According to popular discourse, Boomers did too much, Gen-X did nothing, Millennials didn’t do enough, and everyone younger does things way too differently. Comparing the generations often leads to division in the name of better understanding. We end up in concentric circles, pointing fingers at each other with tear-stained cheeks. But what makes people incredible is the ability to change and grow as collectives and society.
For example, Boomers grew up in a world where childhood looked very different than it does today. While some of these expectations may seem old-fashioned now, it was these core values that shaped Boomers into who they are today—and these core values will inevitably evolve as each generation grows up.
Boomers were expected to do these old-fashioned things growing up that most kids today never even learn:
1. They were expected to entertain themselves
Psychologist Rachel Needle points out one thing Baby Boomers were expected to do as children that is far 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 outside and figure it out.’ Today’s children often have more structured schedules, screens and adult involvement in play. While there are benefits to both approaches, we have lost some of the opportunities for children to build independence and imagination through unstructured time and being bored.
2. Boomers were expected to chip in with chores
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Learning important life skills by watching and doing with parents is something therapeutic Dr. Gloria Brame recognize as a trait of Boomers growing up. Dr. Brame spent almost every weekend helping his mother buy food, prepare meals, clean the house, and wash and iron clothes. Her father often recruited her to help him do minor repairs or hand wash the car.
To this day, she thinks of her father when she fixes a drain or installs a bookcase. 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, it made her even happier. These were not special lessons; they were typical expectations of Boomer children.
Today’s kids, on the other hand, often rely more on Google and YouTube when it comes to DIY, but there’s no substitute for the old-fashioned joy of having a parent teaches you a skill, and then praise yourself when you’ve figured it out. That type 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 says respect elders and refer to other people by titles, rather than their first name – gasp! – was one 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 many children refer to their friend’s mum as ‘Rachel’ – and oddly enough, mum Rachel seems to be fine with it.
4. Boomers were expected to write notes by hand
As 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, seal them, and mail them. Now it’s all done by ‘pressing send’ on our iPhones, if it’s done at all.
Will Curtis is YourTango’s expert editor. Will has over 14 years of experience as an editor covering relationships, spirituality and human interests.
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