Create a family scrapbook, family photo album, or work on constructing an extended family tree together. Present your research and stories to other family members. These conversations will help foster a sense of closeness and shared experience.

Communicate not as mother and daughter, but as mutual friends who enjoy common interests and activities. Discuss problems, issues, and questions thoughtfully and calmly, the way two friends would. Maintain a sense of humor and affection. Rely on your decades-long relationship to reminisce and joke with each other about funny memories or situations.

Nurture your daughter’s development even as an adult through encouragement and reassurance. Research has shown that a mother’s continued support can foster important psychological development for an adult daughter developing an independent sense of self and identity. [2] X Research source

According to the U. S. Department of Labor, women comprised 47% of the total labor force in 2010. But in generations past, women were more likely to stay home after marriage in order to raise children. In 1960, only nineteen percent of married women with preschool age children worked outside the home. Many older mothers are concerned that their daughters who work and also have families are over-extended and stressed. These opinions over work and lifestyle differences can strain the bond between parent and child. [5] X Research source

For example, mothers may still perceive their adult daughters as lazy, lacking respect, or irresponsible, even though these traits are more associated with the earlier teenage years. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source

Pursue fun activities together. Exercising, shopping, trying new restaurants, seeing movies, making crafts, getting spa treatments, or even something as simple as getting coffee together can help mothers and daughters find fun connections.

Phone and video calls, as well as texting and using social media apps to connect daily or weekly can help ease the burden of distance. Schedule a weekly or even a daily chat date at a mutually agreeable time.

Family vacations have proven mental and physical health benefits, including decreased depression and an improvement in heart health. [7] X Research source Taking vacations with family members, including mother-daughter trips, help create fun memories, improve resilience to changing circumstances, and allow families to be with each other without the stresses of home.

Allow relationship change to happen naturally. Know that it is normal to experience transitions in the mother-daughter relationship. Changes like marriage, moves, and the arrival of grandchildren can cause both moms and daughters to reexamine how they interact with each other. Avoid offering unsolicited opinions. A mom’s advice, while well-meaning, can feel like negative judgement. [9] X Research source

Respect your daughter’s need for independence. For example, mothers who constantly call, text, or show up uninvited can make adult daughters’ feel smothered and resentful.

Avoid inserting yourself or taking sides during arguments between your daughter and her significant other. Refrain from criticizing your daughter’s partner – this can become a source of unhappiness and trouble in their own relationship. [10] X Research source Respect the couple’s privacy. Understand that your daughter’s relationship with her partner is separate and distinct from your relationship with her.

Avoid telling other family members or outsiders about a daughter’s life problems or issues. [11] X Research source