Family Fun
8 Great Dates for Moms and Sons

Moms spend a lot of time with their children, it’s the nature of the job.  But well thought out, one-on-one time with our kids is harder to come by. So get out your calendar and make it a priority.  Before you go, plan on using the time you have together to really get to know what your child is feeling and thinking with our Conversation Goal suggestions.

Here are 8 great dates for moms and sons.  And, don’t miss the 8 great dates for moms and daughters.

1. Punt, Pitch, Swing:  The word here is sports.  Most boys love being active.  So make it a date.  Zero in on the sport your son likes best, or try a new one together.  Head to the tennis court, the batting cages or shoot hoops.  Even if you’re not an athlete, you can cheer on your favorite team together, or even visit a sporting event at his future high school.
Conversation Goal: Talk to your son about what it means to be a “real man.” Many boys equate athletic prowess with manliness.  Let him know that real men don’t have to be good at sports, or even like sports.  You can also talk about how real men, gentlemen, treat ladies.

[How to talk to your son about sex.]

2. Chow Down:  What’s your son’s favorite food or meal?  Surprise him with a trip to his favorite place, even if it’s not the healthiest grub in town.  Let him eat with gusto.
Conversation Goal:  Ask your son how he feels about his home life.  Does he like being home?  Does he feel cared for and loved?  You can even ask him about meals he’d like to have more often!  Go deeper by asking him what kind of wife he sees himself having.  Talk about what makes a woman a good choice.

3. Ditch the Chick Flick:  Go to a guy movie.  Sit side-by-side as you take in the guy scene.  Even if these aren’t your cup of tea, just enjoy seeing your son engaged.
Conversation Goal:  Talk about what you’ve seen.  If violence was a key factor in the movie, talk about what that looks like in real life.  Talk about how a real man learns to control his anger and impulses.

[How to teach your son to control his anger]

4. Create: Get his creative juices flowing.  If your boys are young, paint your own pottery places have choices for guys: pirate figures, money banks, sports team items.  Older boys can try building-kits at Home Depot or science experiments—boys love to blow things up!  You can even let your son choose a tree to plant and let him dig the hole.
Conversation Goal:  How is your son doing in school with his more creative subjects like writing and English?  Talk about the importance of being able to express oneself and the keys to good communication.

5. Road Trip: Take a day trip or an overnight trip.  Head to the beach or a nearby tourist attraction.  Let him choose and plan how you’ll spend your time.
Conversation Goal: Road trips are great for tackling heavy subjects.  While your eyes are on the road, he might feel more comfortable opening up about life topics.  Ask him what his challenges are in his life right now.  Ask him how he handles his struggles.

6. Faith Excursion: Experience a different worship setting together.  Attend a church as a visitor.  Present your son with a book or CD about faith.
Conversation Goal:  Use this time to assess where your child is spiritually.  Steer the conversation toward what’s really important in life.

7. Head Outdoors: If you’re up for it, go on an overnight camping trip.  If not, go for a hike or bike ride.  Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy being in nature.
Conversation Goal:  Talk about the wonder of nature.  Share your thoughts on creation and man’s place in God’s world.

8. Educational Excursion:  Even if your son is still in grade school, hit the road and visit a college campus.  Let him see what lies beyond.  If you think your son is too young for that, visit his future middle school or high school.
Conversation Goal:  Ask your son where he sees himself going to college, or what kind of career he wants after high school.  Talk about the freedom and responsibility college brings.

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