Integritus Prime

It is an accepted fact that the rate of change in the 21^st century is far greater than a century back. This contributes to the generation gap in families, especially if parents don’t learn about current trends in technology, travel, and careers. Social, economic, and technological changes enhance the generation gap if we do not adapt some of our beliefs, attitudes, practices, values and interests accordingly.

However, if we adopt a beginner’s mindset and keep learning new concepts and ways of doing things, then the generation gap can become smaller and our children may have a better relationship with us.

As progressive parents, we need to have an open mind and learn to discuss new ideas and concepts with our children as they grow up. This helps with changing our beliefs and attitudes, as we also ensure we maintain our continued nurturing and loving relationship with our children.

For those parents who do not have the opportunity to access technology or new ways of doing things, and refuse to be open minded, the generation gap would increase and become a chasm. They may insist on enforcing their beliefs, attitudes and practices on their children. Children will rebel and slowly move away from parents who refuse to listen and support them with new ideas and practices.

To help bridge the generation gap, both parents and children need to:

1. Communicate better, share issues, ideas, problems and possible solutions
2. Respect each other’s views and concepts
3. Spend time together to understand each other better
4. Have patience with each other
5. Act responsibly towards each other and the changing environment
6. Keep up with or at least be aware of current trends
7. Not compare the present with the past
8. Have an open mind
9. Listen to each other and understand each other’s points of view
10. Love each other unconditionally

If both parents and children build and maintain loving, caring and nurturing bonds, then the above tips to removing the generation gap are definitely easier to implement. Many times we find that ego, pride and social norms interfere with these precious and fragile bonds, leading to disharmony and widening of the generation gap.

Share with us your experience of any generation gap with your children and/or elders, so we can learn together.

This blog is written by wellness advisor, Dr. Margaret Cornelius.