and cool.
TIP #2:
Take this time to reconnect at home in a fun way. For example, have a fun, at-home Spa Day. Relax and reconnect over a mani and pedi, face masks, or maybe even experiment with new hairstyles or makeup. Take time to chat about all the fun things, people, and events in each others’ lives. And then, end the day with a formal dinner to which the rest of the family is invited. Pro tip: Have it delivered so that your special day won’t get interrupted.
TIP #3:
Your life was greatly impacted by her arrival. Share the story of who you were at that time, how much she means to you, and what a joy it is to be her parent in a handwritten letter. Include photos (the printed kind) of when she was younger. Excuse yourself and let her read and process it alone. (Maybe go make her favorite meal or snack while you wait.)
The printed photos, which could be one of those dance studio pictures, and handwritten notes will be all the more unique and significant with newer generations, as they tend to receive only digital photos and messages. Next year you can do something similar about how the past year went. If you do this yearly, she’ll have a nice collection to look back on and share with her family when she’s a mom.
TIP #4:
Take spontaneous, fun outings:
- Take a mini road trip to the impressive natural sites near you. One thing I loved was the fun day trips from Houston where we explored nearby towns.
- Hike, bike or walk together. Scottsdale resort is a great location for outdoor bonding activities. Get outdoors and appreciate the cooler weather rolling in!
- Go shopping for a new outfit for her virtual school day or next zoom meeting. Discover pakistani designer brands together.
- Stop at a fabric store and pick up her favorites to turn into masks or cuddly fleece throw blankets together later.
- Grab a bite to eat at her favorite Modern Cuisine Venue or Dine In Family Restaurant.
TIP #5:
Spontaneous outings are always a fun option, but be sure to take advantage of fun pre-planned ideas too:
- Volunteer in your local community together.
- Invite neighbors and friends to bring their lawn chairs and blankets for an outdoor (socially distanced) movie night, projected on the garage.
- Do BAD (Bowling After Dark) using plastic drink bottles with glow sticks inside them, or VAD (Volleyball After Dark) with a net covered in holiday lights.
- Have flowers, delicious treats, or even a singing telegram delivered.
Take advantage of this holiday and have some fun with it. And most importantly, congrats on your wonderful daughter!
