Many teens dread the thought of “bonding” with parents, envisioning humdrum fishing trips or kitschy knitting claseses. However, the importance of relationships between mothers and daughters is emphasized at a conference called The Revolve Tour. My mom and I attended the event in Sacramento, Oct 24-25.

When we arrived at the conference, I was surprised as the lectures held my interest and the music kept me awake. I enjoyed the conference enough to suggest it to others, and to want to attend next year.

The Revolve Tour provided plenty of information to keep me engaged. Christian speakers like Chad Eastham and Jenna Lucado, daughter of author Max Lucado, spoke on teen issues that are common among us. In between the speakers, singers like Natalie Grant, Group 1 Crew and Hawk Nelson sang and energized the crowd of mothers and daughters.

While my mom and I grew closer through an organized event, bonding can occur through a simple shopping trip or dinner party.

?My mom and I enjoy going to the beach and shopping,? Kendall Wheeler, ’12, said. ?In the car drive there, we play random car games to entertain ourselves.?

Adverse circumstances can provide opportunities for moms and daughters to spend time together.

?When it?s either very cold outside, or pretty hot, my mom and I stay inside watching chick flicks,? Elise Porter, ’11, said. ?We always eat a random combination of popcorn and orange juice.”

Traditions and hobbies in common can provide a place to start these types of open relationships. While they can seem unimportant, the familial bond mean a relationship with mom often lasts and becomes stronger over the years.

?My mom and I both enjoy going on bike rides, and shopping for just about anything,? math teacher Jane Gillespie said. ?The relationship between us is more of a friendship now.”