My Tryst With Generational Gaps

Yup, That is what parents are facing even with a little age gap! It’s like ignorance is bliss. But this bliss will destroy your relationship with your child if you do not take action today. And if you are short of time, then this article is more than enough for you to keep you up to date with what are generations called today.

The Generations: A Quick Overview

1.Baby Boomers (Born 1946–1964)
Baby Boomers, like you or perhaps your parents, grew up in a time of post-war optimism and stability. They lived through huge cultural shifts like the civil rights movement and the space race, all while technology like television began reshaping society.

• Pros: Baby Boomers are known for their strong work ethic, discipline, and loyalty. They value stability and have a wealth of life experience.
• Cons: Their resistance to the rapid rise of new technologies can sometimes create challenges in communicating with younger generations.
• My Advice: If you belong to this age group, you have lived your life and may have a few grandchildren around. If you really care for them, leave them alone. Your age and current children’s age are ocean apart. All you must do is to share stories from your cultural history like Ramayana and Mahabharata. You may sing softly mantras and shlokas but do not force them to learn it if you have just woken up to your duties towards your grandchildren. Take baby steps with them.

2.Generation X (Born 1965–1980)
You may be part of Gen X yourself. This generation came of age in a time of economic instability and the early rise of the personal computer and internet. They are considered the first “digital immigrants,” as they learned to adapt to technology as it emerged.

• Pros: Gen Xers are independent, resourceful, and adaptable. They value a balance between work and life, and they know how to navigate both the traditional and digital worlds.
• Cons: Gen Xers can sometimes seem skeptical or detached, especially when dealing with the constant influx of digital information younger generations face.
• My Advice: I am guessing you belong to this or next-gen. You will have to be patient as you have to handle your parents, your spouse, your work, your children and your grandchildren. You may feel overwhelmed by the immense information and gaps between each generation. You just have to read my blog post or ask me questions if you are lost. I am in the same boat now in 2025, so I am your best friend. The tip of the day for you is to listen more and talk less. Use Chatgpt more for all your queries before you want to open your mouth to advise all younger generations. You are the last generation to be your type who is caring for your parents, children, neighbours and everyone. You have built your wealth yourself. You lived for your children and will continue to do so. You saw your parents slog in one to two jobs to make ends meet. You are that generation who went to school with loads of hopes and dreams to get a good steady job. You were told to stay away from business unless your parents were running it. You had only 3 career options, to become a doctor, engineer or what? You are lucky your children love you and care for you, but not the way you love and care for your parents.

3.Millennials (Born 1981–1996)
Millennials grew up with the internet and witnessed the explosion of social media. As your child gets older, you’ll notice that Millennials are highly connected and value experiences, making them very different from the generations that came before them.

• Pros: Millennials are tech-savvy, open-minded, and passionate about social causes. They value inclusivity and diversity, and they’re often innovative in how they approach work and life.
• Cons: The challenges of student debt and high living costs have left many Millennials feeling entitled or overwhelmed. Their reliance on technology can also make them less adept at handling face-to-face situations.
• My Advice: You are in the same boat as Gen X but a bit better. You were blessed with more wealth that gave you a better education and a better lifestyle. You were lucky to start using computers in schools and colleges. Since you have more wealth and more aspiration to see your child do better than you, chances are that you have spoilt your child with things they did not need. You have made your children your master and you obviously are their slave. Slave to their unreasonable demands. You may be the last generation to have a loving parent-child relationship, even if it may be one-sided. Your children are over-sensitive and ready to blackmail you. Chances are that you have a bitter relationship with your child who will never understand you. You have to work the hardest. You need to dedicate at least one hour per month to check on your child’s life and his/her peer group. Your child may be living a life in a dream world with the least connection with reality. Chances are they have dreams to become super rich in the shortest time period without hard work or skills. Your child was raised in the RTE era when failing in a subject did not matter and promotion to the next class was allowed. So your child may have not tasted failure. On top of that, the school teachers and you both pumped up the ego of the child with false praises. Now your child with an inflated ego, low skills, lacking grit but over sensitive has an entitled attitude. A pinprick in the form of an innocent word from anyone, mind you, anyone, will burst their ego leading them to take drastic steps, including suicide or murder as the worst.

4.Generation Z (Born 1997–2012)
Your child most likely belongs to Generation Z, a group of digital natives who have never known a world without smartphones or social media. They are growing up in a tech-driven society that shapes much of their identity.

• Pros: Gen Z is entrepreneurial, highly socially aware, and tech-savvy. They’re driven by causes like sustainability and equality, and they tend to think globally from a young age. Also, I find them compassionate.
• Cons: The pressure of growing up in a digital age can contribute to anxiety, and the constant stimulation from screens may hinder their ability to engage in face-to-face conversations. But the saddest thing I have seen is that they are gullible if their egos are massaged. They have become the victim of gender fluidity, especially in Western countries and have taken drastic steps of undergoing damaging organ surgeries, removal or mutilation.
• My Advice: If you are a Gen Z child’s parent, you must be most vigilant. Checking into their mobile phones, bags and friends circle is highly critical. They are most sensitive and prone to self-harm at least provocation. You must consult with me if you are in doubt or have found something that has shocked you. You can write to me singhmadhuri at gmail dot com to book a phone consultation. Better to be safe than sorry.

5.Generation Alpha (Born 2013 and beyond)
Though still very young when I am writing this article in 2025, Generation Alpha is on the horizon. They’re being raised in a world where AI, robotics, and technology are already integral parts of daily life.

• Pros: Gen Alpha is poised to be the most tech-savvy generation yet, with access to education and tools that previous generations couldn’t even imagine.
• Cons: Their immersion in technology may challenge their ability to build strong social skills or stay focused in an increasingly distracted world.
• My Advice: Well well well! If you are a parent of Gen Alpha, you do not know what you are in for if you are not reading and updating yourself and minding your career. Yet you are better than the previous two parents’ generations. You were born with wealth and technology. And you are seeing the fast-changing face of technology. So you better install apps that will help you tackle new-age children like yours. The only challenge will be time.

Understanding the Gaps: How Generations Differ

As a parent, you might notice certain differences in how you and your child approach life. Here’s how the generational shifts typically play out:

• Baby Boomers to Gen X: The shift from traditional work environments to more flexible, tech-driven cultures marked the Gen X experience. As a parent, you may find that balancing work and family life is easier for you than it was for your parents. Understanding this can help you empathize with your child’s more flexible or non-traditional approach to work later on.
• Gen X to Millennials: As a Gen Xer, you grew up with a strong focus on independence and self-reliance. Millennials, however, tend to be more collaborative and value inclusivity. Recognizing this difference can help you better understand why your child or younger people in your life focus more on collective goals and less on the individual.
• Millennials to Gen Z: Millennials were still learning to adapt to the internet, but Gen Z doesn’t remember life without it. As a parent, you might find your child’s constant digital engagement overwhelming at times, but understanding that it’s their natural environment can help you navigate their world more effectively.

Raising the Generation Alpha: Special Insight

As you look ahead, you might wonder how to raise Generation Alpha. This generation will be incredibly well-versed in tech, but you’ll want to ensure they also develop strong social skills and emotional intelligence. While they might be more connected than ever before, they’ll need guidance in balancing screen time with real-world interactions.

How to Adapt as a Parent

Being aware of these generational shifts is key to maintaining a strong relationship with your child. Here are a few things you can do to adapt:

• Embrace technology, but set boundaries: Encourage your child’s digital skills, but make sure they’re also engaging in offline activities that promote real-world interactions.
• Encourage open communication: With Gen Z and beyond, it’s important to foster open lines of communication, especially when it comes to their emotional well-being.
• Teach empathy and resilience: Help your child navigate the challenges of the digital age, teaching them the value of empathy, patience, and understanding others’ perspectives.
• Teach them your culture before someone else does: Start from the time your child is born. Sing loudly and perform rituals proudly. Learn the scientific meaning behind each ritual. This I can help you with a lot. I have a course for parents who want to know the science and logic behind each Sanatana ritual.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between generations is about more than just cultural or technological shifts—it’s about connecting with your child where they are and helping them thrive in an ever-changing world. By adapting your approach and guiding them with wisdom and empathy, you’ll not only bridge the generational gap but also empower them to succeed in a world that’s only becoming more interconnected and complex.