How to Plan a Mother-Daughter Spa Night at Home

Fun Bonding Activity for Moms and Daughters of Any Age

May 24, 2009

A mother-daughter "spa" at home gives tween or teen girls the chance to relax and laugh with mom, while elementary schoolers get a thrill from acting like an adult.

The mother-daughter relationship is unique, and finding togetherness activities can sometimes be tough. A spa night at home is an inexpensive mother-daughter bonding activity that both parties will enjoy.

Having fun and letting your hair down together can be a great way to strengthen your relationship. Here are some suggestions for planning a successful mother-daughter spa night.

Create a Relaxing Ambiance

Playing classical or light rock music is the simplest and most important way to set the mood for an afternoon or evening of pampering. If desired, moms and daughters can also light scented candles or scatter flower petals around the room.

Mother-Daughter Manicures and Pedicures

Hardly any spa night would be complete without mani-pedis. Supplies needed for manicures and pedicures include:

How to Give a Manicure

For manicures, clip and file nails. Soak hands for 10 minutes in a bowl of warm water mixed with Epsom salt and scented baby bath for a luxurious feel and scent. Push back cuticles and polish fingernails. Older teens will probably want a base coat and top coat polish in addition to a regular coat of colored polish.

How to Give a Pedicure

For pedicures, soak feet in a wide bucket of warm water plus Epsom and baby bath. A folded hand towel may be placed at the bottom to give feet a comfortable surface. Soak for 10 minutes. Clip and file nails, then push back cuticles. Use the foot file to smooth heels and balls of feet. Finish by polishing toenails.

Mother-Daughter Hand and Foot Massages

After all nail polish has completely dried, (or better yet, before applying polish) thoroughly rub scented, moisturizing lotion into the hands and feet. Massage the heels of each foot, rub the ball of the foot in a circular motion, and roll each toe individually between the thumb and forefinger while working toward the end. Take the hands with the palms facing up, and one at a time rub the surfaces of the palm with your thumb, supporting them in back with your fingers. Make sure to massage each finger.

Homemade Facial Masks

There are a wide variety of recipes out there for different homemade facial treatments. Here is one good face mask for two people using ingredients that are already in the kitchen:

Remove all makeup, then wash face with warm water to open pores. Mix all ingredients and apply to face, leaving on for 10 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water and dry completely.

Makeovers with Makeup and Hair

Depending on the age and interests of the daughter, doing each others' hair and makeup (or possibly just daughter doing mom's makeup and hair) is a great finale to a home spa night.

Refreshments Appropriate for a Spa

There should be refreshments available for snacking during periods when mother and daughter are waiting for nail polish to dry, wearing face masks, or just chatting. Good refreshments for spa night include:

No matter how a mother and daughter choose to structure their spa night, it is bound to bring them closer together as they have fun, laugh at each other in a facial mask, take pictures, and talk. Conversation is easier with a teen or tween daughter while doing something enjoyable together.

The copyright of the article How to Plan a Mother-Daughter Spa Night at Home in Parenting Teens is owned by Jenny Evans. Permission to republish How to Plan a Mother-Daughter Spa Night at Home in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.