The rules that baby boomers should follow (and the ones that Gen Z wants to follow)

The rules that baby boomers should follow (and the ones that Gen Z wants to follow)

It is a tradition for each generation to think that the one that follows it is all wrong. But when it comes to baby boomers and Gen Z, the rivalry is palpable. One thing that most individuals find difficult to agree on is child-rearing, which is why some trends have been abandoned. However, one can't help but wonder if it was for better or worse.

Do not respond to adults

While baby boomers had a lot of freedom, most rules became strict when it came to interacting with their parents. There was respect for authority, and these children knew they shouldn't be disrespectful and talk back.

Good grades are essential

Baby boomers placed a heavy emphasis on grades because school was one of the surest ways to guarantee a good life. Good grades meant a good college, and therefore a good career and a bright future. However, this has recently changed, and nowadays, school no longer guarantees such good job prospects.

Children must be seen and not heard

This is certainly one of the strictest rules among baby boomers. Children were expected not to intervene in adult conversations and to remain polite and silent around guests.

No Privacy for Children

Privacy is a new development for modern children, as in the past, it was common for parents to closely monitor their children. Of course, it was easier to keep an eye on your children when there weren't hundreds of devices at their fingertips. These days, children have too much privacy, especially on their phones, which can expose them to dangerous people and situations.

Specific Roles for Boys and Girls

The previous generation had fairly strict expectations for boys and girls. While girls were pampered, boys were expected to be tough. Furthermore, girls were more likely to be expected to stay at home, while boys were allowed to go out.

Physical Discipline

Physical discipline is certainly a hot topic today, but it wasn't in the past. In fact, physical acts like spanking were widely accepted and even a relatively popular method of discipline.

Early to Bed

Baby boomers were pretty good at sticking to a strict schedule. Not only were there curfews, but early bedtimes were part of the routine. It turns out that routine is great for humans, and nothing is more powerful than ritual. Children who were raised with a decent bedtime are more likely to continue doing so as adults.

Saving for a Rainy Day

Baby boomers were known for being quite frugal and had reliable spending habits that ensured their longevity and success. They taught their children these life lessons and preferred saving for a rainy day rather than living in the moment.

Children should handle bullying themselves

Bullying has existed in schools for ages, and baby boomers had a different perspective on the subject. They viewed bullying as a normal part of growing up and taught their children to handle it with minimal involvement. Now that we've covered some of the rules baby boomers had to follow, here are 10 rules the new generation is determined to follow.

Mutual respect rather than blind obedience

The days when parents had total control over their children are over, and instead, Gen Z advocates teaching respect through understanding. Instead of using the phrase "because I said so," Gen Z parents are more likely to explain their reasoning and provide logic.

Non-physical discipline techniques

Generation Z is quite strict about rejecting physical punishment. Instead, they use positive reinforcement to discipline their children, but this is a much-discussed tactic. While avoiding physical actions is perfectly fair, never verbally punishing your children can lead to spoiled children who can't imagine anyone telling them no.

Encourage children to express themselves early

Instead of encouraging children to stay quiet and calm, Generation Z prefers to have an open dialogue. They try to be involved in their children's lives and are eager to hear their thoughts and opinions on a variety of topics.

A Balance of Grades

It's pretty clear that Gen Z values ​​mental and physical health equally. In fact, they consider mental well-being to be on par with academic excellence. Gen Z isn't afraid to put grades aside to have a more fulfilled and happier child. Considering the current school system, who can blame them?

Flexible Family Schedules

While baby boomers had a strict family meal schedule, Generation Z is more flexible and adapts to their children's schedules and lifestyles. Additionally, many children are allowed to eat when and what they want. This could be a double-edged sword, however, as many children have ended up with unhealthy diets as a result.

Valuing Privacy

Unlike Baby Boomers, Generation Z recognizes children's desire for privacy and personal space. While children should have their own space and autonomy, too many parents have no idea what's going on in their children's lives or the strangers they're talking to. In fact, many children lie to their parents about what they're doing on their devices, and there have been several scandals involving children's services or channels featuring inappropriate content. Be careful!

Live in the moment

Generation Z is also more flexible when it comes to saving, and while they want to teach their children financial responsibility, they also encourage them to live life to the fullest and participate in new experiences. In today's economy, it's difficult to save for anything, so you might as well try to make the most of the time you have.

Anti-Bullying Strategies

Generation Z and the school system in general take bullying very seriously. Unfortunately, schools have become dangerous places for children, which is why there are many initiatives aimed at combating such behavior. Unfortunately, these seem to have little effect, with many children reporting bullying and teachers unable to intervene or stop it.

Breaking Gender Norms

Traditional gender norms are a thing of the past, and Gen Z parents pride themselves on teaching their sons responsibility and respect, while allowing their daughters to explore all opportunities and shape their own identities.

Feeling Emotions

While baby boomers encouraged their children to suppress their emotions in order to act appropriately and overcome difficult situations, Generation Z has a different approach. They want to understand children's emotions and encourage them to talk about them and share their thoughts.

Summary

Today’s workforce consists of 4 generations: (ordered from oldest to youngest) Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. These generations were raised in different social and political atmospheres and therefore, correspond to different childhood upbringings and familial environments, which beget different values, wants, and needs in adulthood.