Making Memories with Mom as a College Student

College is an exciting time, but it’s also when you realize how much you miss those home-cooked meals, folded laundry, and Mom’s advice on… well, everything. Even if you’re now an independent adult (sort of), staying connected to your mom can keep you grounded. Here are a few fun ideas:

1. Plan a Mom Day: Next time you’re home, dedicate an entire day to your mom. Have a movie marathon with her favorite flicks, raid the kitchen to recreate an old family recipe, or revisit a childhood hangout spot—the local park, ice cream shop, or even the dollar store.

2. Selfies for the Win: Snapchat, Instagram, or just good ol’ texting can be your BFFs here. Snap pics of what you’re up to: your “study snacks” (a.k.a. chips and salsa at 2 a.m.), your library setup, or even a failed attempt at cooking mac and cheese in the dorm. Moms love seeing what you’re up to—even the messy stuff.

3. Share the Feels: Moms appreciate more than the highlight reel. When college gets overwhelming, don’t be afraid to call and vent. A quick FaceTime with Mom’s comforting voice can remind you you’re never alone, even during finals week.

4. DIY Care Packages: Surprise her! Send a care package filled with random goodies—handwritten notes, quirky socks, her favorite candy, or a drawing from the kid down the hall who’s clearly majoring in doodling. Bonus points for including something heartfelt, like a letter that says, “Thanks for teaching me to laugh at myself.”

When Mom’s Far Away: Love Across the Miles

For those with moms in different states (or countries), staying connected can take a bit more effort, but it’s totally worth it. Moms are pros at loving from afar, but you can meet them halfway with these ideas:

1. Schedule Weekly Calls: Make it a thing. Maybe every Sunday morning over coffee, you both hop on a call. She can tell you about her book club drama, and you can tell her about that weird smell in your dorm. It’s the little things that keep the bond strong.

2. Digital Cooking Dates: Thanks to video chats, you can still cook “together.” Pick a recipe—maybe one she’s been making forever—and video call her while you attempt it. (Pro tip: Be prepared for her to giggle at your knife skills.)

3. Share Playlists: Music connects hearts. Create a playlist of songs that remind you of her, or swap playlists so you can both groove to each other’s jams.

4. Mom’s Recipe Scrapbook: If she’s far away, ask her to email or text you recipes from your childhood. Nothing beats the taste of home—even if you’re eating it 3,000 miles away.

5. Be Her Biggest Fan: Moms love when you show interest in their lives. If she’s got a garden, ask for a photo of her prize-winning tomatoes. If she’s into yoga, ask her to send a funny selfie in her best downward dog. Let her know you’re her cheerleader.

Bonding in the Kitchen: Magic with Mini Chefs

If you’re lucky enough to have kids of your own, the kitchen is your playground. Cooking and baking with children isn’t just about making food; it’s about making memories. Plus, who doesn’t love licking the spoon? Here’s how to make those moments count:

1. Let Them Get Messy: Embrace the chaos. Flour-covered hands? Chocolate smears on cheeks? That’s the good stuff! Snap pictures and soak it in.

2. Share the Family Stories: While you bake Grandma’s famous cookies, tell them stories about her. It makes the recipe—and the moment—extra special.

3. Play “Chef”: Give them fancy titles like “Sous Chef Sprinkle Master” or “Director of Dough.” Bonus: They’ll take their “job” very seriously and feel proud of their contributions.

4. Sneak in Lessons: Cooking together is full of teachable moments. Math? Measuring cups have you covered. Science? Yeast is magic. Patience? Well… they’ll get there.

5. Celebrate Their Creations: Even if the cookies come out shaped more like blobs than bunnies, celebrate! Clap, cheer, and taste test like they just won “MasterChef Junior.”

6. Try New Things: Use cooking time to introduce new foods. “Let’s bake purple sweet potato muffins” sounds way more fun than “Eat your veggies.”

7. Make it a Ritual: Create a special “Cooking with Mom” day. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or Saturday cookie baking, routines become cherished traditions.

In the End, It’s All About Connection

Whether it’s a phone call, a care package, or a messy Sunday in the kitchen, the memories you create with your mom (or your kids) are the glue that holds families together. So, let’s celebrate the sprinkle-givers, the advice-gurus, and the queens of comforting hugs. Life is sweeter—and definitely funnier—because of them.

Now, go call your mom. Or bake cookies with your kids. Or do both. And don’t forget to take pictures of the chaos—you’ll laugh about it later.