Summer tends to open more time for family connection. Looser schedules, longer days, and family vacations allow for heart-to-heart conversations and fun activities for many tweens and parents. Here are five ways you can be intentional about connecting with your tween daughter this summer.
Plan a purity talk. Whether you choose to utilize a published resource or just talk openly about body changes and boys, summer is a great time to reserve a day or overnight outing for sharing God’s love and purpose for your daughter as she prepares to grow toward womanhood. Consider booking a special dinner or shopping trip that requires a long drive during which you’ll have plenty of time to talk and laugh.
Camp outdoors. Camping in summer is a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from wired devices, sit around an open fire and share stories, questions, and dreams. There’s no need to travel deep into the woods. Back yard camping can be just as fun! Stock up on s’mores supplies, campfire songs, and cozy blankets—and make memories giggling beneath the stars.
Start a book club. Invite friends to join you, or establish your own personal mother-daughter book club. Create a list of books you’d both like to read (see our Faithgirlz fiction library for tons of great options!), then plan coffee shop dates in which you’ll discuss each book after you’ve finished reading it. This gives parents an opportunity to enter their tween’s world while also fueling a shared love of reading.
Host a party. If your tween daughter enjoys baking, crafting, or party planning, team up to organize a summer party with friends or neighbors. Encourage your daughter to use her creativity in designing menus, favors, decorations, or dessert. Spend some time scouring Pinterest together and create a shared board of party ideas. Both planning and executing the party will provide plenty of opportunities to speak your daughter’s language.
Read the Bible together. God’s Word is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). It has the power to touch lives and strengthen relationships. Spend some time with your daughter each week reading favorite Bible stories together, or exploring what God’s Word says about questions or challenges your daughter is facing. Make this summer Bible time extra sweet by giving your tween a copy of Faithgirlz’ new Ultimate Bible for Girls.
However you choose to spend the summer, remember personal connection is God’s heart for us all. Together, you and your daughter can “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24) as you enjoy quality time under the sun!
