10 of the Most Boomer Things Our Parents Do
Baby boomer parents, born between 1946 and 1964, often have funny quirks influenced by their upbringing that might be out of place in today’s culture. Sometimes that means we end up being tech support for our computer-illiterate parents or have to endure unwanted talks about politics.
The boomer generation is unique in so many ways. A recent message board discussion shared the most “boomer” parenting moments. Sure, some things might make us cringe a little, but they’re part of the eccentricities of our loving parents.
Own a Property
Baby Boomers relished a booming economy and affordable housing during their prime. Many could buy a decent-sized home on one income with the help of a mortgage, and those properties have skyrocketed in value over the years.
Fast forward 40 years: your parents may have snagged that four-bedroom house for $60,000, spent about a hundred thousand on upgrades, and now, it could be worth close to a million. It’s no wonder Boomers have stayed so financially powerful!
Emails With Subject Headings Like “Fw:Fw:Fw:”
One thing Boomers still love in this fast-paced world of tech is email chains. It’s no shock to see a message from your parents with a subject like, “FW: FW: FW: FW: Bill Gates is giving away all his money!!!”
Email has been a staple in our lives since the 90s, but it feels like our parents just discovered it yesterday when we receive those endless forwarded messages from them. Boomers may have grown up before the internet, but they’ve mastered the art of the forward button!
Tech Problems
I have undoubtedly become my parents’ personal IT department and if you have Boomer parents, you probably are too. My Dad constantly asks me how to fix some tiny tech issue that takes about 10 seconds to solve—but he forgets every time!
I love my parents, but basic things like “swipe up” or “hold down for 3 seconds” are still a mystery. They’re also clueless about social media and freak out over every scam email. To be fair, though, some Boomers are surprisingly tech-savvy nowadays.
Have a Retirement Plan
At age 35, only 49% of millennials own homes, compared to 62% of Boomers. That’s partly because Boomers enjoyed lower housing prices, stable interest rates, lifetime employment, full healthcare coverage, and strong retirement plans. They also believed in hard work and saving for the future.
However, many Boomers didn’t start saving until age 37. Today, some are dipping into their retirement funds faster than expected due to rising living costs. Planning for a longer retirement is now more important than ever for parents looking to maintain their lifestyle.
Unplugging the Computer Modem Every Night
I’m not sure about your Mom or Dad, but some Boomer parents unplug their computer modem every night after watching TV to prevent anyone from “hacking the internet” while they sleep.
Their fear of the unknown, mixed with a lack of cybersecurity knowledge, leads to these extreme measures. While we might shake our heads, there’s something kind of charming about their version of internet safety!
Dismissing Mental Health
Some Boomers still think high school kids are too sensitive. The younger generation speaks out and stands strong in ways older generations never imagined. The worst part is mental illness diagnoses are taken too lightly.
It’s unfortunate that, back in the day, mental health issues carried so much shame and stigma. Most people would hide their struggles and avoid talking about them. Thankfully, many Boomers now recognize the importance of mental health and support those facing these challenges. We’re making progress, little by little.
Talking Politics Constantly
Ask any millennial who has tried to discuss politics with their Baby Boomer parents, and watch them roll their eyes. Maybe it’s because Boomers still hold significant political influence over younger, more diverse, and liberal generations.
Even Boomers who never entered politics (but spend a lot of time in newspapers and TV) love to bring it up at family gatherings. Most millennials are frustrated to talk about current events with their parents, even if they agree with them.
Leaving Voicemails Saying, “This is your mother calling”
Do your Boomer parents ever leave voicemails saying, “This is your mother calling”? It’s cute and sweet, but come on, Mom, I know it’s you!
It’s a relic of the days before caller ID. Most of our parents grew up with landlines and didn’t know who was calling. It must be so ingrained to announce themselves on a call that they can’t shake the habit. Or maybe they just want to remind you that you need to call your Mother!
Do Dry Runs to a Big Appointment
Some Boomer parents drive to an appointment or event location a day or week early to see how long the drive takes, check out the layout, and then head home to feel more prepared for the actual day.
This generation grew up when information wasn’t as easy to find, so some really value planning and preparation. Some may want to ease their stress about potential problems, traffic jams, or surprises. Either way, you’ve got to admire their commitment to being ready.
Teach You Good Work Ethic
Many of our Boomer parents worked hard to give us a better life than they had growing up. Even if they sometimes struggle with today’s tech and trends, they still instill values like discipline, integrity, and determination.
They grew up in a time when hard work really paid off, and they emphasized the importance of a strong work ethic. Even if I’m a little too hard on myself sometimes, I wouldn’t be as good at my job without my parents showing me how to work towards my goals.
Source: Reddit
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