11 Tips on How to Host the BEST Mother-Daughter Group
Have you ever thought about hosting a mother-daughter group?
God’s Girls Club for Mom and Little Girls (ages 5-8)
Perhaps you’ve joined one before and hated it, dragging your feet there each week for God knows what, exactly? Or, maybe you liked the last “Mom and Me” class you joined, but have some ideas of your own. Regardless of which camp you’re in and the winding path you took to get to this point, you can do this!
For years, I’ve led mother-daughter Bible clubs for little girls (ages 5-8) and tweens (ages 9-12). My God’s Girls Club for Little Girls curriculum is available now, and I’ve got a few tips to help you get started. Quit second-guessing yourself and try to forget that I’m about to use this eye-rolling cliche, but…you are enough.
I already know what you’re thinking. You’re too busy to host a mother-daughter group. Deep down, we both know that’s not true. It’s a matter of priorities. Don’t get me wrong. As a mother of three girls, I’m just as busy as anyone, and so are you. I understand that moms like us are eternally tired and stressed, but we are also superpowers, having a mighty impact on the next generation.
It’s no secret that mothers like us are disciple-makers, raising up the next batch of world changers. Without question, we orchestrate and build foundations of morality and faith in our household, empowering our children with life-giving tools to succeed in adulthood. One fun way to do that is by hosting a mother-daughter group, and I’ve got a few best-practice tips.
1. Never underestimate the power of a mother who chooses to lead
Joining a “Mom and Me” community club or life group at your church is a great introduction to learning the ropes, but leading the group is next level. Hosting a mother-daughter club will speak volumes to your daughter as you lead by example, so be confident! She is always watching. If you lack a few leadership skills, invite a friend or two to help you co-host.
Robyn expertly leads God’s Girls Club for Little Girls
2. Don’t be afraid!
No less than three times in the first chapter of Joshua in the Bible, God tells the brand new leader of the Israelites to be strong and courageous and not to be afraid because God is always with him. Ironically, Joshua grew up hearing God speak these words to Moses, yet Joshua still needed God's reassurance (multiple times!) when his time came to lead. The same God-given encouragement applies today, so step out and be brave. Your daughter will never forget your leadership; she may even host her own group someday!
3. Pick a curriculum
Choose the right curriculum! Click here for more info on God’s Girls Club for Little Girls (ages 5-8)
Choosing the right curriculum for a mother-daughter group can be daunting! There are many options available, so please check the reviews. For example, some books concentrate more on the daughter and ignore the mother. Another curriculum requires a lot of reading time outside of class. Still, others lack powerful examples of women in the Bible yet crush the craft.
Over several years, I’ve curated the best content from various books, scripture, events, ministries, family, and friends to create God’s Girls Club for Little Girls (ages 5-8). God’s Girls Club is an 8-week group curriculum specifically designed for daughters (ages 5-8) and their mothers to grow in their relationship with God and each other in a fun, girl-focused way. If this fits your needs, then great! If not, still keep reading! The point is to choose a curriculum that you’ll be excited to lead. If you have tween-ish daughters, God’s Girls Club for Tweens (ages 8-12) is coming soon!
While many mother-daughter groups concentrate on just one or two topics (a Bible story and craft, for example), I combined more girl-focused elements to make each meeting more meaningful.
Each class typically includes:
- A discussion highlighting a godly woman from scripture and her corresponding virtue
- Mother/daughter prayer time
- A memory verse
- Craft time
- Table manners/etiquette/snack
- Body image/fashion discussions
Whatever curriculum you choose, keep it simple. Don’t overcomplicate the lessons. God’s Girls Club for Little Girls is designed to repeat the same five segments each week so moms and daughters become familiar and comfortable with how the club operates.
4. Decide on details before recruiting
After you’ve picked the curriculum, try to finalize as many details as possible before you invite others to join. To simplify your life, make decisions based on your availability and needs, not anyone else’s. For example, the group's location and time should be most convenient for you. Here are a few other key factors to consider:
-Location: Will you host the group at home or another spot? Think about space availability and flexibility with setting up tables and chairs. Does the space have technology available to show lessons on a screen? I’ve hosted groups both at home and at my church. Both have positives and negatives. My house has a cozy atmosphere, but a church classroom holds more people.
-Group Size: Your group size might depend on your location. I’ve hosted both small groups at home and large groups at church. My God’s Girls Club for Little Girls curriculum is designed for a large group, but it’s easily customizable.
-Timeframe: What day and time will your class be? For how many weeks?
-Other Leaders: Will you have anyone else co-hosting with you?
-Club fee: Will you charge a fee to cover books, snacks, crafts, etc.?
-Recruiting: Do you have access to a Life Group database at your church? Does your community center advertise? What about your local library? Will you text friends? Or post on social media? If interested, I have included recruitment templates in the God’s Girls Club for Little Girls curriculum.
5. Personalize your group
Snack Time at God’s Girls Club for Little Girls
When you purchase a “Mom and Me” book or curriculum, one size does not fit all. Be sure to review everything provided, but then make it your own! Know your audience. If you have a group of little girls, their attention span is very, very limited, so you’ll need to keep them busy moving around to different stations. If you are hosting teens, the girls prefer to work on quality crafts and won’t open up until they feel completely comfortable in a safe environment. Moms seem most comfortable when they have a hot coffee in their hands and peaceful music playing in the background.
Consider the time of year as well. For example, your group might have a meeting on Valentine’s Day. If so, talk about Jesus’ ultimate love and pass out roses! Or, perhaps you have a much more creative craft idea for a particular lesson than what was originally planned. If so, go for it! Don’t be afraid to customize the lessons to best fit your group's needs. In God’s Girls Club for Little Girls, the snacks are pre-determined based on the table manners we are learning. Some girls may have allergies, so changing the snack foods is absolutely ok!
Note: I often use the words “group,” “class,” and “club” interchangeably. However, I recommend naming your group a “club” so everyone feels like they are a part of something extra special. In addition, many of the “mothers” who signed up for my groups have been adoptive moms, stepmoms, grandmothers, and more. Be open to investing in all kinds of mother/daughter relationships, even if it means a mother/daughter duo can only attend every other week due to custody reasons.
6. Ambiance matters
Ambiance creates a warm, inviting space for God’s Girls Club
Think about your club location and how moms and daughters will feel when they arrive. Is the space large, cold, and uninviting? If so, turn off the lights and hang warm white lights around the room or plug in a few lamps. Perhaps place a few LED flickering candles at the door entrance. Pops of color and fake flowers also go a long way to create a friendly, soft mood. Whatever you decide, keep the decorations in a bin and reuse them each week so you don’t have to gather them over and over for every class. Music is another way to set the tone. Play inspiring songs as moms and daughters arrive. Be hospitable, and don’t forget to greet everyone with a genuine smile as they walk in. Feeling welcome is the first step to building a fantastic group!
7. Add an element of surprise
Keep your group lessons simple and consistent but not boring. Do add in an element of surprise every once in a while! For example, if you’re teaching a lesson about Eve, pull out an apple and take a giant bite! In God’s Girls Club for Little Girls, moms surprise their daughters on the last evening by crowning them with unique, “real” crowns, signifying they are Daughters of the King. This part is a very special delight! In years past, I’ve also invited authors of the books I’ve used to send video messages praying over the girls, and one author friend, Glenys Nellist, even joined us in person! Whatever you choose, think about how a special surprise will encourage your moms and daughters in an unforgettable way!
God’s Girls Club Special Crowns
8. Watch your time management
Once you pick the curriculum and finalize details, it’s time to prepare for the weekly lessons. It’s so easy to get consumed with elaborate ideas and plans, but don’t let the Pinterest-y side of you get out of hand. You don’t need to decorate every inch of your space or have every bedazzled jewel available for the crafts. Commit to a set time for planning each week and stick to it. That way, you’ll stay on track and eliminate added stress.
If you have other co-hosts to help lead your club, I recommend splitting duties to reduce weekly preparation time. For example, you can teach the Bible segment and fashion rules while the other leader can prepare snacks and crafts. One time, my co-host pre-purchased all of the crafts and paper products for snacks before the first meeting. Now that’s planning!
Mom & Me Night Out Painting Together
9. Plan a Night Out
Get to know your group a little better by planning a Night Out! If a TrueGirl Tour event is anywhere near you, please go! It’s an incredible time for moms and little girls developed by Dannah Gresh! I’ve gone multiple times with my girls! I’ve also scheduled Mommy & Me painting sessions and photo sessions. The sky (and your budget) is the limit! Enjoy a fun time together with everyone outside of the scheduled class time.
10. Pray for the mothers and daughters in your group
If you have forgotten everything I’ve mentioned so far (or scrolled down to this part), the most important thing you can do for the best, most impactful mother-daughter group is to pray for everyone who comes. Before you send out a recruit message, pray for the moms and daughters who will be coming. Pray for their schedules to open up so that they want to come. Pray for a strong bond to grow between mothers and daughters. And pray that the moms and daughters continue to flourish beyond the group.
11. Be prepared for the hugs
Me & My Girl during a fun photo outing during God’s Girls Club for Tweens
(photo cred: Picking Photography)
Investing your time and effort into a mother-daughter group reaps rewards far into the future. Years later, I still have girls and moms who remember God’s Girls for Little Girls and thank me for hosting the club. My teen girls still have the special crowns from when they were little, and I went on to create God’s Girls Club for Tweens as well (coming soon)! Because I carved out time to say “YES!” to hosting a mother-daughter club, the impact on these precious lives (and mine) brings me joy. When you decide to say “yes,” be prepared for the rewards, paid in hugs and coloring pages.
Thank you for considering hosting a mother-daughter group! We need more leaders like you to be brave enough to step up and impact this next generation.
Let me know how your class goes by snapping a photo or two and tagging me on…
Instagram @HolliJohnsonKarrer-author
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