This paper explores heritage language practices imbedded in routine family activities in a context of Russian-Swedish mother-child interaction, designed as a task- and language-oriented activity. Linguistic traits are consistently trained. Pragmatic resources are used to support child's learning and retain intimacy. Family language policy depends on the position of the child as a speaker and learner toward the parent. A language workout format enables educational, affective and engaging inquiry of bilingual language use at home.