Why Mom–Son Dates Are My Favorite Tradition (and Why You’ll Love Them Too!)

Ranjani
3 days ago
2 min read

I’ll be honest—before I became a mom, I thought “special time” with kids was just about being there. You know—meals, bedtime stories, the school run. But somewhere along the way, I realised… my son and I were spending a lot of time together but not much quality time. He’d tell me about his magentic tiles tower while I was cooking. I’d ask about his day while folding laundry. And then one day, during a simple ice-cream outing, I saw it—his eyes lit up in a way I hadn’t seen in a while. He wasn’t competing with chores, phone calls, or dishes. He had me. That’s when our mom–son date tradition was born. And now? We do it often—and science says you should too.

The Science of Parent–Child Bonding

Research in developmental psychology consistently shows that one-on-one time between a parent and child strengthens emotional security and builds resilience.

A 2021 study in the Journal of Family Psychology found that children who experienced regular “special time” with a parent showed higher self-esteem and better emotional regulation.
Neuroscientists have found that shared positive experiences release oxytocin (the “bonding hormone”), making both parent and child feel more connected.
According to Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child, strong parent–child relationships are a key protective factor against stress and anxiety later in life.

What Our Mom–Son Dates Look Like

You don’t need fancy restaurants or expensive gifts. Our dates are simple but intentional:

Ice-cream at our favorite corner shop
Library afternoons
Mini cooking sessions
Evening walks
Lunch in our favorite cafe

Why We Keep Doing It (and Why You Should Too)

1. It Makes Him Feel Seen

When I look at him and say, “This is our time,” I’m telling him he matters enough to stop everything else.

2. It’s a Safe Space for Big Feelings

Some of our most honest talks—about fears, friends, and dreams—happen during these dates.

3. It Creates Core Memories

One day, he’ll be grown, but he’ll remember the pizza, the laughs, the silly moments.

4. It Strengthens Our Friendship

Yes, I’m his mom—but I also want to be the person he wants to talk to.

How to Start Your Own Mom–Child Date Tradition

Pick a regular time (weekly, fortnightly, monthly).
Keep it simple and affordable—what matters is the focus, not the fancy.
Let him choose sometimes—you’ll be surprised at his ideas!
Go tech-free—phones stay away, my phones will be on airplane mode. So no distractions.