According to popular discourse, Boomers did too much, Generation Comparing generations often leads to division in the name of better understanding. We ended up in concentric circles and pointed fingers at each other with tear-stained cheeks. However, what makes humans amazing is the ability to change and grow as groups and societies.
For example, Boomers grew up in a world where childhood was very different than it is today. While some of these expectations may seem outdated now, it was these core values that shaped Boomers into who they are today, and those core values will inevitably evolve as each generation grows.
Boomers were expected to do these old-fashioned things growing up that most kids today don’t even learn:
1. They were expected to entertain themselves.
Psychologist Rachel Aguja points out one thing that Baby Boomers were expected to do as children and that is much less common today: entertain themselves without adult guidance or constant supervision. Boredom was seen as a catalyst for creativity, not a problem to be solved.
Many Boomers grew up with the unspoken expectation that they should “go out and figure it out.” Today’s children tend to have more structured schedules, screens, and adult involvement in play. While both approaches have benefits, we have missed some of the opportunities for children to develop independence and imagination through unstructured time and boredom.
2. Boomers were expected to help with household chores
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Learning essential life skills by watching and doing with parents is therapeutic. Dr. Gloria Brame recognized as a trait of the Boomers when they were growing up. Dr. Brame spent almost every weekend helping her mother shop for groceries, prepare meals, clean the house, and wash and iron clothes. Her father often hired her to help him make minor repairs or wash the car by hand.
To this day, he thinks of his father when he repairs a drain or installs a shelf. The experience of working side by side with her parents made her feel like a more important part of the family. If they said she did a good job, that made her even happier. These were not special lessons; They were typical expectations of boomer children.
Today’s kids, on the other hand, tend to rely more on Google and YouTube when it comes to DIY, but there’s no substitute for the old-fashioned joy of May a father teach you a skill, and then congratulate yourself when you’ve figured it out. That kind of validation lifts you up, creates a special bond, and gives you confidence that you can handle life’s practical challenges.
3. They were expected to address adults as Mr. or Mrs.
Life Coach Ellen Kamaras claims to respect elders and refer to other people by titles, rather than by name – gasp! – was a way parents taught their Boomer children about respect. While some people still use formal titles, a bit of that formality has gone by the wayside, and we’ve seen plenty of kids refer to their friends’ mom as ‘Rachel’ and, interestingly, mom Rachel seems to be okay with that.
4. Boomers were expected to write notes by hand.
As the Boomers grew up, life coach Sidhharrth S. Kumaar explains that they were expected to handwrite thank you cards, letters to pen pals, and updates to family members on paper, stamp them, and mail them. Now all of that is done by “pressing send” on our iPhones, even if it is done.
Will Curtis is YourTango’s expert editor. Will has over 14 years of experience as an editor covering relationships, spirituality, and human interest topics.
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