Toddlers are a whole different breed of child. One minute they’re being sweet and sharing their cookies, the next they are coloring on the walls or tormenting their sibling.
I see you mama. There are days I feel like all I do is correct my toddler and pull my hair out. It can be exhausting. This is why finding special moments to bond with them is so important. Those babies need your attention and connection to feel safe and loved.
There are tons of ways to have bonding moments with your toddler. One of my personal favorites is to have a “coffee” date. This can be done at home or out and about. I personally enjoy having ours at home because my daughter and I make our drinks together. But if you have the opportunity to hit up your local coffee shop or Starbucks, it can be just as meaningful of an experience.
How to Set Up Your Coffee Date
If you choose to have your coffee date at home, you can make your date as elaborate or as simple as you would like. You can involve your toddler and have them set up the table and make decorations. Or, you can just make the coffee and hot chocolate and sit at the kitchen table.
We had our coffee date using my favorite local coffee shop’s coffee, Exit 11 Columbian Roast, and Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate. Obviously, you can choose to use whatever brand or form of drink that suits your family.
Grab two of your favorite glasses. The last time we went to Walmart, they had these adorable little ghost mugs on sale and my daughter wanted one. This was the perfect edition to our coffee date. I also let my daughter choose my coffee cup. (I am a huge mug addict, so this was a fun experience for her.)
You can also add in some treats or breakfast food. We made biscuits prior to getting our coffee together. My favorite recipe is actually a plant-based one from America’s Test Kitchen!
Make your drinks and get chatting! Use this as a time to talk with your child about their favorite things or how they feel about certain topics/events. This is a great opportunity to grow the relationship between the two of you.
Learning Experience
If you know me, you know how much I love turning every day life into a learning experience for my kiddos. This is a great opportunity to teach your child life skills.
If you choose to make food, have your child help you! Talk about:
- Ingredients- What are you using and how they provide nutrients to your body.
- Measurements- How much do you need? How do you measure the ingredients? What happens if you don’t measure your ingredients?
- Safety- Knife safety, oven/stove safety, how to use the utensils, etc.
- Cooking Skills- This one may be obvious, but you’re teaching your child the process of making a meal (or treat.)
If you want to go all out with decorations and setting the table, use this as an opportunity to teach them:
- Art- You can incorporate art techniques while you create decorations
- Manners- This is a great time to talk table manners! Which utensils are used for what, what is the appropriate way to sit and excuse yourself, etc.
- Cleaning- Cleaning up afterwards. Teach your child how to load the dishwasher, wipe down the table, or wash the cooking utensils.
- Money- Have them count the cash or use your credit card to purchase the drinks. If you’re tipping, you can discuss what that is and why you’re doing it.
- Manners- Similar to at home dining, but what is the difference between the two? How should you act in public? Do you need to clean up yourself or does a waiter/waitress clean up for you?