Bridging The Generational Gap (Parent – Child Friction)
The difference between the current generation or the young ones today and the past generation supposed to be the parents today have brought about several challenges in creating a home for harmonious living. The friction simply results from the different perspective from which the two parties see, understand and relate to issues and choices of life.
The difference between the current generation or the young ones today and the past generation supposed to be the parents today have brought about several challenges in creating a home for harmonious living. The friction simply results from the different perspective from which the two parties see, understand and relate to issues and choices of life.
The parents and guardians are in a dilemma as to how best to relate their children and wards. The young men and women of this generation seem to have tremendous opportunities as well as serious challenges before them.
However, it is obvious that most of these young ones are finding it difficult to make the right choices that would impact them positively. They need parental guidance but the big question is, will they allow their parents guide them?
While parents feel duty-bound to help their children succeed in making right choices, children find it more of dictatorship as they believe they belong to a completely different generation hence their parents do not know their way round modem challenges the generation is confronted with.
The trend from the child’s perspective makes it necessary for parents to leave their wards to take care of their own destinies unlike in the past generations where parents virtually steered the lives of their children.
The generation then had little to say especially when it comes to choices and preferences that affected them.
There are some realities on the ground that makes parents now rather so skeptical about allowing their children take decisions on their own. One is the perspective from which the generation today sees things.
Most parents believe their wards see things superficially and so they do not give serious thought to certain situations and issues before making decision hence end up in trouble. “Not all that glitter is Gold” some parents say.
The other reason is the amount of influence the generation today allow peer to make in their life and choices. The generation today seems to agree and go with whatever their peers suggest rather than what their parents offer them.
The reason for this is that, they do not want to feel left out or ridiculed by their peers if they do not conform.
From the parents’ point of view, they have nothing against their children neither are they envious of the enormous opportunities the generation today have. Their plea is just invite their children to accommodate their suggestions and advices even if they will alter it a little.
They are optimistic with this; the children will have the necessary tools and weapons to overcome the challenges of the current generation.
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Published in: Family
h20ho | Jun 13, 2012 | Reply
I have some suggestions as to how to foster better ‘relations’.
Never say ‘no’ to your children. It’s easy to say what you mean by ‘no’ without saying no.
Give children options and allow them to make decisions. The generation gap that exists could possibly be our gap and not their gap.
Ensure that your children think critically.
Allowing your children to make their own mistakes might be difficult, but in the long run will equip them for a better life. In addition, sometimes when you ‘allow’ your children to make their own mistakes they might make it a success. In this way, your relationship with your children will be where it is supposed to be, not where you want it, not where they want it, but where it is and hopefully where it is supposed to be for both parties involved.
Jonas N | Jun 13, 2012 | Reply
Thanks for that… I think parents also need to be critical the kind of decisions they allow their children take on their own. They might end up making mistakes that can never be corrected or affect them so so long in their lives
Fleur D | Jun 13, 2012 | Reply
I think we have given too many choices. We should show not tell. Allow freedoms,but show responsibility. Have kids volunteer,garden, grow their food to appreciate what they have, mow the yard, and to discipline I think I will have to look at all situations Triond Writer KittyK has a book on how to deal with teens.