LET US UNDERSTAND THE GENERATION GAP ( Disclaimer: This is for both parents and kids. )

Do you remember how we used to tell our parents everything when we were younger. Running after them dying to tell them every detail of our day?

How often do we do that now?

So to all the mummies and daddies,

Do you wonder why your kids are so self-involved?

Why do they want to remain in their own company?

The answer lies within yourself. When we used to tell you everything, you used to laugh with us. You used to enjoy listening. You accepted us. But did you realise when this acceptance turned into rejection? For example if your kid comes to you and says today I bunked class and went to see a movie. How would you react? Obviously scold them. Rant them all about behavioural ethics won’t you? You will. So the next time when your child does something like this, he would hesitate telling you. You would assume that he has stopped doing it. But on the contrary he has just stopped telling you.

Remember one thing, Every Soul Seeks Acceptance. Acceptance begins in the family. Home should be a place where you can dare to bare; to just be yourself without worrying about being rejected. It is one important manifestation of love. So why are validation and acceptance the hardest to find in a family?

I can see a thought emerging in your mind. And yes you are right. Bunking classes and watching a movie is wrong. Smoking and partying late is wrong. Lying to parents is wrong. None of it is right if you are not of a sensible age.

But most of us still do it.

Do you see how messed up this is? Parents think you’re not doing it. You guys are doing it but not telling your parents. God! So much of communication gap.

So how do we bridge this gap?

You won’t believe how simple it is. Just one word. UNDERSTANDING.

It is wrong to do all of the things I just mentioned above. We do this so that we can fit into a group. So that we can be considered cool. Of course guys! If all the people in your group are doing it why can’t you? Even if you disagree at this point, deep down you all know how true it is. So guys, it is not wrong to have this feeling. Yes! There is nothing wrong in feeling left out and unwanted because honestly, you can’t help it. What is wrong is letting this feeling overpower you, your morals and your instincts.

This is where a parent can help you. So parents, if your child tells you that all of their friends are doing it, don’t say ,

“vo khidki se chalang marenge toh tum bhi maroge kya? you should think about our respect in this society! Do you realize how stupid this thing is! ”

Instead, tell them,

“ Okay beta. I heard you. I respect your emotions .Whatever you are feeling is completely justified. So no need to be ashamed. But in the longer run this is not going to help you. Until and unless you are a responsible adult you should not put your foot in these things. You can explain this to your friends as well. Tell them that all of these things are not cool. Let’s not do this.”

Do you see the difference between the two conversations? The second one seems so much more convincing and respectful.

Similarly you have to understand you parents and their concerns. Understanding is two way be it any relationship. So instead of judging, understand. Instead of jumping to conclusions, know the process. Instead of being an authoritative figure, be a friend.

Hence moral of the story: Understand and accept.

I hope you got some insight. Please feel free to write what you think.

Thank you for reading!