When you first have kids, you think the all-nighters, diaper blowouts and carefully planned nap schedules will be the hardest part. Then come the “Terrible Twos”, or in my case the “Three-nager” phase and you’re sure you’ve reached peak chaos. But just when you think you’ve made it, the teenage years arrive and you realize you’ve unlocked a whole new level of parenting. It’s probably my favorite learning experience so far, and I am here for all the advice I can get.
We recently connected with Melissa Fernandez, the founder of Between Us: the Mother Daughter collective, who told us she started this journey because she realized with her own teen daughters that she was navigating life to provide them with resources, whether it was for athletics, academics, and even mental health support, but not really growing with them on this journey, just driving them everywhere.
Melissa says “I felt like time was running out (I currently have a freshman and a senior daughter) and I wanted to create an intentional way to strengthen the bond with them and to grow with them. As I surveyed my girl-mom friends, they all seemed to want that deeper connection with their daughters too. I partnered with two licensed therapists who specialize in teen development, and we spent the last year developing the curriculum for the retreat.”
The Mother–Daughter Retreat is a one-day experience designed to intentionally strengthen the relationship between mothers and their teen daughters during this formative season of their lives. In the years that they need us the most, they start to pull away. This retreat creates space for meaningful connection, guided conversation, reflection, and relationship renewal in a safe environment facilitated by licensed therapists and yoga instructors.
The retreat includes:
- Therapist-led psycho-educational sessions focused on communication and strengthening trust
- An introduction to yoga and meditation
- Sessions for reconnection and facilitated dialogue
- A restorative sound bath experience
- Nourishing meals and fun bonding activities throughout the day
The goal is simple but powerful: to help daughters and mothers to slow down, deepen their understanding, improve communication, and leave feeling more connected.
REMAINING RETREAT DATES:
Location – Manhattan Beach, CA
- Saturday, May 16
- Saturday, June 27
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT
Use code NewportMoms at registration and receive a $75 discount for the retreat.