Dress: Express Cut-Out Maxi (XXSP) – (similar, similar)
worn with these breast pads + nipple covers
Shoes: Liz Claiborne ‘Helena’ – under $25!
Earrings: Baublebar Tassel Earrings
Bag: Bali Harvest Rattan – petite length for petites!
Hat: Nordstrom Straw Boater Hat (similar – under $20!)
I can’t even believe that the kids are out for summer break already and that another school year has gone by! I still remember like it was yesterday when it was just weeks after I had given birth to Dylan, feeling like my whole world had turned upside down, and was talking to other moms that had kids in elementary school and feeling like that stage would be forever from now. But, here I am, in a bit of disbelief that my little guy just graduated kindergarten and that I am now a mom in that stage of life. I’m so happy to be partnering with Kinder Joy in today’s post as they are all about creating and cherishing those special moments — and it couldn’t be more appropriate as I get a little nostalgic seeing my little boy growing up!
There can be days of motherhood where it seems like bedtime can’t come fast enough yet other days when it seems like it’s all rushing by entirely too quickly. As moms it seems like we’re also always juggling our own personal to-do list while taking care of the kids. While it seems like there’s never enough time to get through our tasks, I’ve realized it’s also so important for us to carve out time when we’re distraction free and just spending quality time with our family.
One tip that I read when I was pregnant with Mei, my second baby, was for each parent to have regular “mommy and me dates” with their kids. It’s been a tip that really resonated with me and something that I’ve tried to do with Dylan and even now Mei as at 3 years old now, she is even getting to be quite the sassy, opinionated little girl that can definitely hold her own in a conversation!
Mommy and me dates with your kids are essentially just a fun day or even a couple of hours that you spend with your kids. For us, I let my kids decide the agenda, from picking our activity to where we’re eating and even how we’re getting there if a bus or train ride is an option! It’s a special time where it’s just one-on-one and I can actually get out of being in mom mode for a few hours. It’s a great opportunity to talk, have fun, and just enjoy each other’s company (and sometimes I like to add in a little surprise at the end too!).
Dylan and I were overdue on our date so we spent a recent Saturday just the two of us! I’m sharing a few snaps of our day along with a few tips on how to make the most of these “mommy and me dates” with your little ones extra special.
Have Your Kids Pick Where To Go
I’ll usually put our “mommy and me date” on the calendar a couple weeks in advance and bring it up to the kids so that they can start thinking about what they’d like to do. Dylan is a little ball of energy and loves the outdoors so it was no surprise that he loved the idea of going to Klyde Warren Park, one of our family’s favorite parks that’s actually situated on top of a busy highway in downtown Dallas! The kids’ area is filled with fun activities from a merry-go-round to caterpillar splashing fountain and even several climbing orbs.
Eliminate All Other Distractions
I want my kids to know that this is a special time where I’m 100% focused on them. I set my phone in Do Not Disturb mode and tuck it inside my purse so I don’t have the temptation of checking it. It’s a great way to take a break from that to-do list and really enjoy your time with your little ones!
Strike Up A Conversation
I don’t know if your kids are like mine, but whenever I ask them about their day at school, the typical response I get is usually a “I don’t remember” or a “it was good.” Not much of a conversation. I’ve found that oftentimes it just takes some dedicated one-on-one time when my kids finally start opening up. Sometimes they may see something that jogs their memory or ask a question related to an event that happened at school. It’s been a great way for me to finally get more interesting conversations out of my kids and ultimately get to know them better as people!
Make It Memorable
I usually like to end our mini dates with something that they love that they don’t expect. It can be something small like a ride on the trolley, checking out the Lego store on our way home, or my favorite, a surprise treat from Kinder Joy! On our recent date I tucked a couple Kinder Joy eggs in my purse and it was such a sweet way to end our park date, literally! Dylan’s face always lights up whenever he sees the Kinder Joy eggs and they’re a nice little 2-in-1 as each egg opens up to 2 separately sealed halves — one with a delicious treat and the other with a fun mystery toy. The treat is made of high-quality milk chocolate covered wafer bites nestled into delicious creamy layers. A spoon is even included in the packaging so it makes for the perfect grab-and-go surprise!
Planning mommy and me dates with the kids is always memorable and special, and it doesn’t always need to be elaborate or a full date. Even taking a few minutes to spontaneously surprise your kids can create a special moment just between the two of you. I know Dylan loves Kinder Joy eggs, so it’s a moment we can share together that lets him know I’m thinking about him and that he has my full attention as he just lights up with the treat plus toy combo!
And in case you’re looking for a few date ideas for you and your little ones, here are a few of our favorites:
Mommy and Me Dates Ideas:
- Go to the zoo.
- Check out the dollar store and find something silly..
- Go for a hike.
- Take them out for breakfast.
- Ride bikes around the neighborhood.
- Browse at the local pet store.
- Have a picnic.
- Check out a children’s museum.
- Make a craft together.
- Check out some new books from the library.
- Make cupcakes or a cake together in the kitchen.
- Visit the farmer’s market.
- Go swimming.
- Fly a kite.
- Play with sidewalk chalk.
- Work on a LEGO set together.
Remember that a date with your little ones doesn’t have to be a huge chunk of time. Sometimes even just a 20-minute trip out to get frozen yogurt where it’s just the 2 of you can make a big difference! Nothing beats the quality time you get to spend with your kids when you date them. As a parent, nothing is truer than the saying “the days are long, but the years are short.” Create some amazing memories and special moment with your little ones!
Dress: Express Cut-Out Maxi (XXSP) – (similar, similar)
worn with these breast pads + nipple covers
Shoes: Liz Claiborne ‘Helena’ – under $25!
Earrings: Baublebar Tassel Earrings
Bag: Bali Harvest Rattan – petite length for petites!
Hat: Nordstrom Straw Boater Hat (similar – under $20!)
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What a sweet idea. Setting time aside just for them is seriously so important!
xo, Cara
https://neverskipbrunch.com
That’s such a great idea to have date time with your kids and the list of ideas what to do sounds like fun! This maxi dress looks super cute on you❤️
Omg this is so precious babe!
https://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2018/06/19/Koalas-Flippable-Memory-Foam-Pillow-Review
I’m sure your kids will really remember these times with you!
These are such great ideas (that are affordable) to hang out with your kiddos!
What a sweet time to share with your kids! I love this 🙂
-xo, Azanique | http://www.lotsofsass.com
I love this idea, it’s such a sweet thing to do with your children! I remember doing that growing up too!
Such a fun day and so many great tips! Love your dress.
Rachel
http://Www.hello-her.com
Great tips! Couldn’t agree more. Love your jumper and these pictures.
This is the cutest idea! Love this post and your outfit!
These are all great tips and I completely agree. It’s fun to spend one on one time and be able to make memories!
What a cute idea! Also your dress is gorgeous! Love the colour on you.
Jennifer Ashley // http://www.prettylittledetails.com
Aww this post is cute. It reminds me of how my mom would set aside time for me and my brother every week! Those times are so precious to me now that I’m grown!
What a great idea! So sweet and so important! Y’all are adorable!!
Brittany,
http://www.lawyerlookbook.com
This is such a cute idea and definitely one I want to do with my son when he gets a little older!! Right now, I take him on lunch dates!
xo, Laura
Love that maxi girl! Yea dates with the kiddos are the best ….love when i get to spend one on one time with each one!
Such great tips! Growing up my parents and I always had little 1-on-1 dates!
That dress is really pretty. And I agree, dating our kids is very important. We learn so much from one-on-one time with them.
Xx, Nailil
http://thirtyminusone.com/
this is so so cute!! my husband always takes our little girls out on dates, I definitely need to be better and do the same! I bet my oldest girl would love kinder joy, how cute!
Aww what a cute post! I think it’s a great idea to “date” your kids. My kid is only a month old right now so what I need is a date with my husband haha!!
This is such a cute post! You all look so happy. Enjoy xo
Aw this is so sweet and such a great idea! I’m not a mom yet but I can only imagine how important it is to get in quality time with them while they’re young!
xx Mollie
I couldn’t agree more! Definitely important to do this and make it special!
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
Aww this is so sweet! Making it memorable is def so important. Loved reading all of this!
This is such a sweet post! Love these shots of you two!!
xo, Steph | UrbanBlonde.com
Going on dates with kids is so much fun! The last time we went on a date, my daughter and I went to see Disney on Ice; and then my son and I went to the zoo!
That’s adorable!! I used to have dates with my mom when I was a kid all the time, it was my best memories!
Thanks for the tips! I’m pregnant with my first child 💗
I love these ideas!!! And I can’t wait to have “dates” with my kid. I’m pregnant with my first child!! 🙂
I don’t have kids but I could see this being so beneficial for them! Great post!
Megan | http://www.pipmegan.com
Ahh I love how much you value time with your kiddos. It’s so important to be investing in their lives and your relationship with them while they’re young!
omg this is so cute and what a wonderful idea! i don’t have kids of my own but i take my two dogs out on picnic dates sometimes and we always have so much fun 🙂 family time is always importnat!
These are such great tips and such cute photos too! I love having date night with each of my girls 🙂
This truly is a heartwarming post as I could feel how much you love your kids when reading it. Having a “kids date” planned weeks in advance is a great idea to actually take the time to hang out with them for real, involving them in the planning and ending up doing something everyone enjoys. I also remember eating the Kinder eggs when I was a kid and it was a true treat, both the chocolate, but also the surprise inside! 🙂
Thomas xx
Dates kids are really important! I love reading your post and ideas! Plus your pictures are really beautiful
Growing up I could remember loving having little dates with my mom or dad! Your totally right that its so important and really only continues to create great memories and personal connections 🙂
Birdie Shoots
Family is everything! The little things are what matter the most. That’s why having quality time with our families should always be a priority. Lovely pictures btw!!
This is so adorable! I wish more parents were like you!
Of course family is everything. Very nice post, thanks!
I think taking kids out on dates is just so sweet. We don’t do it near as much as I would like. Thanks for sharing ideas for things to do.
And thanks for stopping by and sharing on Littles Learning Link Up over at Tots and Me. So glad you could join in.
This is amazing! Honestly, I remember my mom making the special time just for two of us and how much it meant to me. So now when I have a little one of my own I just want to do the same. I’ve got another thing to add on your list. We both love riding bikes and we wanted to make a difference and still be riding something together. So for his birthday I’ve got us matching cruiser skateboards and we’re learning a new skill together. It’s good for his development, it’s good for my figure and we have such a great bonding time which is really priceless 🙂
omg that sounds so fun! my son and i go bike riding together too but definitely need to look into cruiser skateboards!
kileen