I like eliciting family stories—but there’s a big caveat.

It can be fun and fascinating if everyone takes their turn to talk and doesn’t argue over what really happened or who was unfair to whom.

I plan to go to my next family visit with a set of prompts and record family memories one on one.

With my dad— hiking, talking, sharing photos.
With my mom— errands, shopping, going out to lunch, helping with projects around the house, talking.

With in-laws— making and eating meals together, gardening, board games, watching shows/movies, baking or crafts.

(Sometimes these activities include kids; sometimes not— depends on the activity).

My mom and I spend a fair bit of time talking. Politics, books, weather, updates on people/family, etc. We seem to find no shortage of topics! She's not as mobile as she used to be, but we used to go on walks a lot. Sometimes we watch tv together or we just hang out in the same room doing our own thing (reading, she knits or does crosswords, I play on my phone).

Sometimes we'll play a board game or do a puzzle together.

pp again. OP, DH and I like to feel that our adult children just enjoy our company, hanging out. Nothing special needs to happen and none of us have to be "on". It's nice to feel comfortable with each other. DH & I try not to force conversation

OP. Yes I am the adult daughter (and one day will be the elderly mother). My parents are in their late 60s.

Op, I am 65 with a 35 yr old DD. She lives a day's travel away. I like to get a sense of her everyday life. If we're on a walk and see neighbors, being introduced. Going with her to do whatever errands need doing - seeing where she goes to the grocery store, how she spends her days. Sounds dull but it isn't. DH feels the same. With my adult son, we play pickle ball, well, sit on the couch and watch sports, boardgames, help with meals