In the ongoing dialogue between the generations, it’s easy to get lost in stereotypes. But beneath the surface-level jokes, there are profound differences in how generations were raised, particularly when it comes to the concepts of safety, parenting, and emotional well-being. The world that the Baby Boomers grew up in—roughly the 1950s through the early 1970s—operated on a completely different set of rules. It was a world of newfound prosperity, but also one of “benign neglect” parenting, unchecked dangers, and a stoic approach to life. Many of the everyday realities of a Boomer childhood would be viewed with horror by today’s safety-conscious and emotionally-aware parents.
Here are ten harsh truths about growing up Boomer that might send a Gen Z kid straight to their therapist.
