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Generation Gap Boomer v Millennial !!!

(107 Posts)
Lizzy60 Fri 27-Aug-21 15:32:39

Is it me or is the gap wider with regard to attitudes than its been between previous generations ? At nearly 60, I'm finding everything I believe in is opposite to my '30 something' children !

Keffie12 Fri 17-Sept-21 22:17:02

I'm more laid back sck than I used to be. Mine comes from a difficult childhood and recreating it as an adult. I finally took the then young children and fled in 2000.

I'm a happily remarried widow unfortunately now. I found myself in my 40s

I'm 59+ 1 which j will stop as in 59 + + 2 etc until um8 comfortable with being 59 + 1 and saying 60.

I've got younger in my outlook and well the generation of our children as adults parenting is far more serious time for them.

I'm growing older disgracefully though

Musicgirl Thu 09-Sept-21 13:55:18

I have to say, sorry.

Musicgirl Thu 09-Sept-21 13:53:28

I am right on the cusp of the boomers and generation x. I honestly think that it would be better to rename those of us born between 1945-1970 as the post war generations. - the first PW generation being 1945-1959 and the second PW generation as 1960-1970. I do think those of us born in the sixties have generally had easier lives than the first PW generation. We were born at possibly the most optimistic time in the twentieth century. Rationing was becoming a distant memory as was the war itself, but I think we were still very much shaped by these things. Our parents, who were mostly born during or just before the Second World War, were determined that we should have the things that they were deprived of as children and the order of the day was plenty of fruit such as bananas and oranges, full fat milk and sugar was plentiful. We had plenty of toys and games too plus lots of freedom. We were healthy on the whole and, despite the full fat milk, sugar and real butter, there were very few overweight children as we had plenty of exercise by spending so much time outside. We were all disciplined too, both at home and school. We had opportunities such as free music lessons at school. If this had not been the case I would never have learned to play the violin. We had grants for higher education. Some of our dafter ideas are, thankfully, long forgotten as there was no World Wide Web. I think this is one of the biggest differences. I have a say I very often fail to reconcile the present woke times with the world l grew up in.

Iam64 Wed 08-Sept-21 19:31:03

I dislike the generalisations, the attempts to divide generations.
I was born in 1949. My grandparents supported my parents in wanting my generation to have more, not to work 12 hour shifts in mills. We were bought Clark’s shoes by one gran and coats by another. We felt treasured, loved and we were so lucky, no one humiliated or hurt us.
My parents had in common that in neither of their houses was a strap hung on the back door, ready to punish bad behaviour.] my grandparents and parents discussed politics, social issues with us. Some of their attitudes and belief systems were unacceptable to me. They worried about the decriminalisation of homosexual sex between men over the age of 21. 25 years later, my parents had changed their views, more liberal on that issue. They despised racism.
So - my own children share similar belief systems. Their politics are similar to mine. We talk discuss and don’t always agree.
This situation is very similar amongst my family and friends. Love, respect and acceptance

growstuff Wed 08-Sept-21 18:51:38

Ydoc

Seems to me that this generation were often spoilt and we are suffering the consequences. They are much more concerned with themselves to the exclusion of others. No matter how busy i was there was always time for mum and dad, you made time. They expect much more, they also know everything and your experience is worthless. These are not just my conclusions but ones ive heard repeatedly.

Which generation? I don't recognise this generation.

growstuff Wed 08-Sept-21 18:50:32

Gabrielle56

I've heard it's like you state! These people sounds literally off their rockers!(can I say that nowadays?) Wonder if they really think that knee jerk hysteria is the solution to relationship issues, or even a gentle query? Sounds as if they watch too much trash on whatever they watch. Pity the kids of these idiots.

Pardon?

Pedwards Wed 08-Sept-21 18:39:35

?same!

Ydoc Wed 08-Sept-21 18:34:16

Seems to me that this generation were often spoilt and we are suffering the consequences. They are much more concerned with themselves to the exclusion of others. No matter how busy i was there was always time for mum and dad, you made time. They expect much more, they also know everything and your experience is worthless. These are not just my conclusions but ones ive heard repeatedly.

Gabrielle56 Wed 08-Sept-21 18:08:08

I've heard it's like you state! These people sounds literally off their rockers!(can I say that nowadays?) Wonder if they really think that knee jerk hysteria is the solution to relationship issues, or even a gentle query? Sounds as if they watch too much trash on whatever they watch. Pity the kids of these idiots.

growstuff Wed 08-Sept-21 18:05:32

Gabrielle56

I've suspected for a while that the younger gens have far far too much information! Youngsters from age of about 12 suffer from
info overload I'm sure. There's a lot to be said for "on a need to know basis" and "too much information can be dangerous" sayings that can be adapted from cold war times to now. Thy all appear to feel it's all their problem to solve-and it isn't. It's a bit unfair really that they're bombarded with the nasty things in life far too soon and not allowed to just be-young. I think successive gangs of out of touch politicians have ruined most things for all of us.system needs to change so more practically experienced and socially aware leaders get a look in. I can dream I suppose?

I disagree with you. We often hear the word "democracy" bandied about. A functioning democracy needs people to be informed, so people understand the consequences of their votes. Uninformed people result in populist governments, which can manipulate public opinion to suit minorities.

growstuff Wed 08-Sept-21 18:01:24

songstress60

Sick of millennials and their entitled behaviour and the cancel culture. They are offended at everything so you are afraid to open your mouth. Well I am a very outspoken person who constantly clashes with my 25 year old niece. She is so easily offended it's untrue. The woke generation want to stop the wonderful musical "Grease" being shown on tv stating that it's offensive!! What! They said it's bullying and sexist. It was set in the 1950's you wusses!

Nothing like massive stereotyping, eh? wink

Gabrielle56 Wed 08-Sept-21 17:57:53

I've suspected for a while that the younger gens have far far too much information! Youngsters from age of about 12 suffer from
info overload I'm sure. There's a lot to be said for "on a need to know basis" and "too much information can be dangerous" sayings that can be adapted from cold war times to now. Thy all appear to feel it's all their problem to solve-and it isn't. It's a bit unfair really that they're bombarded with the nasty things in life far too soon and not allowed to just be-young. I think successive gangs of out of touch politicians have ruined most things for all of us.system needs to change so more practically experienced and socially aware leaders get a look in. I can dream I suppose?

katy1950 Wed 08-Sept-21 13:17:30

Totally agree with you katie59

songstress60 Wed 08-Sept-21 13:09:33

Sick of millennials and their entitled behaviour and the cancel culture. They are offended at everything so you are afraid to open your mouth. Well I am a very outspoken person who constantly clashes with my 25 year old niece. She is so easily offended it's untrue. The woke generation want to stop the wonderful musical "Grease" being shown on tv stating that it's offensive!! What! They said it's bullying and sexist. It was set in the 1950's you wusses!

Granmarderby10 Wed 08-Sept-21 12:15:51

Newmom101 about charity shops/second hand and the like yes I have long thought that too. Although I notice Charity Shopping has become very acceptable for people who are “ reasonably comfortably off” I think this is because of the quality of the stuff donated coupled with the fact that most charity shops are managed like regular retail establishments. The seedy image has long gone but nothing costs just pennies any longer so swings and roundabouts. I know people born 1950s and earlier who won’t touch charity shop stuff with a barge pole and shudder at the thought. It’s definitely the old connotations of poverty.

annifrance Wed 08-Sept-21 11:51:44

In general my DCs and I have the same views on the world out there. I think they have had it tougher than we had. Jobs were available for us, further education was free, many of us were able to buy our own properties very early on.

I think the big difference is technology. Yes I can do it to a certain extent, but I am not up to the mark on most things. I have repeatedly told my son I do not have a posh smart phone because we do not have a mobile signal here. I know I can use Whatsapp through wifi when I am in the house to text. But why would I? He said so you can text me, your friends, DH. I call/email friends, DH is usually near me, the only person I would text is him or possibly my daughter. I prefer to FB messenger, call or email, it works for me. He cannot get his head around this!!

Witzend Wed 08-Sept-21 11:17:22

Our dds are a bit older than millennials, but I do have a lot of sympathy for younger people, particularly with regard to the cost of housing - whether to buy or rent. It is so often way more expensive now and eats up a huge chunk of average earnings.

Yes, I know interest rates have been insane in the past, but hat least it was easier to save a deposit. Of course it’s going to depend a lot on where you live, but anywhere around here, even a 2 bed flat - not in an especially ‘desirable’ area, either - can easily cost £500k.

GrammarGrandma Wed 08-Sept-21 10:56:33

My daughters are 39, 41 and 44; I am 76. So I am a Boomer but they are not Millennials. We have much in common politically and they are certainly feminists like me. So I don't feel there is a gap.

DiamondLily Wed 08-Sept-21 09:41:29

I actually find MumsNet (or MumNuts as it’s known lol), to be quite harmful, if some younger women actually follow the advice given on there.

I’m not talking about parental abuse, past or present, and I’m not talking about domestic abuse - they are different.

I’m talking about when someone asks about something usual or trivial, that occurs in most long term relationships. They all ebb and flow over the years, and take work to sustain.

“Husband doesn’t vacuum etc he gets home from work? He’s abusive. Leave him, and take the kids with you. You must have been bought up to see abuse as normal, so seek therapy to see if your parents also need to be excommunicated.”

“MIL has a good, very close relationship with DH/DP? He’s a mummy’s boy, best curtail that, or leave him/go no contact with MIL.”

“Mother or MIL too keen on seeing the GC, keep visiting and then spoil them? They are undermining you, and that’s a form of coercion. Cut contact and seek therapy.”

Male partners and older parents get the blame all the time, regardless. There seems to be a lot of people, giving advice on there, who must be either bitter/angry or just like trying to try and trash other relationships from the safety of a keyboard.

Most (not all) of these issues could be dealt with after a frank discussion and a little compromise.

M0nica Tue 07-Sept-21 21:28:52

The people on MN are a self selected group with a common problem. They are not a representative group of their generation or anything else.

Don't waste your time reading their bizarre view on life. Just look around at your family, of other people you know or work with. People with beloved parents and grand parents and then find something else to do with your time.

Rosycheeks Tue 07-Sept-21 21:11:04

I know Sweetpeasue. It is terrible the way they think every OAP is rich and we dont deserve a pension because we live too long. Such nastyness shurely they all have elderly parents. How has it got so bad. Im not going to feel guilty because I have a state pension and works pension which I have worked and paid for all my working life. Im not rich by any means. I deserve what ive worked for. They are so bitter. This ageism is nearly as bad as racism which is against the law.

Sweetpeasue Tue 07-Sept-21 19:37:35

Thanks Rosycheeks. Just taken a look at Mumsnet.
It seems that OAPs are hated in a way I can honestly say frightens me enormously.
I don't believe I've come across such a huge division of generations, young versus old in my life.
I completely agree with those who believe it would have been so much fairer to increase income tax, preferably on higher earners. This would include pensioners with large private pensions.
Some of the young appear to have fallen for the media propaganda that ALL pensioners are well off.
It's very scary.

Rosycheeks Tue 07-Sept-21 18:06:07

????

M0nica Tue 07-Sept-21 16:55:06

If nothing else they will be menopausal, and thats when the declins sets in. He he.

M0nica Tue 07-Sept-21 16:54:16

if I could be bothered with mumsnet. I would just keep reminding them how soon they will be 60. I mean most of them have had their children in their middle/late 30s, so it is racing up on them fast.

My lovely DDiL had her children at 37 and 40. The youngest started secondary school today. She will soon be 52. Now she is a lovely, lovely person kind and compassionate and we have a close relationship - and I am too old to even be a baby boomer, so the problem is not one I face. But it wouldn't hurt these silly women to be reminded of this.