We know that supporting our daughters is important. We want to be their biggest cheerleaders and to connect with them. We can do little things, like write them encouraging post-its, and we can do bigger things like surprise them with a trip to the ice cream shop. Here are 10 local ideas on how to connect with and support your daughter all year long in Denton County.
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1. Take Her on a Date
Even when your kiddos are in elementary, it’s important to have quality time together — and it doesn’t have to be anything huge. Going out for a meal together can be great. Check out these local brunch spots:
- Chestnut Tree Teahouse :: Denton :: Grab brunch and gourmet coffee on the Square.
- Leo’s Brunch House :: Little Elm :: Find delicious southern cooking and Mickey Mouse pancakes here.
- Seven Mile Café :: Denton, Highland Village :: It serves breakfast all day alongside fabulous-looking specialty drinks.
2. Compliment Her Randomly
We need to be our kids’ greatest cheerleaders! My kids are so hard on themselves, and I know that my voice will be a part of their inner voice, so I want it to be positive and encouraging. I also don’t want to add to the pressure by just complimenting their achievements. Here are three ideas on how to compliment your daughter:
- Catch her doing something kind, and tell her you appreciate it.
- Let her know that she is a valuable part of your family team.
- Tell her you are proud of her efforts
>> RECOMMENDED RESOURCE :: Indoor Activities for Kids in Denton <<
3. Get Messy with Her
Let loose a little and enjoy the process of creating together! From science experiments to playing in the rain, there are a million ways to do this. My favorite way to get messy alongside my daughter is painting. Check out these local studios:
- Flour Power Cooking Studio :: Frisco :: Family classes at this studio will have you and your daughter whipping up something sweet and special.
- Make Expression Art Studio :: Frisco :: This studio has walk-in pottery painting.
- Wildflower Art Studio :: Denton :: Grab a DIY kit, or sign up for a weekly class together.
4. Go to the Movies
It’s fun to have a movie night at home, but it’s a treat to go to the theater. Seeing a movie together gives you something to talk about for days afterwards. Here are three local theaters to check out:
- CUT by Cinemark :: Frisco :: A dine-in theater with an arcade — how can you go wrong?
- Flix Brewhouse :: Little Elm :: Visit on Wednesdays for $5 tickets, and enjoy dinner with the movie.
- Movie Tavern :: Denton :: Order dinner inside the theater.
5. Help Others Together
Doing something nice for someone, or working on a service project can be bonding and give you both a new perspective. Check out these 25 acts of kindness that kids can do with you. Here are three other ideas for ways you can connect with your daughter through service:
- Compliment day :: You both compliment everyone you talk to that day. Talk about the most awkward and best moments of the day.
- Friendship bracelets :: Make friendship bracelets for everyone on her sports team or in her class. Thanks to our Swifty friends, bracelet kits are cheap and everywhere. (But make sure you include everyone, and hand them out at an appropriate time!)
- Visit an animal shelter :: Collect towels and blankets for the local animal shelter, and go visit the animals together! Double check with the shelter to find out other items they may need.
>> RELATED READ :: 5 Ways to Practice Positive Parenting <<
6. Play Games with Her
Playing games with our kids is a fun way to connect, teach life skills, and support them. Board games are a favorite at our house, but it’s especially exciting to go out and play games! Check out these local game spots to take your kids:
- Arcade 92 :: Flower Mound :: This is my FAVORITE parenting find. Pay one price and play all day.
- D20 Tavern :: Denton :: It has a wide selection of board games — try more than 400! — to play on the square.
- National Video Game Museum :: Frisco :: This museum features a classic arcade.
7. Put Down the Phone and Play at the Park
Nothing lights up my younger kids’ faces like playing at the park together, especially when I actually pay attention and play, too. Working out and sweating with your teens is a beneficial way to connect as well. Believe it or not, your teens can still fit on those swings . . . if you can get them to go with you. Putting down the phone is hard, but when I do, this is one of my favorite ways to really connect with and encourage my kids. Check out these local parks:
- Eureka 2 Park :: Denton :: This castle-themed park sparks the imagination.
- Little Elm Park :: Lewisville :: This modern playground is next to the beach area on Lake Lewisville.
- LLELA Nature Preserve :: Lewisville :: With miles of hikes and trails, this preserve is located near Lake Lewisville.
8. Surprise Her with Dessert
Surprise your daughter with a sweet treat. This is a great time to check in, have meaningful conversation, and ask her if there is anything she wants to talk about. Visit one of these local spots with handmade treats and one-of-a-kind flavors.
- Beth Maries Old Fashioned Ice Cream :: Denton :: This vintage ice cream soda shop has delicious, handmade flavors.
- Uptown Creamery :: Sanger :: Choose from ice cream or hot and cold drinks.
- The Yard Milkshake Bar :: The Colony :: Treat her to a showstopping shake that towers outside of its jar.
>> RELATED READ :: Dinnertime Games that Foster Connection <<
9. Surprise Her with a Family Day
Go on a family excursion! This can be as simple as a picnic or as big as a day trip. Check out these family-friendly places in Denton County:
- Andretti Indoor Karting and Games :: The Colony :: Not into go karts? Check out the Ferris wheel!
- Team Family Farm :: Aubrey :: Visit the farm, feed the animals, go on a barrel-train ride, and more.
- The Cove :: Little Elm :: This is an indoor waterpark open year-round with reasonable ticket prices.
10. Make Her Smile
There are certain topics that make my kids’ eyes light up. Even when it seems like listening to one more description of a Minecraft house might actually melt my brain, those couple minutes of undivided attention really fill their tank. Here are a few suggestions on ways to find out what her favorite things are together.
- With younger kids, dance to a silly song they love, and ask them their favorite part.
- With your big kids and tweens, play their favorite video game, or watch a show with them and talk about it.
- With your older kids, exchange TikToks or memes, and talk about them later.
Tell us your favorite ways to support and connect with your daughter.
