7 Things Every Mother-Daughter Duo Should Do in 2019

Whether it’s holiday dinner prep or just a random Saturday afternoon activity, pass on family traditions by cooking a time-honored recipe together. This is also a good time to make sure a version is actually written down!

Leave Grandma at home for this one, and take a drive or walk around where you grew up to show your daughter all your old haunts. Ex-boyfriend’s houses, the bar where you bought your first drink, your childhood church—they’re all worth revisiting and will likely conjure up some memories you wouldn’t otherwise be able to recall.

Go indulge in some pampering together if you never have. See who is more adventurous when it comes to unique treatments—because there’s nothing better than having one less stressed-out person than having two.

We hate to bring it up, but no one’s memory improves with age. It’s never too early to look through old albums and point out who each person is and tell her about the famous family events that happened before her time. Struggling to remember some details already? Write down any definite facts on the back. And don’t forget to scan those extra special originals for safe keeping (and sharing!).

Going shopping just to look is always fun, but it’s even better when you’re on a mission together. Furnishing a new apartment? Or upgrading her to a more grown-up room? Do the hunting, reimagining, and haggling together for an experience that’ll bring you closer and attach fond memories to those new-to-you pieces you find.

Help organize donations at the food bank, play with the puppies at the animal shelter, or help out at the library—wherever you donate your time, having that experience together will instill a behavior of giving back, no matter her age.

Family movie night often means compromising what you’re really interested in watching to find something everyone agrees on. If it’s just the two of you one night (or day), start early and plan a double-feature. Each of you pick what you really want to see (age permitting) and watch them one after the other. You’ll learn more about what makes each of you laugh and cry, and you both might learn you like something new.