OS Mother and daughter bonding - ideas please!

snowleopard61

Has anyone any ideas for ways to spend time but not money, or not much money, with an 18-year-old daughter with a couple of weeks home from university? I was hoping to take a few days off work to see more of her.

I have absolutely no trouble occupying myself free of charge or very cheaply – my default occupation is reading, and failing that am happy going for walks or to museums or galleries or interesting (UK) towns and cities (if I can get there cheaply). Unfortunately reading isn’t very sociable - and said teenager doesn’t enjoy it so can’t even discuss books, and she doesn’t find architecture or art interesting either. She’s happy to walk for practical purposes but doesn’t enjoy it recreationally. We love dogs but aren't in a position to have one, and we can't really walk our cats :rotfl:. (Our local animal rescue is an impractically long way away and I don't drive.)

The only thing I can ever think of is to do a bit of cooking/baking - which is of limited interest to her and I have to admit that, while I enjoy the activity itself, I really have to steel myself to do it with someone else! Other than that it’s watching DVDs.

This has always been a problem, but as I have less money now than ever (because I now have no child-related benefits to supplement a lowish income, but am still maintaining a small family home, and trying to help the student daughter out when I can) I can’t resort to taking her shopping even in the limited way I used to.

Would love suggestions!

FairyPrincessk

Not free, but still not as much as shopping or a meal out--what about a coffee and sharing a pastry or something?
Or, does she have a room that needs clearing out or photos that need to be organized? A morning of going through scrapbook stuff with mugs of tea could be nice--or similarly organizing old photos into an album--would only cost the album and the time. Maybe not quite as OS, but what about an Orange night out--2 for 1 at Pizza xpress or, less talkative a cinema visit? Does she craft or sew? Could you make something together? A dress for an upcoming event--party, wedding whatever? Or what about a card game after any younger siblings are asleep--maybe with a cheap bottle of wine if you can afford it or hot chocolates?

I'm a little older but still a student. I don't see my mum often as we live in different countries and while it is nice to go shopping, alot of times we do our best bonding just sort of being at home doing things together. I hope this helps:)

snowleopard61

FairyPrincessk wrote: »

does she have a room that needs clearing?

Ooooohhh yes!:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Thank you for that (particularly the reassuring bit at the end!). I don't sew, myself, unfortunately - I so wish I did and really need to invest in a sewing machine - but I did suggest to her we could do some card-making.

We could run to a hot chocolate and pastry out, which gives purpose and shape to an outing - good suggestion, thanks.

ninnoodle

Would you shop in charity shops? I love visiting my mum and doing the charity shop round and then going for a tea after.
Or, baking together? It's nice to be in the kitchen together baking something nice.

snowleopard61

FairyPrincessk wrote: »

photos that need to be organized? A morning of going through scrapbook stuff with mugs of tea could be nice--or similarly organizing old photos into an album--would only cost the album and the time.

Could try this too

snowleopard61

ninnoodle wrote: »

Would you shop in charity shops?

I would; I don't really think she would, though I could encourage her!

We probably will do some baking.:)

snoopy58

How about a 'beauty session' at home. Maincure, pedicure, facials etc but in the comfort of your own home! Do them for each or just for yourselves, but do them together. My daughter (who's 23 has been an undergrad and is now on a post grad course) love doing this. Then have a chocolate and movies session. We love getting the old favourites out; 'Love Actually', 'You've Got Mail' etc. And chat, chat, chat.
Lovely!

snowleopard61

Sounds good - she might do my nails for me too (she's better at it than I am).;)

FairyPrincessk

I like the CS idea. My mum and I do this as well. Perhaps if she isn't quite into looking for clothes she might be happy to look for "retro" things for her accommodation. The card making sounds great too, as does the night in with nail painting. Or perhaps some DIY beauty treatments; when I was an undergrad a couple of flatmates and I had a laugh making "face masks" out of instant porridge and smashed bananas. There may have been honey involved as well. As I recall they did more for the carpet than our complexions, but it was still fun. If you aren't up for the DIY they usually have one use face masks at boots and superdrug that are under £1. I can usually get several uses out of them so one should be plenty for both of you. The chocolate ones always make me want chocolate though, be ware!

elaine12022

Or she may want to sleep a lot :rotfl:

I'm sure whatever you do, it will be lovely to have some time together, enjoy:)

snowleopard61

I remember reading once that you see all these people trying the coconut products in the Body Shop, then nipping next door to the newsagent for a Bounty Bar

I have this problem too, though I think they intend it to have the opposite effect (i.e. make you satisfied with the appetising-smelling beauty products instead of eating the sweeties).