I need some good very inexpensive ideas to do one on one time outside of the house with my almost 9 year old daughter i feel we are growing apart and i don't want the only time we spend together to be shopping I have a almost 5 year old son and we go to movies or mcdonalds playland but she is to old for that and there really aren't any good movies to go see for her age. We also have a new one on the way and i don't want her to feel neglected because she is the oldest please help me.
Twin Cities ParentZone.com has a category that lists free things to do around town (http://twincities.parentzone.com/parentresources.asp?prid...) and a local events calendar.
Go to a art class, or sign up for a yoga or karate class together maybe. I'd select a day each week where just the two of you go out and do something like go to coffee house and order her a hot cocoa, or go get your nails done. Start scrapbooking together. There's alot of things just the two of you could do together that isn't little kiddish and would be perfect for one on one time.
My daughter is 9 and her favorite thing to do is have a day of beauty. We will go and get her hair washed and styled, go buy some new fingernail polish and decals and do each others nails. Color with her, play with her, let her know you are interested in what she does...you don't have to spend money to stay close with your child...when it's nicer out pack a picnic lunch and go to the park, have her read you a book, or read to her!! and make sure you tell her every day you love her!!! if your daughter is anything like mine, puberty is just around the corner and she's a little moody at times...
One of the things my daughter and I do together is once a week I get her up at midnight and we have a midnight snack together. We talk about every thing during our midnight snack. Granted my daughter is only 6 but she sometimes has the attude of a much older girl. Another thing you could do is go out to eat with your daughter. Now you said she is too old for Mcdonalds and it s play land but how about maybe going to perkins with her or Go to Applebees or other restaurants like that.
I love the ideas of getting your nails done and going to get coffee together. Also, you said very inexpensive, what about the idea of volunteering together? That could really be a bonding expereince. Some animal shelters like kids to come in and play with the animals, elder homes are always happy for visitors(you could bake something together first and take it over) or Habitat For Humanity will let kids volunteer if a parent is present. Maybe this isn't as one on one as you had in mind, but it could be something that just the two of you do without your son. Plus it teaches about giving back, and no strain to your budget. Or pick up the coffee first and enjoy it in the car ride. Good luck!
