Finding Quality Mother-Daughter Time

I am a firm believer that quantity of time first bonds us to our children, but quality of time makes life memorable. As our children age, it becomes increasingly harder to find a quantity of time to spend with them, so catching quality time becomes essential, especially during the teen years.

I have a fabulously energetic friend who is a wonderful mother. She travels far and wide to watch her sons play tennis or golf, or takes her daughter to New York City for Spring Break. I know what you're thinking, 'yeah, it must be nice to have the money to do that,' but it's not about the money - it's about being committed to a child, whether you are tired or it's an inconvenient personal time or you'd rather be doing something else of your own liking. There are people with enormous wealth and power who are emotionally negligent of their children. No, what I am talking about is not about money.

I have another extremely creative and talented friend, a mother of four, who can make something out of nothing when she has to. She has the talent to make life phenomenally magical for the people around her. The most mundane tasks become Kodac moments under her tutelage. And, although she has great resources at her disposal, she has the ability to bond with her children without spending a dime.

Here are some ideas for a mother - daughter outing (or father - daughter, if you can take it, dads - we will do father - daughter later, as well as mother/father-son) that are free or inexpensive. One caveat: this is not the time to bring up tough issues. Your teen may also be in "one of those moods" and try to create drama. Don't get involved. Remember, you are older and wiser and can just let it go and try again another time. With that said, let's go!

Things to do in Muskogee...

1. Go get a Heath Mocha Freeze at The Daily Grind in Arrowhead Mall (their cute barista is pictured above), then go window shopping at Dillard's, Viva's, The Buckle, American Eagle, Bath and Body Works, Walden Books, or wherever. For the total cost of around $7 you can have some great girl time together (provided your willpower holds out...).

2. Have lunch at one of Muskogee's many tea rooms. Harmony House, Miss Addie's, Addie's Azalea Cafe, I'm a Basket Case, and The Vineyard at Martha's Market are all great places to have some girl talk.

The Vineyard at Martha's Market

3. Play tennis or go for a walk on the Centennial Trail. Absolutely free.

4. Go antiquing. Start a collection or add to an existing one. Pick up more pieces when you are on vacation. Your daughter will remember the day. Muskogee has fun antique malls and flea markets, like Ronnie's Flea Market shown below.

5. Go for a drive and enjoy Muskogee's beautiful architecture. It's free, except for the gas. Muskogee has beautiful houses old and new. Drive by Kendall Historical District, Founders' Place Historical District, Capital Hill (one of the most important historic neighborhoods in Oklahoma) for some spectacular turn-of-the-century architecture, or spin around Country Club for new houses.

The Welch Home, photo courtesy of the Fred Weimer Collection, State Historic Preservation Office.

5. Visit a museum. Five Civilized Tribes, Ataloa Lodge, Three Rivers Museum, or the Grant Foreman Home are all excellent. At the Grant Foreman home, look for the picture of the Foreman's visiting the Colosseum in Rome, circa 1910 - interesting!

So, see, there are many fun things to do right at home that don't cost much, but will pay many dividends for you and your daughter in the future. Next look for mother-daughter excursions in Tulsa.