No matter how old your daughter gets, she will always cherish the special occasions you spend together. While family traditions are often passed from generation to generation, do not feel bound by them. You raised the latest version of a great girl, so feel free to adjust old family traditions to fit the new circumstances you find yourself in.

Honor your relationship with your daughter and involve her in deciding how to observe family celebrations and the red-letter days on the calendar. Respect that your daughter is now an adult and before you make any plans involving her, find out:

• What time she is available. Be willing to shift the celebration to a time more convenient for her.

• Where she wants to celebrate — at home or in a restaurant, for example — and adjust your plans accordingly.

• How she wants to celebrate — in a small circle, with the extended family, or by her bringing home a new friend.

• Also invite suggestions from the rest of the family and have them contribute their prize culinary creations.

Take as much time and effort as possible to make a big deal out of your daughter's birthday, job anniversaries and promotions, college highlights, and special days. Don't forget to include her pets. The bond you have with your daughter is incredibly strong, but it can still benefit from more golden threads of love woven in.