Millennial Life

Millennial life: How young adulthood today compares with prior generations
FEBRUARY 14, 2019
BY KRISTEN BIALIK AND RICHARD FRY

Over the past 50 years – from the Silent Generation’s young adulthood to that of Millennials
today – the United States has undergone large cultural and societal shifts. Now that the
youngest Millennials are adults, how do they compare with those who were their age in the
generations that came before them?
In general, they’re better educated – a factor tied to employment

and financial well-being – but there is a sharp divide between the economic fortunes of those
who have a college education and those who don’t.
Millennials have brought more racial and ethnic diversity to American society. And Millennial
women, like Generation X women, are more likely to participate in the nation’s workforce than
prior generations.
Compared with previous generations, Millennials – those ages 22 to 37 in 2018 – are delaying or
foregoing marriage and have been somewhat slower in forming their own households. They are
also more likely to be living at home with their parents, and for longer stretches.
And Millennials are now the second-largest generation in the U.S. electorate (after Baby
Boomers), a fact that continues to shape the country’s politics given their Democratic leanings
when compared with older generations.
Those are some of the broad strokes that have emerged from Pew Research Center’s work on
Millennials over the past few years. Now that the youngest Millennials are in their 20s, we have
done a comprehensive update of our prior demographic work on generations. Here are the
details.
Education
Today’s young adults are much better educated than their grandparents, as the share of young
adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher has steadily climbed since 1968. Among Millennials,
around four-in-ten (39%) of those ages 25 to 37 have a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared
with just 15% of the Silent Generation, roughly a quarter of Baby Boomers and about three-in-
ten Gen Xers (29%) when they were the same age.
Gains in educational attainment have been especially steep for young women. Among women of
the Silent Generation, only 11% had obtained at least a bachelor’s degree when they were young
(ages 25 to 37 in 1968). Millennial women are about four times (43%) as likely as their Silent
predecessors to have completed as much education at the same age. Millennial men are also
better educated than their predecessors. About one-third of Millennial men (36%) have at least a
bachelor’s degree, nearly double the share of Silent Generation men (19%) when they were ages
25 to 37.
While educational attainment has steadily increased for men and women over the past five
decades, the share of Millennial women with a bachelor’s degree is now higher than that of men
– a reversal from the Silent Generation and Boomers. Gen X women were the first to outpace
men in terms of education, with a 3-percentage-point advantage over Gen X men in 2001.
Before that, late Boomer men in 1989 had a 2-point advantage over Boomer women.
Employment
Boomer women surged into the
workforce as young adults, setting the stage for more Gen X and Millennial women to follow
suit. In 1966, when Silent Generation women were ages 22 through 37, a majority (58%)
were not participating in the labor force while 40% were employed. For Millennial women today,
72% are employed while just a quarter are not in the labor force. Boomer women were the
turning point. As early as 1985, more young Boomer women were employed (66%) than were
not in the labor force (28%).
And despite a reputation for job hopping, Millennial workers are just as likely to stick with their
employers as Gen X workers were when they were the same age. Roughly eight-in-ten each of
Millennials ages 22 to 37 in 2018 (79%) and Gen Xers the same age in 2002 (77%) reported
working for their current employer at least 13 months. About half of both groups said they’d
been with their employer for at least five years.
Of course, the economy varied for each generation. While the Great Recession affected
Americans broadly, it created a particularly challenging job market for Millennials entering the
workforce. The unemployment rate was especially high for America’s youngest adults in the
years just after the recession, a reality that would impact Millennials’ future earnings and
wealth.
Income and wealth
The financial well-being of Millennials is complicated. The individual earnings for young
workers have remained mostly flat over the past 50 years. But this belies a notably large gap in
earnings between Millennials who have a college education and those who don’t. Similarly, the
household income trends for young adults markedly diverge by education. As far as household
wealth, Millennials appear to have accumulated slightly less than older generations had at the
same age.
Millennials with a bachelor’s degree or more and a full-time job had median annual earnings
valued at $56,000 in 2018, roughly equal to those of college-educated Generation X workers in
2001. But for Millennials with some college or less, annual earnings were lower than their
counterparts in prior generations. For example, Millennial workers with some college education
reported making $36,000, lower than the $38,900 early Baby Boomer workers made at the
same age in 1982. The pattern is similar for those young adults who never attended college.
Millennials in 2018 had a median household income of roughly $71,400, similar to that of Gen X
young adults ($70,700) in 2001. (This analysis is in 2017 dollars and is adjusted for household
size. Additionally, household income includes the earnings of the young adult, as well as the
income of anyone else living in the household.)
The growing gap by education
is even more apparent when looking at annual household income. For households headed by
Millennials ages 25 to 37 in 2018, the median adjusted household income was about $105,300
for those with a bachelor’s degree or higher, roughly $56,000 greater than that of households
headed by high school graduates. The median household income difference by education for
prior generations ranged from $41,200 for late Boomers to $19,700 for the Silent Generation
when they were young.
While young adults in general do not have much accumulated wealth, Millennials have slightly
less wealth than Boomers did at the same age. The median net worth of households headed by
Millennials (ages 20 to 35 in 2016) was about $12,500 in 2016, compared with $20,700 for
households headed by Boomers the same age in 1983. Median net worth of Gen X households at
the same age was about $15,100.
This modest difference in wealth can be partly attributed to differences in debt by generation.
Compared with earlier generations, more Millennials have outstanding student debt, and the
amount of it they owe tends to be greater. The share of young adult households with any student
debt doubled from 1998 (when Gen Xers were ages 20 to 35) to 2016 (when Millennials were
that age). In addition, the median amount of debt was nearly 50% greater for Millennials with
outstanding student debt ($19,000) than for Gen X debt holders when they were young
($12,800).
Housing
Millennials, hit hard by the Great Recession, have been somewhat slower in forming their own
households than previous generations. They’re more likely to live in their parents’ home and
also more likely to be at home for longer stretches. In 2018, 15% of Millennials (ages 25 to 37)
were living in their parents’ home. This is nearly double the share of early Boomers and Silents
(8% each) and 6 percentage points higher than Gen Xers who did so when they were the same
age.
The rise in young adults living at home is especially prominent among those with lower
education. Millennials who never attended college were twice as likely as those with a bachelor’s
degree or more to live with their parents (20% vs. 10%). This gap was narrower or nonexistent in
previous generations. Roughly equal shares of Silents (about 7% each) lived in their parents’
home when they were ages 25 to 37, regardless of educational attainment.
Millennials are also moving significantly less than earlier generations of young adults. About
one-in-six Millennials ages 25 to 37 (16%) have moved in the past year. For previous generations
at the same age, roughly a quarter had.
Family
On the whole, Millennials are starting families later than their counterparts in prior generations.
Just under half (46%) of Millennials ages 25 to 37 are married, a steep drop from the 83% of
Silents who were married in 1968. The share of 25- to 37-year-olds who were married steadily
dropped for each succeeding generation, from 67% of early Boomers to 57% of Gen Xers. This in
part reflects broader societal shifts toward marrying later in life. In 1968, the typical American
woman first married at age 21 and the typical American man first wed at 23. Today, those
figures have climbed to 28 for women and 30 for men.
But it’s not all about delayed marriage. The share of adults who have never married is increasing
with each successive generation. If current patterns continue, an estimated one-in-four of
today’s young adults will have never married by the time they reach their mid-40s to early 50s –
a record high share.
In prior generations, those
ages 25 to 37 whose highest level of education was a high school diploma were more likely than
those with a bachelor’s degree or higher to be married. Gen Xers reversed this trend, and the
divide widened among Millennials. Four-in-ten Millennials with just a high school diploma
(40%) are currently married, compared with 53% of Millennials with at least a bachelor’s
degree. In comparison, 86% of Silent Generation high school graduates were married in 1968
versus 81% of Silents with a bachelor’s degree or more.
Millennial women are also waiting longer to become parents than prior generations did. In
2016, 48% of Millennial women (ages 20 to 35 at the time) were moms. When Generation X
women were the same age in 2000, 57% were already mothers, similar to the share of Boomer
women (58%) in 1984. Still, Millennial women now account for the vast majority of annual U.S.
births, and more than 17 million Millennial women have become mothers.
Voting
Younger generations (Generation X, Millennials and Generation Z) now make up a clear

majority of America’s voting-eligible population. As of November 2018, nearly six-in-ten adults
eligible to vote (59%) were from one of these three generations, with Boomers and older
generations making up the other 41%.
However, young adults have historically

been less likely to vote than their older counterparts, and these younger generations have
followed that same pattern, turning out to vote at lower rates than older generations in recent
elections.
In the 2016 election, Millennials and Gen Xers cast more votes than Boomers and older
generations, giving the younger generations a slight majority of total votes cast. However,
higher shares of Silent/Greatest generation eligible voters (70%) and Boomers (69%) reported
voting in the 2016 election compared with Gen X (63%) and Millennial (51%) eligible voters.
Going forward, Millennial turnout may increase as this generation grows older.
Generational differences in political attitudes and partisan affiliation are as wide as they have
been in decades. Among registered voters, 59% of Millennials affiliate with the Democratic Party
or lean Democratic, compared with about half of Boomers and Gen Xers (48% each) and 43% of
the Silent Generation. With this divide comes generational differences on specific issue areas,
from views of racial discrimination and immigration to foreign policy and the scope of
government.
Population change and the future
By 2019, Millennials are projected to number 73 million, overtaking Baby Boomers as the largest
living adult generation. Although a greater number of births underlie the Baby Boom
generation, Millennials will outnumber Boomers in part because immigration has been boosting
their numbers.
Millennials are also bringing more racial and

ethnic diversity. When the Silent Generation was young (ages 22 to 37), 84% were non-Hispanic
white. For Millennials, the share is just 55%. This change is driven partly by the growing number
of Hispanic and Asian immigrants, whose ranks have increased since the Boomer generation.
The increased prevalence of interracial marriage and differences in fertility patterns have also
contributed to the country’s shifting racial and ethnic makeup.
Looking ahead at the next generation, early benchmarks show Generation Z(those ages 6 to 21
in 2018) is on track to be the nation’s most diverse and best-educated generation yet. Nearly half
(48%) are racial or ethnic minorities. And while most are still in K-12 schools, the oldest Gen
Zers are enrolling in college at a higher rate than even Millennials were at their age. Early
indications are that their opinions on issues are similar to those of Millennials.
Of course, Gen Z is still very young and may be shaped by future unknown events. But Pew
Research Center looks forward to spending the next few years studying life for this new
generation as it enters adulthood.
All photos via Getty Images
https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/essay/millennial-life-how-young-adulthood-today-compares-with-
prior-generations/
Generation Gap – Definition And Meaning
The generation gap is the difference in behavior, tastes, and preferences between people of
different generations. In other words, the difference between how young people, middle-aged
individuals, and seniors perceive things. It also refers to how different age groups dress,
arrange their hair, talk, vote, etc.
Sociologists say that the generation gap is a cause of misunderstandings and arguments
between different age groups.
Technological advances often widen the generation gap. Especially the gap between very
elderly and the youngest generation. The youngest generation refers to young children and
teenagers.
According to Collins.Dictionary.com:
“If you refer to the generation gap, you are referring to a difference in attitude and behavior
between older people and younger people, which may cause them to argue or may prevent
them from understanding each other fully.”
In today’s usage, the term usually refers to an apparent gap between younger people, their
parents, and their grandparents.
Some studies have shown

that young people who despise older generations tend to become old people who despise
young people. Does that mean that there is a generation gap type?
Generation gap – many generations
We divide society today into many different generations. Which generation you belong to
depends on when you were born. Below is an explanation of six of them.
Generation Z
This is the youngest generation. The term refers to people born from the mid-1990s to the mid-
2000s. This generation has the most widespread usage of the Internet from a very young age.
Millennials
We also call this age group ‘Generation Y’ or the ‘Millennial Generation.’ They were born from
the early to mid-1980s to the year 2000.
In 2016, for the first time, there were more Millennials in the United States than Baby Boomers.
Generation X
We often refer to this generation in the abbreviated form – Gex X. They were born from the mid
1960s to the late 1970s.
Some Americans refers to this age group as the ‘baby bust’ generation. They got this nickname
because of the dramatic decline in the birth rate after the baby boom.
In the United States and some other advanced economies, the decline in fertility rates started in
the late 1950s.
Generation Jones
We also call it the Lost Generation. People born between 1954-56 and 1964-65 are
Genjonesers. Initially, sociologists lumped this generation with the Baby Boomers.
While both generations grew up as children during an economic boom, Genjonesers became of
age during the oil crises.
Consequently, Generation Jones people are more cynical than the idealistic Boomers.
Baby Boomers
These people were born after World War II. However, there are no clear dates. Birth dates are
somewhere between the mid-1940s to about 1964. For those who recognize Generation Jones
as a distinct generation, however, Boomers’ birth date ended in 1954.
During World War II, people did not want to start families. They did not want to because there
was a world war.
However, in 1945, when WWII was over, people started planning to have a family. The
reconstruction effort after the war meant there were lots of jobs around. Additionally, there was
plenty of overtime work.
The combination of peacetime and job security encouraged people to have babies. Additionally,
people wanted to make up for lost time. Consequently, there was a ‘baby boom.’ We call the
baby boom babies ‘Baby Boomers.’
There was a marked generation gap between the Baby Boomers and the G.I. and Silent
Generations. The Baby Boomers welcomed the new music of the Elvis Presley, Jimmy Hendrix,
the Rolling Stones, and the Beatles.
Their parents and grandparents, however, were horrified. Baby boomers grew up during a
period when men let their hair grow long, and the hippie movement flourished.
The women’s liberation movement also blossomed as the Baby Boomers were growing up.
Young people listened to a new type of music, wore different clothes, and talked about flower
power.
Their parents tried to persuade their boys to keep their hair short, and their girls to become
‘good housewives.’ The Baby Boomers pushed back. In other words, the generation gap was
huge.
The Silent Generation
This generation includes people born from 1925 to approximately 1942. Some of them fought in
the Second World War. Many American males of this generation fought in the Korean and
Vietnam wars.
G.I. Generation
These people were born from about 1901 to 1924. Many of them fought in WWII and
experienced the hardship of the Great Depression. In fact, many came of age during the Great
Depression.
Generation gap and the Brexit vote
In 2016, there was a referendum in Great Britain. People had to decide whether they wanted
their country to remain in the European Union or leave.
It was a very close vote. Fifty-two percent of the electorate voted for Brexit, while 48% voted to
remain. Brexit stands for BRitain EXITing the European Union (EU). In other words, Brexit
means leaving the EU.
The generation gap in that referendum was stark. More than 60% of people aged from 18-to-30
years voted to Remain. However, more than 60% of retired people, i.e., those aged 65+, voted
to leave.
The younger generations said that older people were selfish in voting for Bexit. They were
selfish because they did not have to worry about their future job prospects.
Many Millennials were upset that their parents and grandparents had ignored their future career
prospects when they voted.
The referendum showed that in the UK, there is a wide generation gap.
Video – Technology generation gap
In this Dr. Bugs Tan video, children look at devices thaat their grandparents once used. They
have to guess what they are. The first device they look at is a typewriter. Some of their
children’s comments are quite amusing.
https://marketbusinessnews.com/financial-glossary/generation-gap/
How does one handle the generation gap between parents and children? Is it
natural to lose patience when the clash of views happens between different
generations? If yes, then how do people handle it without hurting the sentiments
of elders?
Ad by Bonamark.com
Get an international trademark.
You can protect your trademark in 180 countries online. Hire the trademark experts!
Bonamark.com.
Learn more at bonamark.com

19 Answers
Harshal Bhairavkar, Great Games Will Always Have Well Played Heroes
Answered Oct 11 2015
Originally Answered: How can the generation gap be reduced?
The generation gap also can be defined as the new involving trends which cannot be followed or
accommodate by their parents in spite of been good or bad as well .This situation can be handled
by acquiring proper communication skills between parents and their child that the new things
involving in our society would be captured by them.Even if children also have problems with
carry on of some blind traditions can be resolved by using proper communications skills.The
important thing in the communication between their parents and offspring which involves the
level of thinking as well as level of understanding.We can deduct that child should think/go to
level of his parents and vice versa.This problem is not so much Insane that we are making it like
that............
906 views · View 1 Upvoter
Promoted by DuckDuckGo
What is the revenue generation model for DuckDuckGo?
Gabriel Weinberg, CEO & Founder at DuckDuckGo.com (2008-present)

Updated Jun 15 2018
DuckDuckGo has been a profitable company since 2014 without storing or sharing any personal
information on people using our search engine. As we like to say, what you search on
DuckDuckGo is private, even from us! We’re proud to have a business model for a web-based
business that’s prof...
(Continue Reading)
Related QuestionsMore Answers Below
 What is a generation gap in the context of a family? How does this gap impact the relationship
between parents and children?
 Is there a generation gap between you and your parents? In your opinion, what has caused the
generation gap between children and parents? What...
 What is the reason for the generation gap between teenagers and parents?
 What is the solution to the generation gap between parents and youngsters in India?
 Can generation gap be bridged?
Avirup Mukherjee, Student, inquisitive, movie buff.

Answered Feb 12, 2014 · Author has 53 answers and 484k answer views
Originally Answered: What is the best way to reduce the generational gap?
Generation gap is the root cause for variation in thought process of two people.
Main solution to the problem lies in:
 Love and respect for each other plays a crucial role in bridging a generation gap. If one
finds the other showing his affection and regards towards him, then eventually, the
other would start to respect him and try to adapt with a greater effort. So, all you need
is love!
 Each side should hold a compromising attitude towards the other. The contribution of
both the parties towards compromise should be equal so that none can grumble about
dissatisfaction or annoyance.
 While they try to live by the compromises, they should also try to put themselves on
other's shoes, which would, in turn, make them understand each other well.
 And finally, converse. One would, definitely, hesitate at first. They would find the
other incompetent of reasoning. But, it is through conversation only that both would
get to know each other well and will try to adapt themselves according to other.
7.8k views · View 10 Upvoters
Esmee Elvira Vijfschaft, artist

Answered Oct 27, 2016 · Author has 722 answers and 1.3m answer views
this is not one way road, there needs to be respect, love, understanding from both sides.
It is simply impossible to please everyone always all the time. It is normal to loose patience,
acknowledge this and react in a respect full way to them or go for a walk and then calmly explain
them. Tell them that you feel this is good or that your decision is good for you. If its not you will
learn from it. At a certain point in life your parents will have to let you make your own decisions
and mistakes. This is a part of becoming an adult. which can be hard for some parents.
sometimes you will have to keep your foot down.
You will have to let them know how much they can be involved in your decisions, let them know
your boundaries. Since parents can't read the mind of their children completely you will have to
communicate with each other. Don't exclude your parents, discuss about your plans and listen to
their opinion without getting angry( i know its hard). And tell them when to butt out.
This has nothing to do with generation some people have an old and rusty mind set, things have
to be done like this and that. Some people have a more flexible mind and understand that things
don't always have one way of doing them. It is in their nature, young or old.
Some parents are unreasonable and become very bitter and will start telling things like “you
never call me, so I,m not going to send your document you need” while they also never call
themselves. When people become bitter its very hard to get trough to them.
I also have made decisions my parents did not liked or approved, still they always have my back.
Even when they don't support my DECISIONS, they always support ME. That is what being
parents is about when they grow up, being there for your children and in return the children are
there for their parents.
1.6k views · View 2 Upvoters · Answer requested by Jinal Lalan

Jenendra Jain, Curios... just plain simple curious about everything
Answered Jul 23, 2013 · Author has 460 answers and 476.6k answer views
Yes! loosing patience is normal. And yet patience is the only thing that will overcome this
hurdle for you.
So how do you deal with that? Keep reading. (I wanted to keep this one brief but I felt this
has to be explained elaborately, simply because of the impact this gap might have on
individuals.)
Before I begin answering, allow me to put some context around my situation. I will try to keep it
brief. I was born in mid 80's so it was late 90's and early millennium decade when I was in my
teenage. The worst possible time to be with elders, right? My teenage was also the time when
technological advancements and their availability to people became much easier and faster,
which meant I had much more options, I dreamt higher, my cognitive abilities were higher, my
perception was broader, my thoughts were much more liberal and my tolerance for "outrageous"
things way higher.
I would find myself stuck in an argument every time I opened my

mouth, literally.every.time. I would think that they just don't understand, and they thought
I need to practice discipline or else I will ruin my life. I was a good student but never bothered to
top my class, I was happy being a 10th or 12th ranker. That did not help my case either, because
during my parents' time, good kids scored better and bad kids flunked. That was their
experience and they measured me with their experience. Not their fault.
Loosing patience and temper became a normal thing in my family. And there were times when I
lost my temper quite horribly over them. I yelled, I threw things, bla bla.. During those times it
felt justified, because it always seemed that my parents are scared for no reason and they are
simply making me suffer for their fears.
This went on to become so bad that we lost our faith and trust in each other.
It affected me very adversely. It shaped me into what I am today and I find it extremely hard to
change what I am today. (No, I am not a miserable loser, in fact far from it. Keep reading to
know more.)
Because of generation gap we lost communication between us. I had Zero

communication with my mom, dad, or siblings. From a family member, I turned into an
individual. I became socially disconnected. I wouldn't tell them what's going on in my life. I
wouldn't tell them that I am laughing stock at school or I was bullied in class. I didn't tell them
that I found someone to be very cute. I didn't tell them when I almost broke my ankle, I didn't
tell them when I was in a motor crash.
Not because I was scared of being punished(rule of thumb at house was that if I am in a mess, I
must have screwed up.) I didn't tell them any of these things because I was that disconnected
from my family. Living under the same roof, the generation gap drove that big a wedge between
me and my family.
I was still subject to house rules, which meant I needed to take permission to do most of the
things except studying. As I was not a "good-scoring" student, most of the permissions were
denied. It used t make me angry earlier, but with the disconnect that developed between me and
my family, I kind of started to anticipate the denied permissions, and it didn't matter much after
that. While they denied me permissions, I slowly began to reject them. I stopped wanting to do
things.
I ended up with loads of free time with myself. My brain used that time to do what it does best,
thinking, analyzing, playing scenarios. All that brain work made me realize one thing, that if
things continue this way then my life will turn into a hell-hole. That I need to turn the tables
somehow. I was desperate, but I knew better than to display that desperateness.
Usually I would expect my parents to understand me, but how could they if I don't make them
understand. After all, they haven't really experienced any of things I am experiencing in my
time. They didn't have as many options as I have during my time. And I realized I will have to
make them understand. But they wouldn't take my words if they didn't trust me. So my action
plan was this:
1. Re-establish trust.
Which meant coming at par with their expectations. If they expect me to do particular
thing in a certain way, then I need to be doing that thing that way. It also meant to
stop throwing attitude, and to stop talking back. Sometimes it hurt real bad, bad
enough to make me cry (yes! I am a guy. still.). But if that's what it took, then so be it.
Suck it up and man up. Never show your anger, never talk back, give them the respect
they deserve for being your parent. Being a parent is a 24 x 7 job and a hard one at
that.
It worked. soon enough I had the trust back. I wasn't another looser kid in the block
for them. And knowing that your parents don't think of you as a looser is a great
feeling.
2. Stop being an ass, and listen and understand their point, sincerely.
It meant asking the right questions. Questions that don't even remotely sound like a
challenge to their experience or authority. "Why??" never works. What worked
was "How will it benefit us?"
That put them in the explaining mode and me in listening mode. Sometimes they were
right and I was wrong, sometimes I had better options. It helped me in learning two
things a.) to stay calm and answer all doubts, b.) to be able to explain properly what I
thought.
AS a result, what used to be arguments earlier, now became discussions - meaningful,

fruitful discussions. Discussions in which neither party felt offended. We had
differences too, and for those cases I reverted back to step-1.
3. Including them in decision making.
It meant introducing them to what I am looking for and asking their suggestions on
how to achieve that. Then thinking out loud over their suggestions, and suggesting
improvements to their suggestions. These improvements were what I thought the right
way was. Only difference being that instead of putting them bluntly on the table, I
presented them in a way more aligned with their thinking.
It worked most of the time. They started to see me as a person on his way to become
mature and adult. Once they were involved in my decision making they too started to
see that sometimes my approach had more value to add.
4. Make them see my point.
Once they started to believe that I can think "straight", work out a good way of doing
things, I changed my approach. Instead of telling them my problem and asking for
suggestions I used to tell them my solution and its benefits. They would go over it,
warn me for what they thought could be troubles and wished me luck.
5. Score.
In the end all it is, is the ability to understand each other, and loosing patience is not going to
help anyone.
This whole orchestrated plan not only changed their perception of me, but also changed my
understanding of them, rather their fears to be more precise.
I understood that no parents want bad for their kids, they are scared for their child's failure and
all they are doing is ensuring that their kids don't fall on their back while aiming higher than
they can. The problem is that the best that they can think of is coming from their experience of
their youth. Which is drastically different from what our experience is today. They are limited by
their experiences.
That is why it becomes the responsibility of the younger generations to introduce the elder
generation to the change in a controlled and smooth manner. After all it is the younger
generation that has the first hand experience of today's time in their youth.
The only side effects that I experience today because of this is my emotional disconnect with
everything around me. The alone time that I spent thinking, before coming up with the plan,
turned me into a person with clear thoughts and actionable plan. Failures don't overly
disappoint me, Success doesn't overly excite me. Its not that I have become mechanized. I still
have things that like to do, I have a preferred social setting. I enjoy life. But I rarely feel overly
emotional. It has its advantages and disadvantages. The disconnect that I faced, has integrated
itself with me. and I find it hard to connect at an emotional level with anything.
So If I were asked how to deal with it, I would say, develop the patience, you will anyways need a
hell lot of it to deal with life later. And, fix this gap before it changes you.
Xinchun Li, A free spirit.
Updated Jun 1, 2017 · Author has 231 answers and 595.8k answer views
As a girl, I grow up cared and protected by my parents. They want me to live a stable and secure
life rather than an uncertain but fulfilling one. I think this mindset, which differs a lot from
mine, is the root cause of the generational gap existing between my parents and me.
There were many quarrel moments, mostly between my mom and me:
You can’t major in literature. You won’t find a job!
Why don’t you try to sign up for a public servant examination?
You want to learn Spanish? How’s your English now?
Better live near us when you work so we can rest assured.
You are not like a normal girl. I’m worried. Is there someone interested in you?
You want to study abroad? We can’t help you there anyway. You have to think it hard.
You don’t want to have a baby? As a woman, that’s one of the most important jobs in your life!
Why do you always come up with unrealistic ideas? You can’t mess up your life!
……
I’ve long discovered that as long as I want to do something outside the realm of the comfort zone
my parents have set for me, they would try to intervene and question my motive and capability.
I’m sure many people have experienced the same circumstances. I know my parents have made
great concessions over the years and grown more accustomed to my insistence. It’s not easy for
them, which I’m grateful for. They surely bear good intentions and wish the best for me. It’s just
that their life experiences made them fairly convinced of their own righteousness in the first
place.
When I attended the college far away from my home for the first time, a wave of thrill permeated
my mind. I would go back home twice a year and spend my time in college coming to know
myself, searching for answers and making decisions without too much disappointing
engagement. I have no regret now and likely so too in the future. If I had been an obedient
daughter choosing to go exactly the way my parents expected of me, I would’ve missed a true self
and lost passions towards life. Although some of my decisions and ideas proved unrealiable,
those from which I have invested a lot to do research and evaluation usually worked well. And
the exploration process was beyond valuable.
As I mentioned, my parents are protective of me and don’t like to see me coming across
obstacles despite their magic to make people stronger. When I was away from home, I
increasingly came to understand that life was never devoid of setbacks. I learned to settle most
of the problems without my parents knowing it because they couldn’t do anything but worry
about me. Many times I skipped “processes”, only to give them “results” because to explain some
complication or indicate a move without substantial leveraging power could be frustrating and
ineffective. When I felt sad or unhappy, I tried not to bring too much negativity to my parents
because they always wanted to see a positive version of me.
So back to the question, how to handle generational gap? Personally, I don’t think it’s a good
idea to go against our own will just to make parents happy because that would bring deeper
agony and regret to ourselves. And it’s not necessarily the only way to please our parents.
Although honesty and mutual trust is the foundation of any relationship, white lies could be
used to a proper extent and at the proper moments to avoid unnecessary conflicts and emotional
jeopardy. Learn to think and act rationally and make decisions with full preparation. In that
way, our words will carry more legitimacy and weight. After all, parents always want their
children to do the right things. They just need reassurance and confirmation from time to time.
Give them that by gaining more competence so their doubt will slowly vanish. Of course, parents
are the most important people to us on earth. We should understand and respect them anytime
anywhere. Try not to think of generational gap as an obstacle, but as a healthy check-and-
balance between parents’ will and our will!
Joyce Fetteroll, radically unschooling parent since the age of the dinosaurs
Answered Nov 8, 2015 · Author has 9.1k answers and 4.2m answer views
Originally Answered: Why is there a communication gap between adults and children?
Because more often than not adults are better at talking than listening. At least in the US,
parents are very focused on molding children into decent adults. Which means often focusing on
the right way rather than on listening to what kids are trying to do and helping them find better
ways.
It's pretty much the same gap between kids and adults as there is between any adult who is
directing and not listening to another adult. It causes the other adult to shut down.
There's also, as there has been since the 50s when teen culture really developed, a gap in
interests. Adults look down on kids' interests rather than getting to know them. Interests are a
big part of who we are. By showing disdain for kids' interests it's much the same as showing
disdain for the child. At the very least, it's disconnecting. The more disconnected people are, the
harder it is to communicate. If adults want to communicate it's up to them to get to know kids.
5.6k views · View 8 Upvoters · Answer requested by Nusaiba Maliha Islam
Sailaja Kumar, Save a Girl child

Answered Feb 26, 2017 · Author has 149 answers and 495.3k answer views
One of the common problems the current generation is facing…. A Generation Gap between
Parents and Children. This is becoming a major problem and creating big mess in families.
Our personal experience is the real source of knowledge. Parents always guide their children
with their personal experience. But, this may not be true because, each experience is different.
You can’t understand the pain or joy unless you have actually experienced it. So, let the child
experiment it.
What work for one person may not work for any other person because people have different
talents and aptitude. So, please stop comparing your kids with your neighbors or
friends. If your child scored 70 marks and your neighbor’s kid scored 71 that is ok.
You are actually losing the happiness in your child’s victory in comparing with
others.
When you start comparing your kids saying, you are not studying well, your friend is better
in everything, at some point, Your child starts feeling that “he is really inferior to your
friends kid”. You are sowing a seed in your child’s heart and this leads to a hatred
feeling towards you.
Parents have to sit with their children and listen to their views to find a path to these
misunderstandings. Here comes the EGO. Both the parents and the kids will have ego
and this never be satisfied with anything. Either the child or the parent takes steps to re-
construct the broken relationship. If that is not there, sorry, it never works.
1. Communicate openly with each other.
2. It is necessary to understand that there is a reason for your children’s behaviour

and it's not intentional.
3. This is one of the main reasons for increased number of nuclear families. We
are missing (our grandchildren are missing the love and affection of
grandparents) each other with ego and inferiority complexes. The real sweetness
in Joint Families cannot be experienced, until the parents clear the
misunderstandings.
Children are like clay, you can mould in your own way. If it is not well, you have to
face the problem when they grow.
Bilal Khan, Founder and CEO at Ziapy

Updated Sep 18, 2018
How does one handle generation gap between parents and children?
Their importance in our life
Our parents play an important role in what we're today and in what we'll be in future. It’s our
parents who make us successful in all sphere of life, they guides us, supports us, teaches us, and
propels us in all phases of your life. The biggest role is of our mother; most cherished and
admired relation in the world. she is special for everyone and should be. She is one who taught
us everything from how to speak to what to speak, from how to eat to what to eat, from how to
dress up for school to college, she is with us from happiness to sorrow, she taught us from what
is right to what is wrong, she always support us no matter, we are right or wrong.
Definitely she is one who brings smiles on our faces when we move down to the memory lane
from our childhood till now. But when I move down to my childhood memory lane what I have
is her faint memory; unfortunately, probably when I was about 5 years old she left this world.
But when I look around I realize how lucky they are who have someone under whose feet lies the
paradise. So realize importance of her presence in your life and love her as the way she loves you
unconditionally; dedicate every day of your life to her don’t wait for mother day; celebrate
everyday as a mother day
How To handle generation gap between parents and children?
Somewhere you have to admit the generation gap between you and your parents;
where the technology become much advance society become much modern and education
system become much upgraded. And due to this generation gap your opinion,decision and views
may differ from your parents and it is quite obvious phenomenon .Try to understand them and
take care of their feeling and emotion and under such situation this is what must be done :
 You must understand that they are your well-wisher and care taker and you must
respect their decision because it's their experience and knowledge that speaks; even
though according to you it’s not correct.
 Sometime you might get irritated by their excess care but don’t get irritate because for
them you are always a small child even if you reach the age of 40’s.
 If you really think that they are being protective and not much practical, you should
talk to them patiently.
 Enhance communication with your parent it will makes them happy and help them to
understand you better.
 Generation gap and different outlooks on life may lead to misunderstanding but you
should never turn your back on your parent. You should make the first move and turn
over a new leaf
Ganesh Krishnamoorthy, Supervisor

Answered Nov 23, 2016 · Author has 571 answers and 1m answer views
People are always talking about “the problem of youth”. If there is one- which I take leave to
doubt-then it is older people who create it, not the young themselves. Let us get down to the
fundamentals and agree that the young are after all human beings, people just like their elders.
There is only one difference between an old man and young one: the young man has glorious
future before him and old one has splendid past behind him; and may be this is where rub is.
When I was a teenager, I felt that I was just young and uncertain. I would have been very
pleased to be regarded as something so interesting as problem. For one thing, being a problem
gives you a certain identity and that is one of the things the young are busily engaged in seeking.
I find young people exciting. They have air of freedom, and they have not a dreary commitment
to mean ambition or love of comfort. They are not anxious social climbers, and they have no
devotion to material things. All this is in my mind when I meet a young person. He many be
conceited, ill-mannered, presumptuous,but I do not turn for protection to dreary dictates about
respect for elders - as if mere age were a reason for respect. I accept that we are equal and I will
argue with him as an equal if I think he wrong.
https://academic.oup.com/innovateage/article/1/3/igx026/4643095
https://www.quora.com/How-does-one-handle-the-generation-gap-between-parents-and-children-Is-it-
natural-to-lose-patience-when-the-clash-of-views-happens-between-different-generations-If-yes-then-
how-do-people-handle-it-without-hurting-the-sentiments-of-elders
Generation Gap Quotes

Quotes tagged as "generation-gap" Showing 1-30 of 59
“Family likeness has often a deep sadness in it. Nature, that great tragic dramatist, knits us
together by bone and muscle, and divides us by the subtler web of our brains; blends yearning
and repulsion; and ties us by our heart-strings to the beings that jar us at every movement.”
― George Eliot, Adam Bede
tags: generation-gap, parenthood
44 likes
Like
“I suppose every generation has a conceit of itself which elevates it, in its own opinion, above
that which comes after it. ("The Open Door")”
― Margaret Oliphant, The Gentlewomen of Evil: An Anthology of Rare Supernatural
Stories from the Pens of Victorian Ladies
tags: generation-gap
10 likes
Like
“You waste everything because you’ve always had everything.”

― Balli Kaur Jaswal, Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows
tags: generation-gap, indian-culture, perspective
8 likes
Like
“We have been cut off, the past has been ended and the family has broken up and the present is
adrift in its wheelchair. ... That is no gap between the generations, that is a gulf. The elements
have changed, there are whole new orders of magnitude and kind. [...]
My grandparents had to live their way out of one world and into another, or into several others,
making new out of old the way corals live their reef upward. I am on my grandparents' side. I
believe in Time, as they did, and in the life chronological rather than in the life existential. We
live in time and through it, we build our huts in its ruins, or used to, and we cannot afford all
these abandonings.”
― Wallace Stegner, Angle of Repose
tags: breakage, build-up, chronology, development, existentialism, family, generation-
gap, history, life,modernity, past, present, time
6 likes
Like
“I wanted to ask which war---the Boer or the Crimean? It was amazing how old people could talk
about The War, as though that meant something.”
― John Christopher, When the Tripods Came
tags: generation-gap
2 likes
Like
“Everywhere Frances looked there were children: children sitting gravely behind news
desks, controlling traffic, running writers' festivals, taking her blood pressure, managing her
taxes, and fitting her bras.”
― Liane Moriarty, Nine Perfect Strangers
tags: aging, generation-gap
2 likes
Like
“You're not content in your position as a factory owner and a rich heiress, you don't believe in
your right to it, and now you can't sleep, which, of course, is certainly better than if you were
content, slept soundly, and thought everything was fine. Your insomnia is respectable; in any
event, it's a good sign. In fact, for our parents such a conversation as we're having now would
have been unthinkable; they didn't talk at night, they slept soundly, but we, our generation,
sleep badly, are anguished, talk a lot, and keep trying to decide if we're right or not.
- A Medical Case”
― Anton Chekhov, Selected Stories of Anton Chekhov
tags: conscience, generation-gap, inheritance, land-ownership, russia
1 likes
Like
“The rules for raising children had gone out with her parents generation of daughters who had
lived as Lucy had, in patient silence, acting by standards which had lasted generations, waiting
to grow up to make their decisions, following the patterns of their own lives.”
― Susan Richards Shreve, You Are the Love of My Life
tags: generation-gap, raising-children, women
1 likes
Like
“Anyway, in order to get along, the second Boomer group would have to learn to trust the
younger millennials more, which is almost anathema to this micromanaging generation. Often,
these are the parents or bosses who criticize millennials for doing things differently from what
they were used to, which irks the youngsters who are more open to change. The millennials, on
their part, would fare better by suspending their natural suspicion, and understanding that these
elders are often just concerned with problem-solving underneath their hypercritical, nagging
ways. These are people who have done things over and over all throughout their lives, and are
having difficulty letting the old ways go.”
― Cate East, Generational Astrology: How Astrology Can Crack the Millennial Code
tags: astrology, astrology-quotes, baby-boomers, generation-gap, generation-
y, generations, millennial,millennials
0 likes
Like
“The young, no doubt, make mistakes; but the old, when they try to think for them, make even
greater mistakes.”
― Bertrand Russell, Mortals and Others: American Essays 1931-35
tags: adults, generation-gap, mistakes, parents, young
0 likes
Like
“The cigar has been smoked out, and we are the ashes.”
― Anthony Trollope, Barchester Towers
tags: generation-gap, generations, poverty, prosperity, time
0 likes
Like
“The millennials said it best: You Only Live Once. And for that precious thing that one can’t live
without, they will spend their whole lives searching. When they find it, they will keep doing it
until it kills them. The older generations shriek at this intensity, but it is simply how the
millennial mind is wired. “What use of living if you don’t live on the edge?” they ask. After all,
the life force is strongest the nearer we are to death. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
tags: astrology, astrology-quotes, generation-gap, generation-
y, generations, millennial, millennials
0 likes
Like
“In the end, for suffering so much without barely a grunt, for fighting and dying in a War
decreed by their elders, for enduring The Great Depression, and for rebuilding their homelands,
no other generation of the century has come close to the achievements of aptly-named “The
Greatest Generation.”
y, generations, millennial, millennials, the-greatest-generation
0 likes
Like
“From a generation ruled by the Moon to a generation ruled by the Sun, the difference between
The Greatest Generation and The Baby Boomers is like night and day.”
y, generations, millennial,millennials, the-greatest-generation
0 likes
Like
“The problem with a generation treated like royalty as children as they partied their life to the
fullest was that they became quite used to special treatment as they grew into adults and
produced children of their own. As the Baby Boomers had babies of their own, the need to be the
best transformed into “which one has the most special child?”
0 likes
Like
“Truly the worst generation. Stupid children nowadays are nothing like my time. We were far
more independent. We weren’t so weak that we needed to lean on others to make it in this
world. Either you were the best or you were trash. That was the bottom line. You can’t even fight
a rebellion with your own strength.”
― Charles Lee, Children of the Slums
tags: difference-of-opinion, generation-gap, generation-x, generation-y, millennials
0 likes
Like
“Due to their tendency to micromanage, they left little for their millennial and Gen Z children to
work on themselves, resulting in the current problem of “adulting”—more so felt by the
millennials, often being their eldest children.”
tags: adulting, astrology, astrology-quotes, baby-boomers, generation-gap, generation-
y, generations,millennial, millennials
0 likes
Like
“This great focus on relationships, and the appearance of coupling or marrying for status, can
cause the public to perceive them to be promiscuous. Many of them are, indeed, but it is not
their usual style. What they normally want is a lifelong companion, a true partner they can
integrate themselves completely with, forever and ever. The sad reality is that this is a rare gem
to find, so many of them scamper from one bed to another, hoping to find The One.”
tags: astrology, astrology-quotes, generation-gap, generation-x, generations
0 likes
Like
“And God said, “Let there be millennials.”
Like a wrench in the machinery, the little creatures went out, played with toys and went to
school. The adults were at first pleased—“ah, how might these little things fit in our established
world?” they wondered. “In what way must we hammer them to fit our mold?” More underlings
was something to be anticipated and so they hammered the little things. But the little things
didn’t adapt—they cried in pain. They cried, but they didn’t change. They grew up, and the tears
became resentment and turned into psychological disorders. The adults hammered again—just a
little more and they should cooperate. But they didn’t. And soon enough, the youngsters were
fully grown.
The adults beheld the creatures in fear and muttered the only word that came to mind:
“Monsters.”
0 likes
Like
“What would you do, if you weren’t afraid to die?

This is the question that most millennials face in their lives.”
0 likes
Like
“In their lives, they struggle with betrayal and power-tripping. Betrayal came at an early age to
this generation.”
0 likes
Like
“Enduring treatment like this from those they held dear, they developed a sharp instinct
regarding human nature, finely-tuned to detect those who only mean to take advantage of their
trust. They developed an accurate sense of suspicion, learning intuitively how to weed out the
lies that people tell themselves.”
0 likes
Like
“They bond deeply with their chosen companions, often unsatisfied with a shallow connection.”
0 likes
Like
“This is because only two things can fulfill millennials: First is to be completely understood,
accepted and respected by a loyal companion whom they respect themselves—a lifelong
seduction with someone they can call their own. This level of understanding and intimacy is the
only way they can heal the wounds of their treacherous childhood. The second thing is having
enough money to live a lifelong vacation and help people along the way—as they are an
emotional generation, they are actually compassionate about their fellowmen though they may
not seem like it. Nothing dissatisfies this cohort more than the need to fend for basic necessities,
as it goes against their lifelong quest to find fulfillment and reduces them to their base human
urges they consider beneath them, like fighting for resources and food—an anathema to this
generation who puts a premium on self-actualization.”
0 likes
Like
“As for power, they have very little of that, having little money. Before they were born, it was
pretty much unheard of for a generation to make less than their parents, and as such, their
expectant parents, having achieved quite a lot for their own, showered them with gifts and
praise, hoping to one day take part in the economic windfall that the special millennials were
certain to achieve. Now that they have fallen short of the bar of success set by their parents,
they’re demoted in the power hierarchy and considered economic untouchables.”
0 likes
Like
“In short, millennials have been dealt a bad hand in their career, social, and romantic lives—
some even in their family. In the karma points of the world, millennials are of the lowest caste so
far. As a result, they are treated with disdain, contempt, and disrespect. Most of the time, they
don’t fight back, usually in danger of losing their financial stability.”
0 likes
Like
“The first and foremost easiest slip-up to get to a millennial’s bad side is power-tripping them.
This is a generation that has seen a lot of B.S. in their lives, and nothing you do to hide yours will
escape their sensitive lie detectors.”
0 likes
Like
“In order to live on this Earth together in harmony, humanity must make certain compromises
to relate to each other. Everyone must make the necessary adaptations at some point in their
lives—as children, they must adapt to their guardians; as adults, to their authorities and
governments; and as elderly persons, to their caretakers. Those at the top now may not be there
one day, and those at the bottom now could eventually rise to the top. Life is a cycle.”
tags: astrology, astrology-quotes, compromise, generation-gap, generation-
y, generations, government,millennial, millennials, power
0 likes
Like
“The differences of the generations may be unsettling or overwhelming now, but rest assured
that history merely repeats itself, and that everything is in order.
The millennial hatred phenomenon is merely a representation of a common pattern in human
life of favoring, disliking, detesting, accepting, and then finally surrendering to a new
generation. It’s happened over history and will happen again.”
0 likes
Like
“Sorry to tell you, but that's a very old chestnut. My mother used to say when God slams a door
on you, he opens a window.'
Tig gave this two seconds of respectful consideration before rejecting it. 'No, that's not the same.
I'm saying when God slams a door on you it's probably a shitstorm. You're going to end up in
rubble. But it's okay because without all that crap overhead, you're standing in the daylight.'
'Without a roof over your head, it kind of feels like you might die.'
'Yeah, but you might not. For sure you won't find your way out of the mess if you keep picking
up bricks and stuffing them in your pockets. What you have to do is look for blue sky.”
― Barbara Kingsolver, Unsheltered
tags: american-dream, climate-change, end-of-the-world, generation-
gap, god, homeless, opportunity,optimism, shelter, unsheltered
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/generation-gap
http://www.wmfc.org/uploads/GenerationalDifferencesChart.pdf
The Generation Gap – How to Bridge the Gap in the Workplace
Mary Whitman
Guest Writer
August 06, 2018
All
Insights
Work/Life
Business
Deputy
Videos
Home
Blog
The Generation Gap – How to Bridge the Gap in the Workplace
Generation Gap Definition
The generation gap is the difference of outlook, opinions, beliefs, skills, attitudes, and behaviors
among the older generations and the younger generations. In short, the generation gap is the
age gap between each generation. While the generation gap has been prevalent throughout all
periods of history, it has only grown more prevalent in recent years.
Generation gaps are very evident in today’s workplace as seniors tend to work beyond the
traditional age for retirement. Sometimes a workplace may have Baby Boomers (1946-1964),
Generation Xers (1965-1976), Generation Yers (1977-1990), and Millennials (born since 1991)
all working side by side. Open communicationbetween the different generations is essential to
bridge this gap. This helps each generation to recognize the strengths and skills of another and
creates more cohesiveness.
What are the biggest challenges in working across generations?
One of the biggest challenges in the workplace is that a leadership deficit is being created. As
older people leave the workplace, there are not enough Gen Xers to fill the need. Gen Yers and
Millennials are flooding the workplace, but they still need to develop skills and gain experience.
Younger bosses are working with older employees and older bosses with younger employees. A
wide gap often exists in terms of lifestyles, values, work ethics, communication styles,
experience, and technological aptitude.
Generation gap challenges include the following:

 Varying communication styles
 Different characteristics and work ethics
 Different feedback expectations
 Different understanding of work/life balance
 Different ways to resolve conflict
Varying Communication Styles
As technology advances, generations growing up with the advances embrace them whilst other
generations who did not grow up with them often struggle to adapt.
Baby Boomers
 Grew up using telephones, sending letters by post and using typewriters.
 Prefer phone conversations and face-to-face communication.
 They have often struggled to adapt to modern technology.
Gen Xers
 They are familiar with technology, but it is not second nature to them as it is to the
following generations. They have adapted pretty well.
Gen Yers and Millennials
 These generations grew up with advanced technology in the form of laptops, tablets, and
mobile phones.
 They are constantly online, sharing on social media platforms like Snapchat,
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and using instant messaging like WhatsApp and
Facebook Chat.
 They have embraced a different way of working and relating with far more immediacy
and informality in their communications. When they see that tick mark on WhatsApp,
they immediately know a message has been read.
Different characteristics and work ethics
Baby Boomers
 work best in teams

 value meetings
 like being able to ask for direction
 believe in working hard and paying their dues
 often prioritize their work over everything else
 gain self-worth from their work
Gen Xers
 resilient
 adaptable and independent (their mothers were likely to work, and parents were often
divorced)
 like working on their own without interference
Gen Yers
 enjoy challenges (“why should we do this your way?”)

 savvy and street smart
 like a structured workplace
 respect accomplishments over authority
 want to achieve their own goals
Millennials
 want opportunities to learn and grow

 expect and demand feedback
 incredibly tech savvy
 great multi-taskers and skilled collaborators
 live fast-paced lives
 prefer to learn for themselves than be told what to do
 want authenticity
 need a sense of purpose (They are even willing to earn less for the opportunity to do
meaningful work).
Different feedback expectations
Baby Boomers expect to be acknowledged in the form of yearly pay raises, promotions, and
titles. Subsequent generations require constant, consistent feedback to make sure they are on
target with their goals. Gen Yers who were raised with praise, high expectations, appreciate
immediate feedback, and rewards.
Millenials want to be treated as valued employees who are kept in the loop about what’s going
on in a company. Don’t try to keep them in the dark and deprive them of relevant information or
they lose motivation and leave. They want to do meaningful work with a purpose and help to
change the world.
Different understanding of work/life balance
Baby Boomers often work very hard to achieve expectations and tend to adapt their personal
lives to fit what’s expected. This can be an area of conflict because they expect the younger
generations to have the same work ethic and want them to earn respect and pay their dues.
Gen Xers like the challenge of work but they want more balance in their lives. Gen Yers and
Millennials are committed to their careers, but they want to experience fulfillment in their work.
They appreciate the flexibility that technology gives them and want to be able to use this to
improve their work/life balance.
They prefer to design their own work schedule and not to waste too much time commuting.
Working in flexible jobs gives often allows them to be more productive, develop their
organizational skills, work from anywhere, and make more time for other activities.
John Barr, a Baby Boomer, has devoted his whole life to working hard to provide for his family.
He says “I believe that it’s important to work hard and I have had to make many sacrifices along
the way.” He is very loyal to the company he works for and has been at the same company for
his whole working life. He feels the Millenials in his company do not appreciate and respect his
work ethic.
Millenials think completely differently about work. They usually don’t anticipate staying with a
company for more than two years. They are very excited about career prospects and
opportunities and will quickly move on if they feel they are stagnating. They are extremely good
at leveraging technological solutions and rely heavily on digital communication. This means they
expect more flexibility when it comes to their working schedules. Many of them are able to work
remotely which gives them more opportunity to establish a healthy work/life balance that was
not available to their predecessors.
Marion Bauer, a content writer for assignmentgeek.com.au, explains what she wants as a
millennial. She says “As millennials, we do not regard an hourly wage in itself as enough. We
want to have our hearts and minds engaged in what we do. If we don’t experience fulfillment
and believe we are making a difference, we don’t hesitate to move on”.
Different ways to resolve conflict
Baby Boomers want the consensus of the team. Gen Xers want to resolve conflict immediately
and address problems directly. Gen Yers have often been taught conflict resolution skills during
their school years that they can utilize. They want to understand the reasons for
misunderstandings. Millennial are not that good at handling conflict and often need coaching.
How to Accommodate all Generations
Are the generations so different that it’s impossible to accommodate them within one company?
Here’s how to accommodate all generations in the workplace:
 Avoid stereotyping
 Open communication and transparency
 Adjust communication methods
 Mentoring is key
 Improve training
 Create a company culture of mutual respect
Avoid stereotyping
Stereotypes have developed about all the generations. For example, Baby Boomers are thought
to be technologically inept and intransigent. Peter Capelli, director of Wharton’s Human
Resources Center, says that in fact there are not permanent, intrinsic differences between the
generations. He says that younger people behave in a different way to older ones but after a
few decades, they probably experience essentially the same type of issues.
The tendency to stereotype employees according to age can be unfair, such as the idea that
older people are unwilling to learn new stuff or that younger people don’t respect the older
generations. While there are common tendencies, attributes, and skill sets within a generation,
this should not take away from individual differences that exist. It’s very important to understand
these individual differences, rather than just making blanket assessments of capabilities.
Employees are likely to become resentful if they feel they are being treated in a certain
way based on their birth date.
Anyone with good management and leadership skills will find there are ways to bridge the gap
between the generations and bring out what’s best in all employees.
 They know the importance of teaching skills and providing opportunities for growth and
career advancement.
 They know that they need to be transparent and open if they want to gain the trust of
their employees and they need this trust because they know they can’t do everything on
their own.
 They understand how important it is to communicate regularly and clearly about their
expectations and goals.
 They know that to achieve their goals they need to put their own egos aside and serve
others.
Open communication and transparency
There is no substitute for this type of environment where everyone feels as though they have a
part to play in the direction of the company. They are forced to see both sides and come to grips
with other viewpoints. Everyone should be given the opportunity to present creative thoughts,
complaints, ideas, and concerns.
In an inclusive environment where everyone is heard, better decisions will be made. Different
generations also become exposed to the viewpoints of others and begin to appreciate the
differences in the ways they approach their work, communicate, see their careers, and view
their job roles. For example, Baby Boomers could benefit from embracing the attitude of
Millennials towards work/life balance.
Adjust communication methods
When it comes to communication, a blend of methods could be instituted to enable all

generations to feel comfortable with one option or another. Some crucial meetings could require
in-person attendance and others could be done via video chat.
Attending some meetings in person could help Millenials who are so used to relating to others
through a screen. Some meetings are largely time-wasting and could be eliminated.
In a company, email could be a staple, but tasks and initiatives could also be discussed through
Slack, work could be shared on Twitter, voice messages sent using Voxer, and collaboration
encouraged using Google Docs. This would help to capture everyone’s preference when it
came to communication.
Older generations could benefit from exposure to the quick communication methods of the Gen
Yers and Millennials and how they leverage technology to increase their productivity.
As the younger generations enter the workforce, they expect technology to be implemented. In
fact, more than 74 percent of millennials believe new technology makes their lives easier,
compared to 31 percent of Generation X and just 18 percent of Baby Boomers. In today’s age,
it’s critical to utilize technology in the workplace. Employee management software can help
open communication with the entire team. Apps, like Deputy, make it easy for any employee to
view their schedule, tasks, and any important notifications. Having an employee management
software like Deputy in place will show the younger generations that your company is innovative
and always one step ahead of competitors. Try Deputy for free and see how it can transform
your business operations:
Mentoring is key
A successful, well-rounded workplace is one where all generations listen to one another and
learn from one another. Fostering a sense of family encourages older employees to mentor
millennials and offer them the benefit of their expertise and experience.
A mentorship program enables different generations to communicate and learn more about
each other. The ones doing the mentoring often learn as much as the ones being mentored.
They are exposed to fresh perspectives and creative ideas. Millenials looking for feedback
appreciate the opportunity to seek out advice from more experienced employees they have
developed a relationship with and this is a good way to facilitate their growth.
Improve training
Training courses can help accelerate the growth of Gen Yers and Millennials entering the
workplace, thus reducing the gap caused by the lack of Gen Xers to fill the positions of Baby
Boomers who are retiring.
Getting older employees with years of experience to provide this training can help to prevent
them from feeling sidelined and feel more receptive to transferring their knowledge. It can open
the eyes of the younger generations to how much they still have to learn and foster respect for
the experience of the older employee.
Create a company culture of mutual respect
The older generation wants respect for their experience and expertise. Millennials also want
respect and appreciation. They may not have experience, but they want to be appreciated for
what they can contribute. Respect is an important need that they have in common.
Tips for younger bosses working with senior employees
With Gen Yers and Millennials flooding into the workplace, many Baby Boomers are finding
themselves reporting to those who are younger than themselves. They have spent years
working hard for the company, acquiring skills and experience and may feel that they are being
pushed aside.
However, their input is valuable, and the transfer of their knowledge is important. This is often
where organizations run into trouble – they get rid of all the older employees to make way for
younger ones, and that important transfer of knowledge doesn’t take place. What younger
bosses need to do is:
 Listen actively
 Use the employee’s expertise and experience
 Create individual development plans
 Give opportunities for team involvement
 Tips for older bosses working with young employees
 Give constant, constructive feedback
 Encourage big picture thinking and creativity
 Provide up-to-date technology
 Set reasonable expectations with ways to fulfill them
If companies can utilize the differing perspectives and skills of different generations, they have a
good recipe for success. It can be a challenge, but when the balance is mastered, it has the
potential of offering some impressive results.
Conclusion
Contrasting views of the different generations don’t have to result in conflict and disagreement.
Fostering a work environment where differences are valued and respected instead of punished
or downplayed can help to bridge the generation gap.
With Millennials come new ways of working and traditional business models are being
disrupted. There is an uncertainty that didn’t exist in the past, and this can exacerbate tensions.
But everything goes back to having a good company culture, and part of this is encouraging
respect. Each generation has different priorities, and all employees must respect what is
important to their colleagues.
Get everyone on the same page through better collaboration by utilizing tools that can
streamline and benefit your business. Schedule a call with one of Deputy’s amazing reps and
see how employee management software can improve business operations:
SET UP A TIME TO CHAT

Important Notice
The information contained in this article is general in nature and you should consider whether
the information is appropriate to your needs. Legal and other matters referred to in this article
are of a general nature only and are based on Deputy's interpretation of laws existing at the
time and should not be relied on in place of professional advice. Deputy is not responsible for
the content of any site owned by a third party that may be linked to this article and no warranty
is made by us concerning the suitability, accuracy or timeliness of the content of any site that
may be linked to this article. Deputy disclaims all liability (except for any liability which by law
cannot be excluded) for any error, inaccuracy, or omission from the information contained in this
article and any loss or damage suffered by any person directly or indirectly through relying on
this information.
https://www.deputy.com/blog/the-generation-gap-how-to-bridge-the-gap-in-the-workplace
Millennials: A generation of firsts

Stay informed on our latest news!
E-mail *
Subscribe
Marj Casal, October 26, 2015 | 1:26pm

Facebook Twitter Viber Facebook
Messenger Pinterest Share
MANILA – The traditionalists, baby boomers and the gen X may have
arrived way ahead of the millennials but being born at a time of convenience
and technological advancements, this generation was given the gift (or the
curse, depends on how you look at it) to experience a number of firsts.
In his talk at UPMG’s Print Con 2015 on Thursday, inspirational speaker,

leadership trainer, book author and columnist Francis Kong listed down the
10 things that the millennial generation got first dibs on.
This is the first generation that…
1. Does not need adults to get information

The internet connection in the Philippines may not have reached the
acceptable speed just yet but it it is definitely not as sluggishly slow as the
time when some of us had to endure dial up. So, for this generation, the
information is literally available on Google at the touch of their fingertips.
2. Can broadcast their every thought and emotion

With the advent of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social networking
sites, millennials will never run out of avenues to voice out their thoughts and
opinions especially now that there are people who, whether they like it or not,
will listen or probably just lurk on their status updates.
3. Enjoy external stimuli at their fingertips 24/7
Whenever boredom strikes, millennials nowadays, would still have to lift a
finger to kill time–to click and scroll on their smartphones, tablets, and
laptop–but other than that, their feet, legs, hips and back could just stay
where they are: in the couch.
4. Is in social contact all the time yet often in isolation

Millennials now are talking more than they have ever been with their friends
and families which they do while holed up in a corner using Viber, WeChat,
Facebook Chat and other online messaging platforms usually during
gatherings where they are surrounded by actual people–completely missing
the point.
5. Will learn more from a portable device than a class

A semester’s worth of syllabus today could probably be learned by a student
by browsing his phone and reading through online articles from news outlets
and virtual encyclopedias while stuck in traffic. Unlike the first few years of
the Internet, it is easier now to distinguish legitimate information from those
that are not especially to these digital natives who are more cautious than
some might think.
6. Adults have actually enabled kids to become narcissistic

Francis Kong emphasizes how parents nowadays have become more fierce
and competitive when it comes to their kids, and complains at any instance of
inconvenience inflicted upon their children. This has kept schools on their
toes as if they’re always walking on egg shells, making sure that every child
is getting the right amount of attention and recognition: “We invent awards
so kids don’t get disappointed.”
This kind of attitude, says Kong is what produces a generation with low
tolerance for pain, “if parents are not willing to let their kids undergo
frustrations, don’t expect them to succeed in the future.”
7. Uses phones instead of a watch, camera, or calendar or a board game

With gadgets offering all-in-one features, there’s nothing that millennials
need that they wouldn’t find on their phones, catering to this generation’s
short attention span. Thanks to apps, even food and transportation can be
summoned without breaking a sweat.
8. Can travel anywhere in the world with budget fares

Crossing off things on the bucket list is no longer just a dream. Young
professionals who just earned their first paycheck can just hop on a plane
without burning a hole in their pockets now that airlines are offering very low
fares that no one would have imagined years before. The process of
purchasing a ticket, too, isn’t as complicated anymore, giving travel agencies
a run of their money.
9. Are experts in hobbies

When loom bands became a booming trend in the Philippines last year, I
gave a set to my niece as a gift and offered to teach her how to do it only to
be told that she already knew how, “Youtube,” she said. Of course. The
internet is a gold mine of "how to" videos that will teach you anything you
need to know–from how to play the guitar, how to braid your hair, to how to
convince your parents to let you go to a concert (Hello, WikiHow).
10. Makes money before getting their diploma and can extend their
services globally
A lot of websites that offer “work from home” services are available and
accessible to just about anyone. This kind of freelance work does not
discriminate whether you are a doctorate holder or an out-of-school youth as
long as you have the skill and can deliver the output on time, making it a
convenient avenue for skilled youngsters who choose to make use of their
time earning themselves extra money on top of their meager allowances.
Taking these things into consideration, millennials are also often branded as a
sloppy generation. Kong reminds the adults, especially company managers
that all the mudslinging thrown at this generation’s way are not true, “young
people want to join companies that provide personal growth, invest in their
personality, stretch them and reward them.”
Kong adds that millennials, just like every one of us really, want to work in a
pleasant environment, “they want managers that inspire them and genuinely
care for them,” and does not want to be treated like a useless tool, “start
treating the young people as creators not consumers. Let them surprise you
with what they can do.”
Illustration by: Almira Maniri

https://adobomagazine.com/philippine-news/millennials-generation-firsts
Let’s cut millennials a break

17SHARES00
GO FOR GOLD - James Michael Lafferty (The Philippine Star) - July 3, 2017 - 4:00pm
In the Philippines, I interview Millennials every week. I see so many superb
young people who are juggling school, jobs, helping provide for a wider family,
and enduring daily commutes that would destroy most people.
If there is ever a truism in life, it is this: “Every generation trashes the

succeeding generation, calls them spoiled and undisciplined, and laments the
future of the world in their hands.”
My parents were born in 1914. They grew up and graduated high school
during the Great Depression. I was born in 1963, the last of seven children at
the tail end of the “Baby Boomer” generation. Many of my childhood
memories are recalling stories: I was told how “tough” my parents’ generation
was, and how spoiled and babied the Baby Boomers were.
If I got into the car in the middle of winter and said I was “cold,” I got a lecture
on how lucky I was to have a car with a heater, as in their day the Ford Model-
T had only a hole in the floor to heat the car, solely from the heat generated
by the engine!
If I ever said as a child I was “bored,” I got a lecture on how lucky I was to
have any toys to play with, as during the Great Depression nobody had any
money and they played with sticks they found in the forest!
If I didn’t finish a meal, I got a lecture on how “nobody wasted food” in the
1930s and how lucky I was to be able to eat three square meals!
I can recall listening to this, wondering even as a small child if all this bluster
was true, and, if us Baby Boomers were as wimpy as my parents’ generation
made us out to be.
The world didn’t fall apart in our hands. My business career commenced in the
mid-1980s, right in heart of the “Wall Street” phenomenon immortalized by the
Michael Douglas and Charlie Sheen classic. We worked like dogs — 60- and
70-hour weeks were the norm. Climbing the ladder was everything. Vacations
were a luxury few of us took in full. The Baby Boomers ended up being hard
workers. And perhaps a bit too focused on salary, advancement, and climbing
the ladder. The 1980s became known as the “decade of greed.”
By the mid- to late 1990s I had climbed the ladder and was a senior manager
in P&G. I can recall vividly one day a younger manager, perhaps 26 or 27,
coming to see me and asking me for permission to take a “six-month
sabbatical.” I asked for a more detailed explanation. And what I got was this:
“Jim, I am just so burned out. I have been working hard for three years now.
My girlfriend just dumped me. I am about to break. So, I just want to take six
months off, go to Argentina and learn how to paint.”
I recall this well because it was a defining moment in my career to that point. It
was the first time I recognized a generational gap between myself, a Baby
Boomer, and this employee, a “Gen Xer.” At lunch that day, I, along with a
fellow colleague, also in his late 30s, shared our woes about the “next
generation” and how wimpy they are. I had four kids. I had not taken a two-
week vacation at a time in nearly 15 years. I wish I had the luxury of taking six
months off to go paint in South America! And after a mere three years of
working, this guy was burned out!
That was the last generational discussion like that I had. One lunch
discussion. I swore I would not be like my parents. We Baby Boomers had
turned out just fine. And the Generation Xers would also turn out just fine.
Because, for centuries now, every generation has trashed the one that
follows. Has called it the “end of the world.” And things have been just fine,
and progress has been made. All this generational talk is nothing more than
bluster. Humanity always finds a way.
Which brings me to today.

If there is ever a topic that consistently stays in the news or in social media
circles, it is all about trashing the current “Millennial” generation. There are
talk show sequences being replayed on Facebook, news articles and
commentaries, video clips of coaches complaining about “Everyone wins a
trophy” culture and the like. And everyone says the same thing: Millennials
feel entitled. They complain a lot. They don’t understand the realities of life
such as “Everyone doesn’t win.” They don’t work hard. They are addicted to
their smartphones and lack social skills. It’s a long list of woes against
Millennials.
I was browsing through LinkedIn the other day and some HR practitioner
posted a comment about how “she can’t find a Millennial who has worked in
college and values work experience prior to starting their professional career.”
And so many Gen Xers and Baby Boomers posted similar laments on the
laziness of Millennials and their lack of work ethic. Her entire posting, which
as of now has 900+ comments, is pretty much all about how pathetic
Millennials are. They don’t “work hard” like “we did in college and struggle to
work and achieve good grades.”
I was one of the outliers. In my comment, I asked her where the hell was she
interviewing and who did she interview? Because in the Philippines, I
interview Millennials every week. I see so many superb young people who are
juggling school, jobs, helping provide for a wider family, and enduring daily
commutes that would destroy most people. In these cases, I see Millennials
who are actual courageous heroes.
My organization today has an average age of 29. It’s 99 percent Millennial.

They are smart, resilient, battle-hardened and hardworking. You read some of
these articles, and you look at this team, and you must wonder, “What the hell
are these people talking about?”
Yes, I have met entitled Millennials. But the same is true for Baby Boomers.
Indeed, I have met Millennials who are untoughened, who quit easily. Who
want the easy way out. But I have also met this genre from every other
generation!
I have certainly met some Millennials who are so engrossed in their iPhone, to
the point they can’t carry on a conversation or have no sense of social
intelligence. No different from the guys I met reading books in the corner at a
party 35 years ago! Every generation has a portion that are inept at social
interaction.
One cannot generalize about any generation. Yes, there may be tendencies
one way or the other, but to paint everyone with the same brush based on
birth year is a quite superficial view of people and the world at large.
What all of us oldtimers ought to do is cut the Millennials a break. We go on

and on about how easy they have it. Yes, in some ways their life is easier, just
as ours was easier than our parents. Progress impacts us all. But, like
anything, progress is a double-edged sword that cuts both ways. With
progress also comes hardships. And one big hardship Millennials must deal
with is having their whole life in a social media world. I think, frankly, us
oldtimers had it a lot easier in our youth.
Yes, we see Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, as all “great” but they’re not. Look
at their life. I see kids regularly shamed on Facebook in front of millions of
people for a careless, yet normal, teenage act. When I was 18 and I had too
much to drink at a party, maybe 20 people saw me stumbling around, nobody
took pictures and there was no social media to spread the word. I never had
to worry about becoming a global laughingstock because I made a normal
teenaged mistake. But today kids do have to worry. Everyone is a
photographer and everyone is a journalist of sorts. A normal and good kid,
making the same mistakes all of us Baby Boomers have made, can be
destroyed by having a video uploaded on YouTube or pictures posted on
Facebook. Let’s go back to our high school years: now imagine having to
worry about the power of cameras in every room, at every party, no matter
where you go. And then worry about those pictures going all over the world.
Think of the stress and pressure. You can’t even be a normal teenager
anymore doing dumb pranks!
On top of this, when I was a kid, all I ever heard about the “generation gap”
was my parents harping about it. That was it and every kid must listen to their
parents harp. But Millennials are attacked everywhere they turn. They are the
first generation to have to endure their lives being played out in a social-media
world where every person is both a photographer and a journalist, with their
own “column” called Facebook. So not only do they take all the grief from their
parents, but they must read all the postings and all the LinkedIn commentaries
on how pathetic they are! To put this in simple terms, Millennials hear more
sh*t about their generation than any generation in human history.
To be honest, I feel for Millennials. They are no different than any other
generation. They have greatness in their ranks and they have some who are
not so great. You can’t paint an entire generation with the same brush. They
will be okay. They will make the world better. They will leave their mark like
every generation that has come before them.
I think they will be tough as nails. They are the only generation to be
inundated daily by the social-media world that envelops us, that hears
constantly they are entitled, lazy, babies, wimps. And we want to help them?
All we do is criticize with a lack of empathy and understanding. No wonder
Millennials fight back and rail against the older generations!
No, this Millennial generation is going to survive all this, and my gosh, are
they going to be tough. They are going to make major changes to this world.
For the better. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, as they say. We
have put this generation through the wringer. They take more stress, more
crap, than any of us did.
I think all of us Baby Boomers and Gen Xers need to take a step back. Let’s
relax all the rhetoric on Millennials. Cut them a break. Help them instead of
criticize. Support instead of cut down.
In simple terms: Let’s stop being old farts. Let’s take out our old Who CDs, put
them in, and sing along with The Kids Are Alright. Sing and dance like we
used to. Just for one song!
Because, you know what? The kids are alright.
***
Questions and comments may be directed to Facebook, James Michael

Lafferty.
Read more at https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/business-

life/2017/07/03/1716028/lets-cut-millennials-break#gZAqZucr5qUv3Gzx.99
https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/business-life/2017/07/03/1716028/lets-cut-millennials-break
Millennials in the Philippines: Who are

they and what do they do?
 HOME
 Blog
 Millennials in the Philippines: Who are they and what do they do?
“Millennial.” You may have seen it in social media or heard it on TV. You’re puzzled,
clueless as to what this word means. In the Philippines, Filipino millennials or
“Fillennials” is now a thing. Let us tell you who “millennials” are, what do they do, and
why they are called as such.
According to an article published by TIME Magazine, millennials are consisted of people

born from 1980 to 2000. In America, they are the biggest age grouping in history. Made
up of mostly teens and 20-somethings, these are the people who are already in college
and part of the workforce. However, every country has a different millennial grouping.
Simply put, they’re the Generation Y. It was authors William Strauss and Neil Howe who
are credited for naming the “millennials.”
Millennials in the Philippines are described as those who are social media-dependent
and also, the “selfie” generation. Many things describe what a millennial is. According to
The Week, millennials are usually spendthrifts. Millennials in the Philippines are known
to usually spend for luxury goods which leave their bank accounts shaken—the reason
why they are also described as “broke.” Millennials are also described as narcissist,
making them known as the “Me, Me, Me Generation.” However, there are also good
attitudes which millennials possess: being politically and socially-engaged. Compared to
other generations, millennials have their say about issues and are more involved with
politics.
When it comes to entertainment, millennials in the Philippines are usually seen
spending time online, watching YouTube videos. Millennials usually have the latest
apps, watch the latest TV series, and are into the latest hits. According to a Philippine
Star article, millennials in the Philippines do not usually read newspapers. Instead, they
have Google for information or Waze for road directions.
Another set of description that best fits millennials are: upbeat, lazy, narcissistic,
materialistic, self-expressive, fun-loving and liberal. They also have a short attention
span. But if you talk to them about the things that interest them (e.g. tattoos, trivia,
gaming, movies and the likes), they’re really one to talk.
Aside from the age difference, millennials have their own personalities. According to
Time, millennials have a mantra of “Challenge convention.” This means that millennials
seek to find better ways of doing things. When millennials were babies, technology was
already available. According to millennialmarketing.com, 56% of millennials are usually
the ones to try new technology, making them a target of many businesses for their
products. A whopping 75% of them want to travel abroad yet again making them a
target for travel-related goods.
They’re also known to be career-shifters, jumping from one field to another, seeing
making career as “self-discovery.” According to Mr. Jos Ortega of Havas Media Ortega,
millennials are characterized in different identities. “Who they are on Facebook may not
necessarily be who they are in real life, on Instagram, or on Twitter,” said Ortega.
Diversity is what makes a millennial and they have different versions of themselves
depending on what they want to show the world.
Now that you’ve learned a thing or two, you can now have a clue on how to gauge the
difference between a millennial and not. You should also know that being a millennial
varies across regions, and not all millennials possess the very same character they are
described as. Check out online quizzes to see how much of a millennial are you!
Written by Jastine Valeriano

Source: Millenial Marketing; TIME; The Week; Philippine Association of National Advertisers
http://primer.com.ph/blog/2016/06/27/millennials-in-the-philippines-who-are-they-and-what-do-they-
do/
Millennials and Their Parents: Implications

of the New Young Adulthood for Midlife
Adults
Karen L Fingerman, PhD
Innovation in Aging, Volume 1, Issue 3, November 2017,

igx026,https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igx026
Published:
20 November 2017
 Split View
 PDF
 Cite
 Permissions IconPermissions

Share
Abstract
The period of young adulthood has transformed dramatically over the past few decades.
Today, scholars refer to “emerging adulthood” and “transitions to adulthood” to describe
adults in their 20s. Prolonged youth has brought concomitant prolonged parenthood. This
article addresses 3 areas of change in parent/child ties, increased (a) contact between
generations, (b) support from parents to grown children as well as coresidence and (c)
affection between the generations. We apply the Multidimensional Intergenerational Support
Model(MISM) to explain these changes, considering societal (e.g., economic, technological),
cultural, family demographic (e.g., fertility, stepparenting), relationship, and psychological
(normative beliefs, affection) factors. Several theoretical perspectives (e.g., life course
theory, family systems theory) suggest that these changes may have implications for the
midlife parents’ well-being. For example, parents may incur deleterious effects from (a)
grown children’s problems or (b) their own normative beliefs that offspring should be
independent. Parents may benefit via opportunities for generativity with young adult
offspring. Furthermore, current patterns may affect future parental aging. As parents incur
declines of late life, they may be able to turn to caregivers with whom they have intimate
bonds. Alternately, parents may be less able to obtain such care due to demographic changes
involving grown children raising their own children later or who have never fully launched.
It is important to consider shifts in the nature of young adulthood to prepare for midlife
parents’ future aging.
Emerging adulthood, intergenerational relationships, intergenerational support, life
course theory, transition to adulthood
Issue Section:
Invited Article
Translational Significance
Clinicians will be able to help normalize situations when midlife parents are upset due to
involvement with their young adult children. Policy makers may be able to foresee and plan
for future issues involving aging parents and midlife children.
Young adulthood has changed dramatically since the middle of the 20th century.
Research over the past two decades has documented this restructuring, relabeling the
late teens and 20s under the auspices of “transitions to adulthood” or “emerging
adulthood” (Arnett, 2000; Furstenberg, 2010). As such, the life stage from ages 18 to
30 has shifted from being clearly ensconced in adulthood, to an interim period marked
by considerable heterogeneity. Historically, young people also took circuitous paths in
their careers and love interests (Keniston, 1970; Mintz, 2015), but a recent U.S.
Census report shows that young people today are less likely to achieve traditional
markers of adulthood such as completion of education, marriage, moving out of the
parental home or securing a job with a livable wage as they did in the mid to late
twentieth century (Vespa, 2017). Individuals who achieve such markers do so at later
ages, and patterns vary by socioeconomic background (Furstenberg, 2010).
Much of the research regarding this stage of life has focused on antecedents of young
adult pathways or implications of different transitions for the young adults’ well-being
(Schulenberg & Schoon, 2012). Yet, the prolongation of entry into adulthood involves
a concomitant prolongation of midlife parenthood; implications of parenting young
adult offspring remain poorly understood. This article focuses on midlife parents’
involvement with grown children from the parents’ perspective (and does not address
implications for grown children).
Several theoretical perspectives suggest that parents will be affected by changes in the
nature of young adulthood. The life course theory concept “linked lives” suggests that
events in one party’s life influence their close relationship partners’ lives. Family
systems theory posits that changes in one family member’s life circumstances will
reverberate throughout the family, even when children are grown (Fingerman &
Bermann, 2000). Further, the developmental stake hypothesis suggests that parents’
high investment and involvement with young adult children may generate both a
current and a longer term impact on parental well-being (Birditt, Hartnett, Fingerman,
Zarit, & Antonucci, 2015). These theories collectively suggest that events in young
adults’ lives may reverberate through their parents’ lives.
As such, this article addresses changes that midlife parents experience stemming from
shifts in young adulthood. Specifically it describes (a) what has changed in ties
between midlife parents and young adults over the past two decades, (b) why these
changes have occurred, and (c) the implications of these changes for parents’ well-
being currently in midlife, and in the future if they incur physical declines, cognitive
deficits, or social losses associated with late life.
What Has Changed in Parents’ Ties to Young Adults
Parental involvement with young adult children has increased dramatically over the
past few decades. Notably, there has been an increase in parents’ contact with, support
of, coresidence, and intimacy with young adult children (Arnett & Schwab,
2012a; Fingerman, 2016; Fingerman, Miller, Birditt, & Zarit, 2009; Fry,
2016; Johnson, 2013).
Parental Contact With Young Adult Children
Parents have more frequent contact with their young adult children than was the case
thirty years ago. Research using national US data from the mid to late twentieth
century revealed that only half of parents reported contact with a grown child at least
once a week (Fingerman, Cheng, Tighe, Birditt, & Zarit, 2012). Because most parents
have more than one grown child, by inference many grown children had even less
frequent contact with their parents. Recent studies in the twenty-first century,
however, found that nearly all parents had contact with a grown child in the past
week, and over half of parents had contact with a grown child everyday (Arnett &
Schwab, 2012b; Fingerman, et al., 2016).
It would be remiss to imply that all midlife parents have frequent contact with their
grown children, however, because a small group shows the opposite trend. From the
child’s perspective, national data reveal 20% of young adults lack contact with a
father, and 6.5% lack contact with a mother figure in the United States (Hartnett,
Fingerman, & Birditt, 2017). Similarly, research examining Lesbian, gay, bisexual,
and transgender (LGBT) young adults suggests that some parents reject grown
children who declare a minority sexuality or gender identity, but this appears to be a
relatively rare occurrence. Instead, a representative survey found that LGBT young
adults choose whether to come out to parents; only 56% had told their mother and
only 39% had told their father (Pew Research Center, 2013). As such, it seems that
LGBT young adults who are likely to be rejected by parents may decide not to tell
them about their sexuality. Death accounted for some of the lack of parents (4% of
young adults lack a father due to death and 3% lack a mother). Rather, divorce,
incarceration, and other factors such as addiction or earlier placement in foster care
may account for estrangement from a parent figure (Hartnett et al., 2017). Of course,
estrangement may be different from the parents’ perspective. For example, one study
of aging mothers found that 11% of aging mothers reported being estranged from one
child (Gilligan, Suitor, & Pillemer, 2015), but these mothers rarely reported being
estranged from all of their children. Nevertheless, a significant subgroup of parents
may be excluded from increased involvement described here for other parents.
Parental Support of Young Adult Children
Parents also give more support to grown children, on average, than parents gave in the
recent past. Across social strata, parents provide approximately 10% of their income
to young adult children, a shift from the late twentieth century (Kornich &
Furstenberg, 2013). From the 1970s through the 1990s, parents spent the most money
on children during the teenage years. But since 2000, parents across economic strata
have spent the most money on children under age 6 or young adult children over the
age of 18 (Kornich & Furstenberg, 2013). Indeed, some scholars have suggested that
over a third of the financial costs of parenting occur after children are age 18 (Mintz,
2015).
The amount of financial support parents provide varies by the parents’ and grown
child’s SES, however. Parents from higher socioeconomic strata provide more
financial assistance to adult children (Fingerman et al., 2015; Grundy, 2005). This
pattern is not limited to the United States; better off parents invest money in young
adult offspring who are pursuing education or who have not yet secured steady
employment in most industrialized nations (Albertini & Kohli, 2012; Fingerman et al.,
2016; Swartz, Kim, Uno, Mortimer, & O’Brien, 2011). Yet, this pattern may
perpetuate socioeconomic inequalities in the United States, rendering lower SES
parents more likely to have lower SES grown children (Torche, 2015).
In addition to financial support, many parents devote time to grown children (e.g.,
giving practical or emotional support; Fingerman et al., 2009). Young people face
considerable demands gaining a foothold in the adult world (e.g., education, jobs,
evolving romantic ties; Furstenberg, 2010). In response, parents may offer adult
offspring help by making doctor’s appointments, or giving advice and emotional
support at a distance, using phone, video technologies, text messages, or email.
Such nonmaterial support may stem from early life patterns. In early life, parenting
has become more time intensive over the past few decades, particularly among upper
SES parents (Bianchi & Milkie, 2010). Lower SES parents may work multiple jobs or
face constraints (e.g., rigid work hours, multiple shifts) that preclude intensive
parenting more typical in upper SES families (Conger, Conger, & Martin, 2010). It is
not clear whether such differences in time persist in adulthood.
Rather, the types of nonmaterial support may differ by SES. Research suggests better
off parents are more likely to give information and to spend time listening to grown
children, and less well-off parents provide more childcare (i.e., for their
grandchildren; Fingerman et al., 2015; Henretta, Grundy, & Harris, 2002). Grown
children in better off families are more likely to pursue higher education, and student
status is strongly associated with parental support (including time as well as money)
throughout the world (Fingerman et al., 2016; Henretta, Wolf, van Voorhis, & Soldo,
2012). Yet, less well-off parents are more likely to coreside with a grown child.
Nevertheless, research suggests that across SES strata, midlife parents attempt to
support grown children in need. A recent study found that overall, lower SES parents
gave as much or more support than upper SES parents, but lower SES young adult
children were still likely to receive less support on average (i.e., due to greater needs
across multiple family members in lower SES families; Fingerman et al., 2015).
Parental Coresidence With Young Adult Children
Coresidence could be conceptualized as a form of support from parents to grown

children; grown children who reside with parents save money and may receive advice,
food, childcare or other forms of everyday support. In industrialized nations, rates of
intergenerational coresidence have risen in the past few decades. In the United States
in 2015, intergenerational coresidence became the modal residential pattern for adults
aged 18 to 34, surpassing residing with romantic partners for the first time (Fry,
2015, 2016). Rates of coresidence have increased in many European countries as well
in the past 30 years, though rates vary by country. Coresidence is common in
Southern European nations (e.g., 73% of adults aged 18 to 34 lived with parents in
Italy in 2007), but relatively rare in Nordic nations (e.g., 21% of young adults lived
with parents in Finland in 2007). Coresidence rates in Southern European countries
evolved from historical patterns, but also reflect an increase over the past 40 years.
For example, in Spain in 1977, fewer than half of young adults remained in the
parents’ home, but by the early 21st century over two-thirds of young adults did
(Newman, 2011). Coresidence appears to be an extension of the increased
involvement between adults and parents (as well as reflecting offspring’s economic
needs).
Parental Affection, Solidarity, and Ambivalence Towards Young Adult

Children
In general, affection between young adults and parents seems to be increasing in the
twenty-first century as well. It is not possible to objectively document changes in the
strength of emotional bonds due to measurement issues and ceiling effects—most
people have reported close ties to parents or grown children across the decades. Still,
it seems intergenerational intimacy is on the rise. In the 20th century in Western
societies, marriage was the primary tie. Yet, over 15 years ago, Bengtson
(2001)speculated that the prominence of multigenerational ties would rise in the 21st
century due to changes in family structure (e.g., dissolution of romantic bonds) and
longevity (e.g., generations sharing more years together). Bengtson’s predictions seem
to be coming to fruition.
Increases in midlife parents’ affection for young adult children would be consistent
with a rise in intergenerational solidarity. Intergenerational solidarity theory was
developed in the 20th century to explain strengths in intergenerational bonds
(Bengtson, 2001; Lowenstein, 2007). Solidarity theory is mechanistic in nature,
suggesting that positive features of relationships (e.g., contact, support, shared values,
affection) co-occur like intertwining gears. In this regard, we might conceptualize the
overall increase in parental involvement as increased intergenerational solidarity.
It is less clear whether conflictual or negative aspects of the relationship have changed
in the past few decades. It was only towards the end of the 20th century that
researchers began to measure ambivalence (mixed feelings) or conflict in this tie
(Fingerman, 2001; Luescher & Pillemer, 1998; Pillemer et al., 2007; Suitor, Gilligan,
& Pillemer, 2014). As such, it is difficult to track changes in ambivalence across the
decades. Nevertheless, one study found that midlife adults experienced greater
ambivalence or negative feelings for their young adult children than for their aging
parents (Birditt et al., 2015), suggesting the parent/child tie may have shifted towards
greater ambivalence in that younger generation.
Indeed, scholars have argued that ambivalence arises when norms are contradictory,
such as the norm for autonomy versus the norm of dependence for adult offspring
(Luescher & Pillemer, 1998). And as I discuss, norms for autonomy contrast current
interdependence in this tie, providing fodder for ambivalence. Moreover, frequent
contact provides more opportunity for conflicts to arise (van Gaalen & Dykstra,
2010). Taken together, these trends suggest that intergenerational ambivalence
between midlife parents and grown children also may be on the rise.
Why Parent/Offspring Ties Have Changed
The Multidimensional Intergenerational Support Model (MISM) provides a

framework to explain behaviors in parent/child ties. The model initially pertained to
patterns of exchange between generations, but extends to a broader understanding of
increased parental involvement. Drawing on life course theory and other socio-
contextual theories, the basic premise of the MISM model is that structural factors
(e.g., economy, technology, policy), culture (norms), family structure (e.g.,
married/remarried), and relationship and individual (e.g., affection, gender) factors
coalesce to generate behaviors in intergenerational ties (Figure 1.) Likewise, changes
in the parent/child tie and the reasons underlying those changes reflect such factors.
Figure 1.
View largeDownload slide
Multidimension intergenerational involvement model.
MISM is truly intended as a framework for stipulating the types of factors that
contribute to parents’ and grown children’s relationship behaviors rather than a model
of causal influences. Scholars interested in ecological contexts of human development
have often designated hierarchies or embedding of different types of contexts (e.g.,
family subsumed in economy; Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 2006; Elder, 1998).
Intuitively, young adults’ and midlife parents’ relationships do respond to economic
factors, with the Great Recession partially instigating the increase in coresidence (Fry,
2015). Yet, economies arise in part from families and culture as well; in Western
democracies, policies, and politicians are a reflection of underlying beliefs and values
of the people who vote (as post-election dissection of Presidential voting in the United
States suggests). As such, I propose that each of these levels—structural (e.g.,
economy, policy), cultural (beliefs, social position), family (e.g., married
parents/single parent), and relationship or individual factors contribute to midlife
parents’ involvement with grown children without implying a hierarchy of influence
among the factors. As discussed later, a second aspect of Figure 1 pertains to
understanding how parent/child involvement is associated with parental well-being.
Societal Shifts Associated With Changes Between Parents and Young

Adults
Economic factors
Economic changes in the past 40 years weigh heavily on the parent/child tie. Young
adults’ dependence on parents reflects complexities of gaining an economic foothold
in adulthood. The U.S. Census shows that financial independence is rare for young
people today. Compared to their mid twentieth century counterparts, young people
today are more likely to fall at the bottom of the economic ladder with low wage jobs.
In 1975, fewer than 25% of young adults fell in the bottom of the economic ladder
(i.e., less than $30,000 a year in 2015 dollars), but by 2016, 41% did (Vespa, 2017).
Further, roughly one in four young adults who live with their parents in the United
States (i.e., 32% who live with parents; Fry, 2016) are not working or attending school
(Vespa, 2017). These 8% of young adults might reside with parents while raising
young children of their own. But notably, the rate of young women who were
homemakers fell from 43% in 1975 to just 14% in 2016 (Vespa, 2017) and as I
discuss later, fertility has also dropped in this age group (World Bank, 2017a).
Moreover, a large proportion of young adults who live with parents have a disability
of some sort (10%; Vespa, 2017). Thus, factors other than childrearing such as
disability, addiction, or life problems seem more likely to account for the 2.2 million
25–34 year olds residing with parents not engaged in work or education.
Moreover, the shift toward coresidence with parents is not purely economic—one can
imagine a society where young people turn to friends, siblings, or early romantic
partnership to deal with a tough economy. Thus, other factors also contribute to these
patterns.
Public policies
Public policies play a strong role in shaping relationships between adults and parents
in European countries, but may play a lesser role in shaping these ties in the United
States. In European countries, the government provides health coverage and long-term
care, and government investments in older adults result in transfers of wealth to their
middle generation progeny (Kohli, 1999). Similar processes occur with regard to
midlife parents and young adults in Europe. Differences in programs to support young
adults in Nordic countries versus Southern European countries are associated with the
type of welfare state; that is, social democratic welfare regimes assist young adults in
Nordic countries towards autonomy, whereas conservative continental or familistic
welfare regimes encourage greater dependence on families in southern Europe
(Billari, 2004). The coresidence patterns described previously conform to the type of
regime. As such, patterns of parental involvement in Europe seem to be associated
with government programs.
These patterns are less clear in the United States. Indeed, lack of government support
for young adults may help explain many aspects of the intensified bonds. For
example, as college tuition has increased and state and federal funding of education
has decreased, parents have stepped in to provide financial help or co-sign loans for
young adult students. When U.S. policies do address young adults, the policies seem
to be popular. For example, in 2017, when the U.S. Congress debated repealing the
Affordable Care Act (i.e., Obamacare), there was bipartisan support for allowing
parents to retain grown children on their health insurance until age 26, even if these
young adults were not students. This policy, instigated in 2011, seemed to be a
reaction to the greater involvement of parents in supporting young adults rather than a
catalyst of such involvement.
Education
Related to economic changes, a global rise in parental support of young adults may
partially reflect the prolonged tertiary education that has occurred throughout the
world (i.e., rates of college attendance have risen worldwide; OECD, 2016). In the
United States, in 2016, 40% of adults aged 18–24 were pursuing higher education
(National Center for Education Statistics, 2017), the highest rate observed historically.
Similarly, in industrialized nations, young adults are more likely to attend college
today than in the past (Fingerman, Cheng, et al., 2016).
The influence of education on parental involvement has been observed globally. In

young adulthood, students receive more parental support than nonstudents (Bucx, van
Wel, & Knijn, 2012; Johnson, 2013). A study of college students in Korea, Hong
Kong, Germany, and the United States revealed that, across nations, parents provided
advice, practical help, and emotional support to college students at least once a month
(Fingerman et al., 2016). Young people who don’t pursue an education may end up in
part time jobs with revolving hours or off hour shifts and may depend on parents for
support (Furstenberg, 2010), but students typically receive more parental support
(Henretta et al., 2012).
Technology and geographic stability
Recent technologies also have altered the nature of the parent/child bond, allowing
more frequent conversations and exchanges of nontangible support (e.g., advice,
sharing problems). Beginning in the 1990s, competitive rates for long distance
telephone calls facilitated contact between young adults and parents who resided far
apart. Since that time, cell phone, text messages, email, and social media have
provided almost instantaneous contact at negligible cost, regardless of distance
(Cotten, McCollough, & Adams, 2012).
Parents and grown children also may have more opportunities to visit in person.
Residential mobility decreased in the United States from the mid-20th century into the
21st century. Data regarding how far young adults reside from their parents in the
United States are not readily available. But in 1965, 21% of U.S. adults moved
households; mobility declined steadily over the next 40 years and by 2016 had
dropped to 11% (U.S. Census Bureau, 2011, 2016). As such, parents and grown
children may be more likely to reside in closer geographic proximity. Deregulation of
airlines in 1978 in the United States established the basis for airline competition and
declining prices in airfare (with concomitant diminished quality of air travel
experience), facilitating visits between parents and grown children who reside at
longer distances.
Cultural Beliefs Associated With Changes Between Parents and Young

Adults
Culture also contributes to the nature of parent/child ties. Parents and grown children
harbor values, norms or beliefs about how parents and grown children should behave.
Shifts in cultural values have also contributed to increased involvement.
Historical changes in values for parental involvement
The cultural narrative regarding young adults and parents in the United States has
shifted over the past few decades. During the 1960s and 1970s, popular media and
scholars referred to the “generation gap” involving dissension between midlife parents
and young adult children (Troll, 1972). This cultural notion of a gap reflected the
younger generation’s separation from the older one during this historical period. For
example, in 1960, only 20% of adults aged 18–34 lived with their parents (Fry, 2016).
Into the 1970s, 80% of adults were married by the age of 30 (Vespa, 2017). As such,
the generations were living apart. Cultural attention to a generation gap reflected the
younger generation’s independence from the older generation. Notably, there was not
much empirical evidence of generational dissension. And in the 21st century, this
conception of separation of generations and intrafamily conflict seems antiquated.
Today’s cultural narrative is consistent with increased intimacy and dependence of the
younger generation, while also disparaging this increased parental involvement.
Recent media trends and scholarly work in the early 21st century focus on “helicopter
parents” who are too involved with their grown children (Fingerman,
Cheng, Wesselmann, et al., 2012; Luden, 2012). Although the concept of the
helicopter parent implies intrusiveness, it is also a narrative that reflects increased
contact, intimacy, and parental support documented here. The pejorative aspect of the
moniker stems from retention of norms endorsing autonomy; the relationships are
deemed too close and intimate. Although intrusive parents undoubtedly exist, there is
little evidence that intrusive helicopter ties are pervasive (outside small convenience
studies of college students). Rather, young adults seem to benefit from parental
support in many circumstances (Fingerman, Cheng, Wesselmann, 2012), but to
perhaps question their own competency under some circumstances of parental support
(Johnson, 2013). Nevertheless, a cultural lag is evident in beliefs about autonomy in
young adulthood versus the increased parental involvement. Many midlife parents
believe young adults should be more autonomous than they are (Fingerman,
Cheng, Wesselmann, et al., 2012).
Historical changes in sense of obligation
Shifts in beliefs are notable with regard to a diminished sense of obligation to attend
to parent/child ties as well. Obligation has been measured most often with regard to
midlife adults’ beliefs concerning help to aging parents (i.e., filial obligation). For
example, Gans and Silverstein (2006) examined four waves of data regarding adults’
ties to parents from 1985 to 2000; they documented a trend of declining endorsement
of obligation over that period. Similarly, many Asian countries (e.g., China, Korea,
Singapore) traditionally followed Confucian ideals involving a high degree of respect
and filial piety. But over the past three decades, these values have eroded in these
countries (Kim, Cheng, Zarit, & Fingerman, 2015). As such, norms obligating
parent/child involvement seem to be waning.
Instead, the strengthened bonds and increased parental involvement may reflect
a loosening of mores that govern relationships in general. Scholars have suggested
that increased individual freedom and fewer links between work, social activity, and
family life characterize modern societies over the past decades. These changes also
are associated with evolving family forms (e.g., divorce and stepties) as well as
decreased fertility (Axinn & Yabiku, 2001; Lesthaegh, 2010). Likewise, this
loosening of rules has rendered the parent/child relationship more chosen and
voluntary in nature. This is not to say the tie has become reciprocal; parents typically
give more to offspring than they receive (Fingerman et al., 2011). Yet, the increased
involvement and solidarity may stem from freedom parents and grown children
experience to retain strong bonds (rather than following norms of autonomy).
National and ethnic differences in beliefs about parent/child ties
The role of beliefs and values in shaping ties between young adults and parents is
evident in cross national differences. High parental involvement occurs most often in
cultures where people highly value such involvement. Analysis of European countries
has found that in countries where adults and parents coreside more often, adults place
a higher value on parental involvement with grown children (Hank, 2007; Newman,
2011). For example, families in Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, Greece) coreside most
often and also prefer shared daily life. Based on this premise, we would expect to see
a surge in norms in the United States endorsing intergenerational bonds and young
adults’ dependence on parents, but this is not necessarily the case.
In addition to the cultural lag mentioned previously, within the U.S. ethnic differences
in parental beliefs about involvement with young adults are evident. For
example, Fingerman, VanderDrift, and colleagues (2011) examined three generations
among Black and non-Hispanic White families. Findings revealed that overall, non-
Hispanic White midlife adults provided more support of all types to their grown
children than to their parents. Black midlife adults also provided more support overall
to their grown children than to their parents, but they provided more emotional
support, companionship, and practical help to their parents. Importantly, midlife
adults’ support to different generations was consistent with ethnic/racial differences in
value and beliefs—Black and non-Hispanic adults’ support behaviors were associated
with their perceived obligation to help grown children and rated rewards of helping
grown children and parents (above and beyond factors such as resources, SES,
offspring likelihood of being a student, and familial needs) (Fingerman, VanderDrift,
et al., 2011). These findings were consistent with a study conducted in the late 20th
century using a national sample of young adults; that study found that racial and
immigration status differences in parents’ support of young adults reflected factors in
addition to young adult resources, family SES, or other structural factors (Hardie &
Selzter, 2016), presumably cultural differences. As such, the overall culture
surrounding young adults and family may play a role in increased parental
involvement.
Family Factors Associated With Changes Between Parents and Young

Adults
Changes in family structure are likely to affect the nature of parent/child relationships,
including (a) proportion of mothers married to a grown child’s father, (b) likelihood of
a midlife parent having stepchildren, and (c) the grown child’s fertility. Collectively,
these family changes contribute to the nature of bonds between young adults and
parents, and raise questions about the future of this tie.
Declines in married parents and rise of stepfamilies
Changes in parents’ marital status contribute to relationships with grown children in

complex ways. Some changes facilitate the strengthened bonds observed, but other
changes diminish the likelihood of a strong bond. As such, while the overall trend
shows greater parental involvement, specific groups of midlife parents may have only
tenuous or conflicted ties with their grown children.
The previous few decades saw a shift from families where two parents were likely to
be married to one another toward single parents and complex family forms. From
1970 to 2010, the marriage rate for women in the United States declined steadily,
particularly for Black women (in 2010 only 26% of Black women were married; Cruz,
2013). Mothers who raise children alone typically have stronger ties when those
children grow into young adults. By contrast, never-married fathers may have little
contact and are more likely to be estranged from those children (Hartnett et al., 2017).
Further, midlife adults are more likely to have ties to grown children through
remarriage (i.e., stepchildren) than in the past. Divorce rates rose and plateaued in the
mid to late twentieth century. Divorce is associated with greater tensions between
young adults and parents, particularly for fathers (Yu, Pettit, Lansford, Dodge, &
Bates, 2010).
Remarriage rates also continued to rise over the past few decades; 40% of all
marriages involve at least one partner who was previously married (Livingston, 2014).
A recent survey found 18% of adults in the United States aged 50–64 and 22% of
adults over age 65 had a stepchild (Pew Research Center, 2011). Stepparents are less
involved with grown stepchildren (Aquilino, 2006) and feel less obligated to help
stepchildren than biological/adoptive parents do (Ganong & Coleman, 2017; Pew
Research Center, 2011). Thus, many midlife adults have ties to grown children that do
not involve the intensity of biological relationships. Yet, it is not clear whether these
same midlife adults have biological children to whom they remain close.
Young adults’ marriage and fertility
Young adults’ marital and procreation patterns may contribute to more intense bonds
with midlife parents. In well-off families, young adults are delaying marriage
(Cherlin, 2010). Given that marriage typically draws young adults away from parents
(Sarkisian & Gerstel, 2008), this delay may contribute to more intense ties with
parents. Upper SES young adults are more likely to marry, but do so at later ages
(Vespa, 2017) and thus, also retain stronger ties to parents.
Changes in childbearing also may facilitate prolonged ties to parents. The transition to
adulthood co-occurs with the period of highest fecundity, but several factors
contribute to diminished fertility since 1960s (World Bank, 2017a). Rising levels of
women’s education and effective contraception are associated with lower birth rates
(Lesthaegh, 2010). Americans no longer believe parenthood is a key marker of
adulthood (Vespa, 2017). Further, declines in fertility occur during economic
downswings, such as the Great Recession (Mather, 2012).
Declines in fertility lengthen the period of time in which young adult retain child-free
ties to parents, and also shape the midlife adults’ transition to grandparenthood. Yet,
the likelihood and experience of being a grandparent also differs by socioeconomic
position. In lower SES families, young adult women are more likely to become
mothers without a long term partner (Cherlin, 2010); their midlife mothers (the
grandmothers) may help with childcare, housing, and other support. Further, lower
SES midlife parents are more likely to be involved in living with or raising
grandchildren (Ellis & Simons, 2014; U.S. Census Bureau, 2014). Thus, a majority of
midlife adults remain in limbo with regard to whether and when they will become
grandparents and their involvement with their own children reflects a prolongation of
prior parental involvement, but a subset of typically under-privileged midlife parents
may be highly involved in care for grandchildren.
Relationship and Individual Characteristics Associated With

Parent/Child Ties
Finally, ties between midlife adults and their grown children occur between two
people, and the characteristics of these people and their shared history account for the
nature of those relationships.
History of the relationship
Close relationships in young adulthood may arise from strong relationships in

childhood and adolescence. Attachment theory suggests children form bonds to
parents in infancy that endure into their relationship patterns in adulthood, and
theorists also argue that parents retain bonds to children formed earlier in life
(Antonucci & Akiyama, 1994; Kahn & Antonucci, 1980). Of course, these
assumptions raise questions about what types of relationships are likely to be stronger
in childhood and adolescence.
Similar structural, cultural, and family contexts contribute to childhood patterns and to
continuity into adulthood. For example, upper socioeconomic status parents are more
likely to engage in intensive parenting when their children are young such as playing
games with them and ferrying them to soccer practice (Bianchi & Milkie,
2010; Sayer, Bianchi, & Robinson, 2004). Likewise, parental marital status plays a
role in these patterns, with divorced or single fathers less involved with young
children than coresident married fathers (Kalmijn, 2013a; Sweeney, 2010). Lower
socioeconomic mothers may be involved with their children because they are more
likely to be never married or divorced. A complete review of the factors that shape
ties between young children and parents is beyond the scope of this article, but suffice
it to say that the factors that account for ties between young adults and parents also
shape ties earlier in the lifespan, and that observed relationships between young adults
and parents in part arise from these earlier relationships.
Individual Characteristics and Within Family Differences
In addition, midlife parents bring individual characteristics to their relationships with

grown children, including their gender, socioeconomic position, and marital status.
Socioeconomic position has already been covered with regard to provision of support,
and marital status was reviewed with regard to family structure.
But parental gender also plays a key role, favoring maternal involvement with grown
children. The pattern of current maternal involvement is not new; research from the
mid twentieth century documented that mothers were consistently more involved than
fathers were with grown children of all ages (Rossi & Rossi, 1990; Umberson, 1992).
Parental gender is situated in a variety of other contextual variables, including SES

(single mothers likely to be poorer, with fewer financial resources for children) and
marital status (e.g., unmarried mothers are closer to their grown children,
unmarried/remarried fathers have lessened involvement or may be estranged from
grown children). Yet, studies find that mothers have more frequent contact with
grown children, provide more support, and report greater closeness and conflict at
midlife even after controlling for social structure and marital status (e.g., Arnett &
Schwab, 2012a; Fingerman et al., 2009; Fingerman et al., 2016).
Notably, relationships between young adults and parents also vary within families.
That is, parents do not have equally intense relationships with each of their children
(Suitor et al., in press). Parents respond to their children’s characteristics and their
sense of compatibility with each child. Parents provide support in reaction to crises
(e.g., divorce, illness) or ongoing everyday needs associated with a child’s statuses
(e.g., child is a parent; student) or age (Hartnett et al., 2017). Parents also are more
likely to give support to young adult and midlife children whom they view as
successful, with whom they have closer relationships, or with whom they share values
(Kalmijn, 2013b; Suitor, Pillemer, & Sechrist, 2006; Suitor et al., 2016).
Declining fertility described previously may diminish within-family variability in the

future (World Bank, 2017a). Today’s midlife adults grew up in larger sibships than
today’s young adults, and parents invest more in each child in smaller sibships
(Fingerman et al., 2009). As such, the intensity of ties between midlife parents and
their grown children is generally higher than in the past, and likely to remain high,
with diminishment of within family variability.
Implications of Changes in Young Adulthood for Midlife Parents’ Well-

Being
All of these issues raise the question—do changes in parents’ ties to young adults
matter for the parents? Theory and research regarding the effects of parental
involvement have focused on the grown child (e.g., Johnson, 2013) rather than on the
parent.
Emerging evidence suggests involvement with young adult offspring has implications
for midlife parents’ current well-being, however. The research literature on this topic
is nascent, beginning in the past 10 years (perhaps reflecting the increase in parental
involvement during that period). Further, most studies examine effects of parental
involvement without contextual factors such as SES or marital status. As such, the
MIS model (Figure 1) is comprised of two models, one model predicting parental
involvement from a variety of factors, and the other model predicting parental well-
being from parental involvement. Several of the connections between levels of the
model are theoretical and warrant additional research attention. In describing
associations between parental involvement and well-being, I highlight which factors
might warrant particular research attention in the future.
Generativity and benefits of parental involvement
Midlife parents may benefit from involvement with their grown children. Erikson’s
(1963) theory of lifespan development indicated the task of midlife is generativity—
that is, midlife adults derive rewards from giving to the next generation. In the context
of the parent/child tie, one study found that parents who gave more instrumental
support to their grown children reported better well-being (fewer depressive
symptoms) over time (Byers, Levy, Allore, Bruce, & Kasl, 2008). Similarly, another
study found that parents shared laughter and enjoyable exchanges with grown children
in their daily interactions. Over the course of the study week, 90% of the parents (N =
247) reported having an enjoyable encounter with a grown child, and 89% reported
laughing with a grown child (Fingerman, Kim, Birditt, & Zarit, 2016).
Yet, not all parents experience such generativity and enjoyment of grown children.
The family factors described previously may play a role in whether parents benefit
from, or are harmed by, involvement with grown children. Parents who are estranged
from offspring (i.e., fathers) may suffer diminished well-being due to the loss of this
normative role. Similarly, stepparents may incur fewer rewards due to lessened
involvement with grown children. Future research should focus specifically on
opportunities for generativity in different populations, particularly among midlife
men.
Further, as mentioned, midlife adults are less likely to be grandparents due to young
adults’ delayed fertility (or decisions to not have children). Midlife adults who are
grandparents are often highly involved with their grandchildren (as well as their
grown children), providing childcare on a frequent basis (Hank & Buber, 2009).
Grandparents typically find the grandparenting role rewarding (Fingerman, 1998).
Future research should ask whether midlife adults who have grown children, but not
grandchildren experience frustration or longing.
Emotional involvement and grown children’s problems
Parental well-being also may align with events in their grown children’s lives.
Coregulation of emotions has been found in marital couples and in ties between
parents and younger children who live in their home (Butler & Randall, 2013).
Likewise, the increased frequency of contact with grown children may generate an
immediate emotional response to problems grown children experience. Indeed, factors
that have facilitated contact between generations, such as technologies, decreased
mobility, and coresidence allow parents to experience immediate reactions to events
in grown children’s lives. For example, in the 1980s, a grown child who failed a
college exam might call at the end of the week to relate that story to a parent, along
with the resolution of the problem (the professor offered extra credit because students
did not perform well on that test). The parent learned of the events without reacting
emotionally. By contrast, in the 21st century, young adults text or call their parents in
the throes of crisis, and parents experience the vicissitudes of young adulthood in the
moment.
In particular, midlife parents incur detriments from grown children suffering life
crises such as divorce, health problems, job loss, addiction, or being the victim of a
crime. Researchers have found that even one grown child experiencing one problem
has a negative effect on a midlife parent, regardless of how successful other children
in the family might be (Fingerman, Cheng, Birditt, & Zarit, 2012). Similarly, in late
life, mothers suffer when grown children experience such crises, irrespective of their
favoritism or feelings about the grown child (Pillemer, Suitor, Riffin, & Gilligan,
2017). These effects on parental well-being may reflect a variety of responses
including a sense that one has failed in the parenting role, worry about the child,
empathy with the grown child, or stress of trying to ameliorate the situation
(Fingerman, Cheng, Birditt, et al., 2012; Hay, Fingerman, & Lefkowitz, 2008). Again,
structural factors such as SES are associated with the likelihood parents will have a
grown child who experiences such problems. That is, lower SES is associated with
increased risks of a grown child experiencing financial and other life problems.
The familial changes noted previously also may play a role regarding which parents
are affected by grown children. Stepparents may incur fewer rewards from
stepchildren and less harm when their stepchildren suffer problems compared to
biological (or adopted early in life) children. Yet, the marriage may suffer if the
stepparent objects to the biological parents’ involvement with a grown children who
has incurred a life crisis. Future research should address these issues.
In sum, many midlife parents incur benefits from their stronger ties to grown children.
But when grown children experience life crises—job loss or serious health
problems—these problems may undermine their parents’ well-being, particularly
when parents are highly involved with those grown children.
Beliefs About Involvement With Grown Children
Parents’ beliefs about their involvement with grown children may also be pivotal in
the implications of that involvement for their well-being. Cognitive behavioral
theories suggest that individuals’ perspectives on these relationships determine the
implications of involvement with family members. Indeed, research regarding
intergenerational caregiving has established that beliefs about the caregiving role and
subjective burden contribute to the implications of caregiving more than the objective
demands of caregiving (Aneshensel, Pearlin, Mullan, Zarit, & Whitlatch, 1995; Zarit,
Reever, & Bach-Peterson, 1980).
Similar processes may be evident regarding midlife parents’ involvement with their
grown children. It is not so much the involvement, per se, as the parents’ perceptions
of that involvement that affects the parents’ well-being. For example, in one study,
when midlife parents provided support to grown children several times a week,
parents’ ratings of the child’s neediness were associated with parental well-being.
Parents who viewed their grown children as more needy than other young adults
reported poorer well-being, but the frequency of support the parents provided was not
associated with the parents’ well-being (though more frequent support was beneficial
from the grown child’s perspective; Fingerman, Cheng, Wesselmann, et al., 2012).
Shifts in beliefs and the associations with well-being may reflect both the overall
cultural norms for parental involvement and the economy. For example, a study in the
United States before the Great Recession (when intergenerational coresidence was
less common) found that adults of all ages endorsed coresidence between generations
solely when the younger generation incurred economic problems or was single and
childless (Seltzer, Lao, & Bianchi, 2012). A more recent study of the “empty nest”
found that midlife parents who had children residing in their home in 2008 had poorer
quality marital ties. But in 2013 (when intergenerational coresidence became more
common), parents residing with offspring reported poorer marital quality only when
their children suffered life problems (Davis, Kim, & Fingerman, in press). Thus,
norms for parental involvement with grown children and the economic context may
shape the implications of that involvement for parents’ marital ties and well-being.
Parents are harmed when they believe their grown children should be more
autonomous (Fingerman, Cheng, Wesselmann, et al., 2012; Pillemer et al., 2017).
Future Consequences of Today’s Young Adulthood for Parents Entering

Late Life
Given the implications of young adult children for midlife parents’ well-being, it is
worth considering how relationships with grown children may shape parents’ later
years. We might consider two possible pathways with regard to parental aging. First,
parents may continue in the role of parenting by giving support to the next generation
even as the offspring transition to midlife. Second, most parents will require
assistance at some point in the aging process. Again, the economic structures, norms,
and family structures evident today may shape these processes, but the research is not
well-developed regarding variability in these patterns.
Continued Involvement in the Parenting Role
Given current patterns of heavy involvement, parents may persist in the parenting role
into late life. Primates demonstrate a general parenting predisposition long past the
years of the progeny’s immaturity (at least among mothers). Jane Goodall, the famous
primatologist reported her observations of Flo, an elderly female chimp. One day, Flo
viciously attacked a young male chimp who had engaged in a fight with her son,
Figan. Despite the aged Flo’s weaker status, she jumped in to protect her grown
offspring (Montgomery, 2009).
Human “primates” behave in a similar manner, continuing in the parental role and
providing for their children in need, even in late life (Suitor et al., 2006; Suitor,
Sechrist, & Pillemer, 2007). These patterns are evident across cultural groups.
Research regarding Western countries throughout Europe found that parents gave
more support to grown children than the reverse (Grundy & Henretta, 2006; Kohli,
Albertini, & Kunemond, 2010). In the United States, Becker, Beyene, Newsom, and
Mayen (2003) conducted a qualitative study of family ties among older adults in four
different ethnic groups (Latino, African American, Vietnamese, and Filipino).
Although the scholars noted ethnic differences in how groups viewed coresidence and
family ties, older relatives in all four groups attempted to give financial or practical
help such as child care to the younger generation.
Moreover, although Asian cultures have traditionally endorsed Confucian values for
grown children to provide support to parents (Kim et al., 2015), research in China
finds that rural older adults still provide practical support to grown children or
childcare for their grandchildren (i.e., if the grandchildren’s parents move to urban
areas; Chen & Silverstein, 2000). Thus, despite cultural and economic differences,
overall parents may remain heavily invested in the parenting role into late life and are
likely to do so in the future.
Parental Needs for Care
Nevertheless, parents also typically incur needs for support by the end of life when
physical health or cognitive abilities decline. Midlife children have been a mainstay of
this support. As such, we ask how today’s young adults will care for their parents in
old age.
The strengthening of intergenerational bonds may serve many older parents well at the
end of life. Research examining current cohorts of older adults suggests that aging
parents are more likely to receive care from a child who shares their values and with
whom they have had a close relationship (Pillemer & Suitor, 2013). Extending this
pattern into future cohorts, the prolonged transition to adulthood provides
opportunities for parents and young adult children to develop strong bonds. By
midlife, these ties may facilitate a seamless transition to caregiving tasks because the
two parties already engage in daily exchanges of emotional and practical help
(Fingerman et al., 2016; Fingerman, Huo, Kim, & Birditt, in press).
By contrast, prolonged dependency on parents may stymie the offspring’s
psychological growth and could impede the ability of midlife adults to care for their
parents in late life. Researchers have shown that investment in adult roles (e.g., work,
family) is associated with personality changes consistent with providing care to others
(e.g., increased agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability; Bleidorn et al.,
2013; Lodi-Smith & Roberts, 2007). As such, exclusion from these roles may
diminish psychological growth associated with helping parents in late life.
Yet, evidence suggests offspring will step in when the time come based on current
patterns. A survey of over 1,000 caregivers in the United States revealed that nearly a
quarter of them were aged 18–34 (AARP, 2015). Granted, these younger caregivers
typically were involved as secondary caregivers and put in fewer hours than older
adults who were caring for a spouse. Nevertheless, these data suggest millennials are
already stepping in to care for family.
Of course, patterns may vary within and between families. Some of the best predictors
of relationship qualities in parent/child relationships over time are prior relationship
qualities (Belsky, Jaffee, Shieh, & Silva, 2001; Suitor, Gilligan, & Pillemer, 2013). In
essence, it is likely that parent/child ties that are well-functioning in young adulthood
may persist in this manner, providing excellent care to aging parents. By contrast,
relationships that are already fraught with difficulties may disband or generate
inadequate parent care in late life.
Factors associated with future support
The factors that underlie current parental involvement may also shape the likelihood
and type of future support that parents receive in old age. Yet structural factors may
evolve over time. Thus, for any individual midlife parent today, future circumstances
may be different.
Regarding socioeconomic status, prolonged parental support of young adults may

have implications for parents’ financial well-being, even among parents who are not
badly off today. Money is finite. As such, when midlife parents provide financial
support to grown children, that support may come at the expense of the parents’
current and future financial well-being (e.g., own retirement savings). These patterns
may be exacerbated for Americans in the bottom half of the economic ladder, who are
unlikely to save for retirement at all (Rhee, 2013). Yet, it is not clear how current
financial demands on midlife parents bode for the future. For example, coresidence is
more common among lower SES parents and adult children. And this coresidence
may be setting up patterns now that facilitate support of parents in late life. A recent
survey found that nearly half of grown children who reside with parents paid rent and
nearly 90% contributed to household expenses (Pew Research Center, 2012). When
parents age, these children may step in with financial support providing lower SES
parents with a safety net.
The role of technology in future ties with aging parents also is unclear. The
technological advances of the early 21 century facilitated communication between
adults and parents, as cell phones saturated markets nearly worldwide by 2015 (World
Bank, 2017b). Yet, as the 21st century unfolds, social media are a dominant force in
communication patterns. More importantly, social media platform usage differs by
cohort. For example, 62% of adults who are online use Facebook, but young adults
are more likely to use Instagram (59% of adults aged 18–29 in 2015 used Instagram,
compared to only 8% of older adults; Pew Research Center, 2016). If these patterns
persist, by late life, current midlife parents who use a certain form of social media
may be shut out of communication if their grown children use a different social media
platform. Perhaps this alienation will be avoided if both parties use a single social
media platform—even a new one that emerges in the future.
Family structure may also have implications for parents as they grow older and
require care. In the 20th century, scholars debunked the idea of the “sandwich
generation” as a falsehood; most midlife caregivers had children who were grown and
were not raising young children while caring for aging parents (Fingerman et al.,
2010; Grundy & Henretta, 2006). If anything, today’s midlife adult is likely to be in a
“club sandwich” where they confront demands from layers of generations—
caregiving for an aging parent and responding to crises and everyday needs among
their young adult offspring in sequence and simultaneously (Fingerman, Pitzer, et al.,
2011; Grundy & Henretta, 2006).
For young adults today who have children at later ages, however, a true sandwich may
occur, with both generation pressing on the midlife generation squished like jelly in
between. Aside from the increased stress on the midlife caregiver, quality of care may
suffer. Older parents may worry about burdening their grown children and may not
ask for help they need. Even older parents who seek assistance may suffer due to
constraints on the midlife child who is consumed with raising her own children. In
some families, adolescent grandchildren may supplement care provided by a midlife
adult (AARP, 2015; Hamil, 2012), and future research should examine this type of
supplementary care. In sum, in the future, parents may find that their midlife children
are experiencing strains balancing children in the home and aging parents, but some
families may come together in caregiving with a third generation joining in.
Finally, with declining fertility rates, parents may selectively turn to midlife children
who lack children of their own for care. Yet, the evidence for this assertion is mixed.
In one study, aging mothers identified the grown child they anticipated would provide
care and then examined who actually did provide care 7 years later. That study found
no such association regarding whether the midlife child had children of his/her own
(Pillemer & Suitor, 2013), perhaps because adults who have children of their own
assume nurturing roles toward their parents as well as their children. Other research
has found that gay and lesbian married couples do a better job of supporting one
another when providing care to aging parents than do heterosexual marital couples
(Reczek & Umberson, 2016). The authors attributed some of this spousal support of
caregiving to gendered roles in marriage (i.e., men expect women to do caregiving but
this not the case in gay and lesbian couples). Still, heterosexual couples are also more
likely to have children who generate additional burdens competing with parental
caregiving. Future research will need to examine how the current generation of
parents elicits care from their offspring who may or may not have children of their
own.
Directions for Future Research and Conclusions
Parents are considerably more involved with their grown children aged 18–34 than
was the case 40 years ago. Parents engage in more frequent contact, give more
support, are more likely to live with a grown child, and experience greater affection.
Societal changes in the form of economic challenges to attaining adulthood, new
technologies facilitating communication, and public policies that place greater
reliance on family contribute to these stronger bonds.
Distinct subgroups of parents warrant additional research attention. For example,

although LGBT youth have received research attention—particularly with regard to
coming out to parents (Pew Research Center, 2013), studies examining LGBT midlife
parents and their young adult offspring are all but absent from the literature. It is
likely that these relationships are as involved as relationships involving married or
single heterosexual parents, but the history of discrimination and inability to marry
earlier in life may offer unique features to these ties.
Moreover, cultural values and beliefs are in flux. Many parents in the United States
continue to endorse beliefs about grown children’s autonomy (Fingerman, Cheng,
Wesselman, et al., 2012; Vespa, 2017). It is not clear when (and whether) those values
will shift and future studies should focus on this issue. Research should also seek to
understand parental beliefs about goals during the adolescent years and the types of
tasks parents expect their adolescent children to perform to prepare for young
adulthood.
Of equal concern is the dearth of recent data regarding ethnic and racial differences in
parents’ ties to young adults. Many publications regarding ethnic and racial
differences among parents and young adult children still analyze data from the 1990s
(e.g., Hardie & Seltzer, 2016), and it is not clear whether the findings are relevant in
2017.
Finally, there has been little attention to potential distinctions between rural and urban
settings with regard to the transition to adulthood, and young adults’ ties to their
midlife parents. Studies have examined these differences in China where urban
residence requires permits that aging parents often lack (Chen & Silverstein, 2000).
Given the outflux of young people from rural areas in the United States, this topic
warrants consideration in the United States as well.
The penultimate issue is how ties between midlife parents and young adult children
will evolve into tomorrow’s support for aging parents. Rather than judge or criticize
current patterns (e.g., young adults are immature), future research might seek to
identify how the strengths of current patterns could lead to support of aging parents.
Indeed, decades of research addressing marriage has generated algorithms to predict
divorce and to provide interventions for maladaptive marital relationship patterns.
Similar initiatives may be warranted with regard to intergenerational ties which seem
to be replacing romantic partnerships as the primary relationships for many adults
today.
Anecdotally, young adults seem to be involved in ways that facilitate their midlife
parents’ well-being in many situations today. When Hurricane Harvey hit the Gulf
Coast during the first week of classes at UT Austin in late August, 2017, the Provost
sent a memo to faculty asking them to be flexible for the many students from Houston
affected by the hurricane. In that memo, the Provost correctly pointed out that many
of these young people would spend the semester going back and forth to Houston to
help their parents move in and out of shelters and to restart their lives. This disaster
brought to light the ways in which millennials reciprocate their parents’ involvement
and investment via a strong sense of family cohesion in return.
In conclusion, involvement with young adult children has ramifications for midlife
parents in positive and negative ways. Parents benefit from a close tie with frequent
contact, and many parents find it rewarding to be involved in their grown children’s
lives. Parents may also suffer if they vicariously experience their children’s life crises.
Nevertheless, parental involvement may help mitigate children’s crises and improve
the parents’ well-being as a result. And the offspring may step up and be there in
moments of crisis as well. In sum, most parents view their grown children as valuable
relationship partners from whom they benefit in the present, and may benefit in the
future.
Funding
This study was supported by grants from the National Institute on Aging (NIA),
National Institutes of Health (R01AG027769) the Family Exchanges Study II to K. L.
Fingerman, Principal Investigator. This research also was supported by grant (5 R24
HD042849) awarded to the Population Research Center (PRC) at The University of
Texas at Austin by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and
Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health.
Conflict of Interest
None reported.
Acknowledgments
I am grateful to Steven Zarit for helpful comments on a draft of this article. Gianna
Colera and Jaimee Liem assisted with proofreading a draft of this article.
References
AARP Public Policy Institute
.(
2015
).
Caregiving in the US: 2015 Report
Retrieved from http://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/2015/caregiving-in-the-

united-states-2015-report-revised.pdf
.
Albertini
M.
,&
Kohli
.(
2012
).
The generational contract in the family: An analysis of transfer regimes in Europe
European Sociological Review
29
828
840
. doi:
10.1093/esr/jcs061
Google Scholar
Crossref
Aneshensel
C.
Pearlin
L. I.
Mullan
J. T.
Zarit
S. H.
,&
Whitlatch
C. J
.(
1995
).
Profiles in caregiving: The unexpected career
New York
Academic Press
Antonucci
T. C.
,&
Akiyama
.(
1994
).
Convoys of attachment and social relations in children, adolescents, and adults
. In
F.
Nestmann
&
K.
Hurrlelmann
(Eds.),
Social networks and social support in childhood and adolescence
(pp. 37–52).
New York
Walter de Gruyter
. doi:10.1515/9783110866377.37
Aquilino
W. S
.(
2006
).
Family relationships and support systems in emerging adulthood
. In
J. J.
Arnett
&
J. L.
Tanner
(Eds.),
Emerging adults in America: Coming of age in the 21st century

(pp.
193
217
).
Washington, DC
American Psychological Association
Arnett
J. J
.(
2000
).
Emerging adulthood. A theory of development from the late teens to the late twenties
American Psychologist
55
469
–
480
. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.55.5.469
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Arnett
J. J.
,&
Schwab
.(
2012a
).
The Clark University poll of emerging adults
Worcester, MA
Clark University
.
Arnett
J. J.
,&
Schwab
.(
2012b
).
The Clark University Poll of parents of emerging adults
Worcester, MA
Clark University
Axinn
W. G.
,&
Yabiku
S. T
.(
2001
Social change, the social organization of families, and fertility limitation
American Journal of Sociology
106
1219
1261
. doi:10.1086/320818
Google Scholar
Crossref
Becker
G.
Beyene
Y.
,
Newsom
E.
,&
Mayen
.(
2003
).
Creating continuity through mutual assistance: Intergenerational reciprocity in four

ethnic groups
Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences
58
S151
S159
Google Scholar
Crossref
Belsky
J.
Jaffee
S.
Hsieh
K. H.
,&
Silva
P. A
.(
2001
).
Child-rearing antecedents of intergenerational relations in young adulthood: A

prospective study
Developmental Psychology
,
37
801
808
. doi:10.1037//0012-1649.37.6.801
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Bengtson
V. L
.(
2001
).
Beyond the nuclear family: The increasing importance of multigenerational bonds
Journal of Marriage and Family
63
,
1
16
. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2001.00001.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
Bianchi
S. M.
,&
Milkie
M. A
.(
2010
).
Work and family research in the first decade of the 21st century
72
,
705
725
. doi:
10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00726.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
Billari
F. C
.(
2004
).
Becoming and adult in Europe: A macro(/micro)-demographic perspective
Demographic Research
15
–
44
. doi:
10.4054/DemRes.2004.S3.2
Google Scholar
Crossref
Birditt
K. S.
Hartnett
C. S.
Fingerman
K. L.
Zarit
S.
,&
Antonucci
,
T. C
.(
2015
).
Extending the intergenerational stake hypothesis: Evidence of an intraindividual stake

and implications for well-being
Journal of Marriage and the Family
77
877
888
. doi:
10.1111/jomf.12203
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Bleidorn
W.
,
Klimstra
T. A.
Denissen
J. J.
Rentfrow
P. J.
Potter
J.
,&
Gosling
S. D
.(
2013
).
Personality maturation around the world: A cross-cultural examination of social-
investment theory
Psychological Science
24
2530
2540
. doi:
10.1177/0956797613498396
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Bronfenbrenner
U.
,&
Morris
P. A
.(
2006
).
The bioecological model of human development
. In
W.
Damon
&
R. M.
Lerner
(Eds.),
Handbook of child psychology, Vol.1: Theoretical models of human development
6th ed
., pp.
793
828
).
New York, NY
Wiley
Bucx
,
F.
van Wel
F.
,&
Knijn
.(
2012
).
Life course status and exchanges of support between young adults and parents
74
101
115
. doi:
10.1111/j.1741-3737.2011.00883.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
Butler
E. A.
,&
Randall
A. K
.(
2013
).
Emotional coregulation in close relationships
Emotion Review
202
210
. doi:
10.1177/1754073912451630
Google Scholar
Crossref
Byers
A. L.
Levy
B. R.
Allore
H. G.
Bruce
M. L.
,&
Kasl
,
S. V
.(
2008
).
When parents matter to their adult children: Filial reliance associated with parents’
depressive symptoms
The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences
63
P33
P40
. doi:
10.1093/geronb/63.1.P33
Google Scholar
Crossref
Chen
X.
,&
Silverstein
,
.(
2000
).
Intergenerational social support and the psychological well-being of older parents in

China
Research on Aging
22
43
65
. doi:10.1177164027500221003
Google Scholar
Crossref
Cherlin
.(
2010
).
Demographic trends in the United States: a review of research in the 2000s
72
403
419
. doi:
10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00710.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Conger
R. D.
Conger
,
K. J.
&
Martin
M. J
.(
2010
).
Socioeconomic status, family processes, and individual development
72
685
704
. doi:
10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00725.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Cotten
S. R.
McCullough
B. M.
,&
Adams
R. G
.(
2012
).
Technological influences on social ties across the lifespan
. In
K. L.
Fingerman
C. A.
Berg
,
J.
Smith
,&
T. C.
Antonucci
(Eds.),
Handbook of lifespan development
(pp.
647
672
).
New York, NY
Springer Publishers
Cruz
.(
2013
).
Marriage: More than a century of change
Bowling Green University: National Center for Family and Marriage Research
. OH: Bowling Green. Retrieved

from https://www.bgsu.edu/content/dam/BGSU/college-of-arts-and-
sciences/NCFMR/documents/FP/FP-13-13.pdf
Davis
E. M.
Kim
K.
,&
Fingerman
K. L
.(
in press
).
Is an empty nest best? Coresidence with adult children and parental marital quality
before and after the Great Recession
.
The Journals of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences
. doi:10.1093/geronb/gbw022
Elder
G. H.
, Jr
.(
1998
).
The life course as developmental theory
Child Development
69
12
. doi:
10.1111/j.1467–8624.1998.tb06128.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Ellis
R. R.
,&
Simmons
.(
2014
).
Coresident grandparents and their grandchildren: 2012
. Washington, DC:
United States Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce Economics and

Statistics Administration
Erikson
.(
1963
).
Childhood and society
New York
Norton
Fingerman
K. L
.(
1998
).
The good, the bad, and the worrisome: Emotional complexities in grandparents’
experiences with individual grandchildren
Family Relations
47
403
414
. doi:
10.2307/585271
Google Scholar
Crossref
Fingerman
K. L
.(
2001
).
Aging mothers and their adult daughters: A study in mixed emotions
New York
Springer
Fingerman
K. L
.(
2016
).
The ascension of parent–child ties in the twenty-first century
The Psychologist
29
114
118
Fingerman
K. L.
&
Bermann
.(
2000
).
Applications of family systems theory to the study of adulthood

.
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
51
29
. doi:
10.2190/7TF8-WB3F-TMWG-TT3K
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Fingerman
K. L.
Cheng
Y. P.
Birditt
,
K. S.
,&
Zarit
.(
2012
).
Only as happy as the least happy child: Multiple grown children’s problems and
successes and middle-aged parents’ well-being
67
184
193
. doi:
10.1093/geronb/gbr086
Google Scholar
Crossref
Fingerman
K. L.
Cheng
Y. P.
Kim
K.
Fung
H. H.
Han
G.
Lang
F. R.
,…
Wagner
.(
2016
).
Parental involvement with college students in Germany, Hong Kong, Korea, and the
United States
Journal of Family Issues
37
1384
1411
. doi:
10.1177/0192513X14541444
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Fingerman
,
K. L.
Cheng
Y. P.
Wesselmann
E. D.
Zarit
S.
Furstenberg
F.
,&
Birditt
K. S
.(
2012
).
Helicopter parents and landing pad kids: Intense parental support of grown children
74
880
896
. doi:
10.1111/j.1741-3737.2012.00987.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Fingerman
K. L.
Cheng
,
Y.-P.
Tighe
L. A.
Birditt
K. S.
,&
Zarit
S. H
.(
2012
).
Relationships between young adults and their parents
. In
A.
Booth
S. L.
Brown
,
N.
Landale
W.
Manning
,&
S. M.
McHale
(Eds.),
Early adulthood in a family context
(pp.
59
85
).
New York
Springer Publishers
Fingerman
K. L.
,
Hay
E. L.
,&
Birditt
K. S
.(
2004
).
The best of ties, the worst of ties: Close, problematic, and ambivalent relationships
across the lifespan
66
792
808
. doi:
10.1111/j.0022-2445.2004.00053.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
Fingerman
K. L.
Huo
M.
Kim
K.
,&
Birditt
K. S
.(
in press
).
Coresident and noncoresident young adults’ daily experiences with parents
Emerging Adulthood. doi:10.1177/2167696816676583

Fingerman
K. L.
Kim
K.
Birditt
K. S.
,&
Zarit
S. H
.(
2016
).
The ties that bind: Midlife parents’ daily experiences with grown children
,
78
431
450
. doi:
10.1111/jomf.12273
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Fingerman
K. L.
Kim
K.
Davis
E. M.
,
Furstenberg
F. F.
, Jr
Birditt
K. S.
,&
Zarit
S. H
.(
2015
).
“I’ll give you the world”: Parental socioeconomic background and assistance to young
adult children
77
844
–
865
. doi:
10.1111/jomf.12204
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Fingerman
K.
Miller
L.
Birditt
K.
,&
Zarit
.(
2009
).
Giving to the good and the needy: Parental support of grown children
71
1220
1233
. doi:
10.1111/j.1741-3737.2009.00665.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Fingerman
K. L.
Pitzer
,
L. M.
Chan
W.
Birditt
K. S.
Franks
M. M.
,&
Zarit
S. H
.(
2011
).
Who gets what and why: Help middle-aged adults provide to parents and grown
children
The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Social Sciences

,
66
87
98
. doi:
10.1093/geronb/gbq009
Google Scholar
Crossref
Fingerman
K. L.
Sechrist
J.
,&
Birditt
.(
2013
).
Changing views on intergenerational ties
Gerontology
59
64
70
. doi:
10.1159/000342211
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Fingerman
K. L.
VanderDrift
,
L. E.
Dotterer
A. M.
Birditt
K. S.
,&
Zarit
S. H
.(
2011
).
Support to aging parents and grown children in black and white families
The Gerontologist
51
441
–
452
. doi:
10.1093/geront/gnq114
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Fry
.(
2015
).
More millennials living with family despite improved job market
Washington, DC
Pew Research Center
. Retrieved from http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2015/07/29/more-millennials-living-

with-family-despite-improved-job-market/
Fry
,
R
.(
2016
).
For the first time in modern era, living with parents edges out other living
arrangements for 18- to 34-year-olds
Washington, DC
Pew Research Center
. Retrieved from http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2016/05/24/for-first-time-in-

modern-era-living-with-parents-edges-out-other-living-arrangements-for-18-to-34-
year-olds/
Furstenberg
F. F.
, Jr
.(
2010
).
On a new schedule: Transitions to adulthood and family change
.
Future of the Child
20
67
87
. doi:
10.1353/foc.0.0038
Google Scholar
Crossref
Ganong
L.
,&
Coleman
.(
2017
).
Stepfamily relationships: Development, dynamics, and intervention

(
2nd ed
.).
New York
Springer
. doi:
10.10078/978-1-4899-7702-1
Gans
D.
,&
Silverstein
.(
2006
).
Norms of filial responsibility for aging parents across time and generations
68
,
961
976
. doi:
10.11111/j.17413737.2006.00307.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
Gilligan
M.
Suitor
J. J.
,&
Pillemer
.(
2015
).
Estrangement between mothers and adult children: The role of norms and values
77
908
920
. doi:
10.1111/jomf.12207
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Grundy
.(
2005
).
Reciprocity in relationships: Socio-economic and health influences on
intergenerational exchanges between third age parents and their adult children in
Great Britain
The British Journal of Sociology
56
233
255
. doi:
10.1111/ j.1468-4446.2005.00057.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Grundy
E.
,&
Henretta
J. C
.(
2006
).
Between elderly parents and adult children: A new look at the intergenerational care
provided by the ‘sandwich generation’
Ageing and Society
26
707
722
. doi:
10.1017/S0144686X06004934
Google Scholar
Crossref
Hamil
S. B
.(
2012
).
Caring for grandparents with Alzheimer’s disease: Help from the forgotten generation
33
1195
1217
Google Scholar
Crossref
Hank
.(
2007
).
Proximity and contacts between older parents and their children: A European
comparison
.
Journal of Marriage & Family
69
157
173
Google Scholar
Crossref
Hank
K.
,&
Buber
.(
2009
).
Grandparents caring for their grandchildren: Findings from the 2004 Survey of
Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe
.
30
53
73
Google Scholar
Crossref
Hardie
J. H.
,&
Seltzer
J. A
.(
2016
).
Parent–child relationships at the transition to adulthood: A comparison of Black,

Hispanic, and White immigrant and native-born youth
.
Social Forces
95
321
354
. doi:
10.1093/sf/sow033
Google Scholar
Crossref
Hartnett
C. S.
Fingerman
K. L.
,&
Birditt
K. S
.(
2017
).
Without the ties that bind: Young adults who lack active parental relationships
. Manuscript under review.
Hay
E. L.
Fingerman
K. L.
&
Lefkowitz
E. S
.(
2008
).
The worries adult children and their parents experience for one another
.
67
101
127
. doi:
10.2190/AG.67.2.a
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Henretta
J. C.
Grundy
E.
,&
Harris
,
S
.(
2002
).
The influence of socio-economic and health differences on parents’ provision of help

to adult children: A British-United States comparison
Ageing and Society
22
441
458
. doi:
10.1017/S0144686X02008735
Google Scholar
Crossref
Henretta
J. C.
Wolf
,
D. A.
Van Voorhis
M. F.
,&
Soldo
B. J
.(
2012
).
Family structure and the reproduction of inequality: Parents’ contribution to children’s

college costs
Social Science Research
41
876
887
. doi:
10.1016/j.ssresearch. 2012.02.008
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Johnson
M. K
.(
2013
).
Parental financial assistance and young adults’ relationships with parents and well-
being
75
713
733
. doi:
10.1111/jomf.12029
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Kahn
R. L.
,&
Antonucci
T. C
.(
1980
).
Convoys over the life course: Attachment, roles, and social support
. In
P. B.
Baltes
&
O. B.
Brim
(Eds.),
Life-span development and behavior

(Vol.
., pp.
253
268
).
New York
Academic Press
Keniston
.(
1970
).
Youth: A “new” stage of life
The American Scholar
39
,
631
654
Kalmijn
.(
2013a
).
Adult children’s relationships with married parents, divorced parents, and stepparents:
Biology, marriage or residence
75
1181
1193
. doi:
10.1111/jomf.12057
Google Scholar
Crossref
Kalmijn
.(
2013b
).
How mothers allocate support among adult children: Evidence from a multiactor
survey
The Journals of Gerontology. Series b, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences
68
268
277
. doi:
10.1093/geronb/gbs110
Google Scholar
Crossref
Kim
K.
Cheng
Y.-P.
Zarit
S. H.
,&
Fingerman
K. L
.(
2015
).
Relationships between adults and parents in Asia
. In
S.-T.
Cheng
,
I.
Chi
H. H.
Fung
L. W.
Li
,&
J.
Woo
(Eds.),
Successful aging: Asian perspectives
(pp.
101
123
).
New York
Springer
.
Kohli
.(
1999
).
Private and public transfers between generations: Linking the family and the state
European Societies
81
104
Google Scholar
Crossref
Kohli
M.
,
Albertini
M.
,&
Künemund
.(
2010
).
Linkages among adult family generations: Evidence from comparative survey

research
. In
P.
Heady
and
M.
Kohli
(Eds.),
Family, kinship and state in contemporary Europe: Perspectives on theory and policy
(pp.
225
–
248
).
Frankfurt, Germany
Campus Verlag
Kornrich
S.
&
Furstenberg
.(
2013
).
Investing in children: Changes in parental spending on children, 1972–2007
Demography
50
,
1
23
. doi:
10.1007/s13524-012-0146-4
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Lesthaegh
.(
2010
).
The unfolding story of the second demographic transition
Population and Development Review
36
211
–
251
. doi:
10.111/j.1728-4457.210.00328.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Livingston
.(
2014
).
The demographics of remarriage
Washington, DC
Pew Research Center
. Retrieved from http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2014/11/14/chapter-2-the-

demographics-of-remarriage/
Lodi-Smith
,
J.
,&
Roberts
B. W
.(
2007
).
Social investment and personality: A meta-analysis of the relationship of personality

traits to investment in work, family, religion, and volunteerism
Personality and Social Psychology Review
11
68
86
. doi:
10.1177/1088868306294590
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Lowenstein
.(
2007
).
Solidarity-conflict and ambivalence: Testing two conceptual frameworks and their

impact on quality of life for older family members
62
S100
S107
. doi:
10.1093/geronb/62.2.S100
Google Scholar
Crossref
Luden
,
J
.(
2012
).
Helicopter parents hover in the workplace
National Public Radio
. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/2012/02/06/146464665/helicopter-parents-

hover-in-the-workplace
Luescher
K.
,&
Pillemer
.(
1998
).
Intergenerational ambivalence: A new approach to the study of parent–child relations

in later life

,
60
413
425
. doi:
10.2307/353858
Google Scholar
Crossref
Mather
.(
2012
).
Fact sheet: The decline in US fertility
World Population Data Sheet
. Retrieved from http://www.prb.org/publications/datasheets/2012/world-population-

data-sheet/fact-sheet-us-population.aspx
Mintz
,
.(
2015
).
The prime of life: A history of modern adulthood
Cambridge, MA
Belknap Press of Harvard University Press
Montgomery
.(
2009
).
Walking the great apes: Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, Birute Galdikas
White River Junction, VT
:
Chelsea Green Publishing
National Center for Education Statistics
2017
, August).
Fast facts: Back to school statistics
Washington, DC
U.S. Department of Education
. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=372
Newman
.(
2011
).
The accordion family: Boomerang kids, anxious parents, and the private toll of global
competition
Boston, MA
:
Beacon Press
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
.(
2016
).
Education at a glance 2016: OECD indicators
. Washington, DC:
OECD Publishing
Pew Research Center
.(
2011
).
A portrait of stepfamilies. Social and Demographic Trends
Washington, DC
Author
. Retrieved from http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2011/01/13/a-portrait- of-

stepfamilies/
Pew Research Center
.(
2012
).
The boomerang generation: Who are the boomerang kids?
Washington, DC
Author
. Retrieved from http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2012/03/15/who-are-the-

boomerang-kids/
Pew Research Center
.(
2013
).
A survey of LGBT Americans
Washington, DC
Author
. Retrieved from http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2013/06/13/a-survey-of-lgbt-

americans/
Pew Research Center
.(
2016
).
Social media update 2016
Washington, DC
Author
. Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/2016/11/11/social-media-update-2016/
Pillemer
K.
,&
Suitor
J. J
.(
2013
).
Who provides care? a prospective study of caregiving among adult siblings
.
The Gerontologist
54
589
598
. doi:
10.1093/geront/gnt066
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Pillemer
K.
Suitor
J. J.
Mock
,
S. E.
Sabir
M.
Pardo
T. B.
,&
Sechrist
.(
2007
).
Capturing the complexity of intergenerational relations: Exploring ambivalence within

later-life families
Journal of Social Issues
63
775
–
791
. doi:
10.1111/j.1540-4560.2007.00536.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
Pillemer
K.
Suitor
J. J.
Riffin
C.
,&
Gilligan
.(
2017
).
Adult children’s problems and mothers’ well-being: Does parental favoritism matter
Research on Aging
39
375
395
. doi:
10.1177/0164027515611464
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Reczek
C.
,&
Umberson
,
D
.(
2016
).
Greedy spouse, needy parent: The marital dynamics of gay, lesbian, and heterosexual
intergenerational caregivers
78
957
974
. doi:
10.1111/jomf.12318
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Rhee
N
.(
2013
).
The retirement savings crisis: Is it worse than we think?
Washington, DC
National Institute on Retirement Security
. Retrieved from http://www.controller.ca.gov/Files-

EO/2013_sco_flac_retirement_savings_crisis_final_natl_institute_retirement.pdf
Rossi
A. S.
,&
Rossi
P. H
.(
1990
).
Of human bonding: Parent–child relations across the life course
New York, NY
:
Aldine de Gruyter
Sarkisian
N.
,&
Gerstel
.(
2008
).
Till marriage do us part: Adult children’s relationships with parents
70
360
376
. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2008.00487.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
Sayer
L. C.
Bianchi
S. M.
,&
Robinson
J. P
.(
2004
).
Are parents investing less in children? Trends in mothers’ and fathers’ time with
children
110
1
–
43
. doi:
10.1086/386270
Google Scholar
Crossref
Schulenberg
J.
,&
Schoon
.(
2012
).
The transition to adulthood across time and space: Overview of special section
Longitudinal and Life Course Studies
,
164
172
. doi:
10.14301/llcs.v3i2.194
Google Scholar
PubMed
Seltzer
J. A.
Lau
C. Q.
,&
Bianchi
S. M
.(
2012
).
Doubling up when times are tough: a study of obligations to share a home in response
to economic hardship
.
41
1307
1319
. doi:
10.1016/j.ssresearch.2012.05.008
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Suitor
J. J.
Gilligan
M.
Peng
,
S.
Con
G.
Rurka
M.
,&
Pillemer
.(
2016
).
My pride and joy? Predicting favoritism and disfavoritism in mother–adult child

relations
78
,
908
925
. doi:
10.1111/jomf.12288
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Suitor
J. J.
Gilligan
M.
,&
Pillemer
.(
2013
).
Continuity and change in mothers’ favoritism toward offspring in adulthood
75
1229
1247
. doi:
10.1111/jomf.12067
Google Scholar
Crossref
Suitor
J. J.
Gilligan
M.
,&
Pillemer
,
.(
2014
).
Conceptualizing and measuring intergenerational ambivalence in late life
66
S769
S781
. doi:
Suitor
J. J.
Gilligan
M.
,
Pillemer
K.
Fingerman
K. L.
Kim
K.
Silverstein
M.
,&
Bengtson
V. L
.(
in press
).
Applying within-family differences designs to enhance understanding of the
complexity of intergenerational relations in well-being
Suitor
J. J.
Pillemer
K.
,&
Sechrist
.(
2006
).
Within-family differences in mothers’ support to adult children
61
,
S10
S17
. doi:
10.1093/geronb/61.1.S10
Google Scholar
Crossref
Suitor
J. J.
Sechrist
J.
,&
Pillemer
.(
2007
).
Within-family differences in mothers’ support to adult children in Black and White
families
Research on Aging
29
410
435
. doi:
10.1177/0164027507303636
Google Scholar
Crossref
Swartz
T. T.
Kim
M.
Uno
,
M.
Mortimer
J.
,&
O’Brien
K. B
.(
2011
).
Safety nets and scaffolds: Parental support in the transition to adulthood
73
414
429
. doi:
10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00815.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Sweeney
M. M
.(
2010
).
Remarriage and stepfamilies: Strategic sites for family scholarship in the 21st century
72
667
684
. doi:
10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00724.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
Torche
.(
2015
).
Analyses of intergenerational mobility: An interdisciplinary review
The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science
657
37
62
. doi:
10.1177/0002716214547476
Google Scholar
Crossref
Troll
.(
1972
).
Is parent–child conflict what we mean by the generation gap
The Family Coordinator
21
347
349
Google Scholar
Crossref
Umberson
,
D
.(
1992
).
Relationships between adult children and their parents: Psychological consequences

for both generations
544
664
674
. doi:
10.2307/353252
Google Scholar
Crossref
U.S. Census Bureau
.(
2011
).
Mover rate reaches record low, Census Bureau reports
Washington, DC
Author
. Retrieved
from https://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/mobility_of_the_populatio
n/cb11-193.html
U.S. Census Bureau
.(
2014
).
Coresident grandparents and their grandchildren
Washington, DC
Author
. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2014/demo/p20-

576.html
U.S. Census Bureau
.(
2016
).
CPS historical migration/geographic mobility tables
Washington, DC
Author
. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/geographic-

mobility/historic.html
van Gaalen
R. I.
,&
Dykstra
P. A
.(
2010
).
Where is the exit? Intergenerational ambivalence and relationship quality in high

contact ties
Journal of Aging Studies
,
24
105
114
. doi:
10.1016/j.jaging.2008.10.006
Google Scholar
Crossref
Vespa
.(
2017
).
The changing economics and demographics of young adulthood: 1975–2016
U.S. Census Bureau: Current Population Reports
. Retrieved
from https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2017/demo/
p20-579.pdf
Yu
,
T.
Pettit
G. S.
Lansford
J. E.
Dodge
K. A.
,&
Bates
J. E
.(
2010
).
The interactive effects of marital conflict and divorce on parent–adult children’s

relationships
.
72
282
292
. doi:
10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00699.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
World Bank
.(
2017a
).
Fertility rate, total (births per woman)
United Nations Population Division
. Retrieved from http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.TFRT.IN
World Bank
.
2017b
).
Mobile cellular subscriptions (per 100 people)
. Retrieved from http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/IT.CEL.SETS.P2
Zarit
S. H.
Reever
K. E.
,&
Bach-Peterson
.(
1980
).
Relatives of the impaired elderly: Correlates of feelings of burden
The Gerontologist
,
20
649
655
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The

Gerontological Society of America.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits
unrestricted reuse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the
original work is properly cited.
Millennials and Their Parents: Implications

of the New Young Adulthood for Midlife
Adults
Karen L Fingerman, PhD
Innovation in Aging, Volume 1, Issue 3, November 2017,

igx026,https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igx026
Published:
20 November 2017
 Split View
 PDF
 Cite
 Permissions IconPermissions

Share
Abstract
The period of young adulthood has transformed dramatically over the past few decades.
Today, scholars refer to “emerging adulthood” and “transitions to adulthood” to describe
adults in their 20s. Prolonged youth has brought concomitant prolonged parenthood. This
article addresses 3 areas of change in parent/child ties, increased (a) contact between
generations, (b) support from parents to grown children as well as coresidence and (c)
affection between the generations. We apply the Multidimensional Intergenerational Support
Model(MISM) to explain these changes, considering societal (e.g., economic, technological),
cultural, family demographic (e.g., fertility, stepparenting), relationship, and psychological
(normative beliefs, affection) factors. Several theoretical perspectives (e.g., life course
theory, family systems theory) suggest that these changes may have implications for the
midlife parents’ well-being. For example, parents may incur deleterious effects from (a)
grown children’s problems or (b) their own normative beliefs that offspring should be
independent. Parents may benefit via opportunities for generativity with young adult
offspring. Furthermore, current patterns may affect future parental aging. As parents incur
declines of late life, they may be able to turn to caregivers with whom they have intimate
bonds. Alternately, parents may be less able to obtain such care due to demographic changes
involving grown children raising their own children later or who have never fully launched.
It is important to consider shifts in the nature of young adulthood to prepare for midlife
parents’ future aging.
Emerging adulthood, intergenerational relationships, intergenerational support, life
course theory, transition to adulthood
Issue Section:
Invited Article
Translational Significance
Clinicians will be able to help normalize situations when midlife parents are upset due to
involvement with their young adult children. Policy makers may be able to foresee and plan
for future issues involving aging parents and midlife children.
Young adulthood has changed dramatically since the middle of the 20th century.
Research over the past two decades has documented this restructuring, relabeling the
late teens and 20s under the auspices of “transitions to adulthood” or “emerging
adulthood” (Arnett, 2000; Furstenberg, 2010). As such, the life stage from ages 18 to
30 has shifted from being clearly ensconced in adulthood, to an interim period marked
by considerable heterogeneity. Historically, young people also took circuitous paths in
their careers and love interests (Keniston, 1970; Mintz, 2015), but a recent U.S.
Census report shows that young people today are less likely to achieve traditional
markers of adulthood such as completion of education, marriage, moving out of the
parental home or securing a job with a livable wage as they did in the mid to late
twentieth century (Vespa, 2017). Individuals who achieve such markers do so at later
ages, and patterns vary by socioeconomic background (Furstenberg, 2010).
Much of the research regarding this stage of life has focused on antecedents of young
adult pathways or implications of different transitions for the young adults’ well-being
(Schulenberg & Schoon, 2012). Yet, the prolongation of entry into adulthood involves
a concomitant prolongation of midlife parenthood; implications of parenting young
adult offspring remain poorly understood. This article focuses on midlife parents’
involvement with grown children from the parents’ perspective (and does not address
implications for grown children).
Several theoretical perspectives suggest that parents will be affected by changes in the
nature of young adulthood. The life course theory concept “linked lives” suggests that
events in one party’s life influence their close relationship partners’ lives. Family
systems theory posits that changes in one family member’s life circumstances will
reverberate throughout the family, even when children are grown (Fingerman &
Bermann, 2000). Further, the developmental stake hypothesis suggests that parents’
high investment and involvement with young adult children may generate both a
current and a longer term impact on parental well-being (Birditt, Hartnett, Fingerman,
Zarit, & Antonucci, 2015). These theories collectively suggest that events in young
adults’ lives may reverberate through their parents’ lives.
As such, this article addresses changes that midlife parents experience stemming from
shifts in young adulthood. Specifically it describes (a) what has changed in ties
between midlife parents and young adults over the past two decades, (b) why these
changes have occurred, and (c) the implications of these changes for parents’ well-
being currently in midlife, and in the future if they incur physical declines, cognitive
deficits, or social losses associated with late life.
What Has Changed in Parents’ Ties to Young Adults
Parental involvement with young adult children has increased dramatically over the
past few decades. Notably, there has been an increase in parents’ contact with, support
of, coresidence, and intimacy with young adult children (Arnett & Schwab,
2012a; Fingerman, 2016; Fingerman, Miller, Birditt, & Zarit, 2009; Fry,
2016; Johnson, 2013).
Parental Contact With Young Adult Children
Parents have more frequent contact with their young adult children than was the case
thirty years ago. Research using national US data from the mid to late twentieth
century revealed that only half of parents reported contact with a grown child at least
once a week (Fingerman, Cheng, Tighe, Birditt, & Zarit, 2012). Because most parents
have more than one grown child, by inference many grown children had even less
frequent contact with their parents. Recent studies in the twenty-first century,
however, found that nearly all parents had contact with a grown child in the past
week, and over half of parents had contact with a grown child everyday (Arnett &
Schwab, 2012b; Fingerman, et al., 2016).
It would be remiss to imply that all midlife parents have frequent contact with their
grown children, however, because a small group shows the opposite trend. From the
child’s perspective, national data reveal 20% of young adults lack contact with a
father, and 6.5% lack contact with a mother figure in the United States (Hartnett,
Fingerman, & Birditt, 2017). Similarly, research examining Lesbian, gay, bisexual,
and transgender (LGBT) young adults suggests that some parents reject grown
children who declare a minority sexuality or gender identity, but this appears to be a
relatively rare occurrence. Instead, a representative survey found that LGBT young
adults choose whether to come out to parents; only 56% had told their mother and
only 39% had told their father (Pew Research Center, 2013). As such, it seems that
LGBT young adults who are likely to be rejected by parents may decide not to tell
them about their sexuality. Death accounted for some of the lack of parents (4% of
young adults lack a father due to death and 3% lack a mother). Rather, divorce,
incarceration, and other factors such as addiction or earlier placement in foster care
may account for estrangement from a parent figure (Hartnett et al., 2017). Of course,
estrangement may be different from the parents’ perspective. For example, one study
of aging mothers found that 11% of aging mothers reported being estranged from one
child (Gilligan, Suitor, & Pillemer, 2015), but these mothers rarely reported being
estranged from all of their children. Nevertheless, a significant subgroup of parents
may be excluded from increased involvement described here for other parents.
Parental Support of Young Adult Children
Parents also give more support to grown children, on average, than parents gave in the
recent past. Across social strata, parents provide approximately 10% of their income
to young adult children, a shift from the late twentieth century (Kornich &
Furstenberg, 2013). From the 1970s through the 1990s, parents spent the most money
on children during the teenage years. But since 2000, parents across economic strata
have spent the most money on children under age 6 or young adult children over the
age of 18 (Kornich & Furstenberg, 2013). Indeed, some scholars have suggested that
over a third of the financial costs of parenting occur after children are age 18 (Mintz,
2015).
The amount of financial support parents provide varies by the parents’ and grown
child’s SES, however. Parents from higher socioeconomic strata provide more
financial assistance to adult children (Fingerman et al., 2015; Grundy, 2005). This
pattern is not limited to the United States; better off parents invest money in young
adult offspring who are pursuing education or who have not yet secured steady
employment in most industrialized nations (Albertini & Kohli, 2012; Fingerman et al.,
2016; Swartz, Kim, Uno, Mortimer, & O’Brien, 2011). Yet, this pattern may
perpetuate socioeconomic inequalities in the United States, rendering lower SES
parents more likely to have lower SES grown children (Torche, 2015).
In addition to financial support, many parents devote time to grown children (e.g.,
giving practical or emotional support; Fingerman et al., 2009). Young people face
considerable demands gaining a foothold in the adult world (e.g., education, jobs,
evolving romantic ties; Furstenberg, 2010). In response, parents may offer adult
offspring help by making doctor’s appointments, or giving advice and emotional
support at a distance, using phone, video technologies, text messages, or email.
Such nonmaterial support may stem from early life patterns. In early life, parenting
has become more time intensive over the past few decades, particularly among upper
SES parents (Bianchi & Milkie, 2010). Lower SES parents may work multiple jobs or
face constraints (e.g., rigid work hours, multiple shifts) that preclude intensive
parenting more typical in upper SES families (Conger, Conger, & Martin, 2010). It is
not clear whether such differences in time persist in adulthood.
Rather, the types of nonmaterial support may differ by SES. Research suggests better
off parents are more likely to give information and to spend time listening to grown
children, and less well-off parents provide more childcare (i.e., for their
grandchildren; Fingerman et al., 2015; Henretta, Grundy, & Harris, 2002). Grown
children in better off families are more likely to pursue higher education, and student
status is strongly associated with parental support (including time as well as money)
throughout the world (Fingerman et al., 2016; Henretta, Wolf, van Voorhis, & Soldo,
2012). Yet, less well-off parents are more likely to coreside with a grown child.
Nevertheless, research suggests that across SES strata, midlife parents attempt to
support grown children in need. A recent study found that overall, lower SES parents
gave as much or more support than upper SES parents, but lower SES young adult
children were still likely to receive less support on average (i.e., due to greater needs
across multiple family members in lower SES families; Fingerman et al., 2015).
Parental Coresidence With Young Adult Children
Coresidence could be conceptualized as a form of support from parents to grown

children; grown children who reside with parents save money and may receive advice,
food, childcare or other forms of everyday support. In industrialized nations, rates of
intergenerational coresidence have risen in the past few decades. In the United States
in 2015, intergenerational coresidence became the modal residential pattern for adults
aged 18 to 34, surpassing residing with romantic partners for the first time (Fry,
2015, 2016). Rates of coresidence have increased in many European countries as well
in the past 30 years, though rates vary by country. Coresidence is common in
Southern European nations (e.g., 73% of adults aged 18 to 34 lived with parents in
Italy in 2007), but relatively rare in Nordic nations (e.g., 21% of young adults lived
with parents in Finland in 2007). Coresidence rates in Southern European countries
evolved from historical patterns, but also reflect an increase over the past 40 years.
For example, in Spain in 1977, fewer than half of young adults remained in the
parents’ home, but by the early 21st century over two-thirds of young adults did
(Newman, 2011). Coresidence appears to be an extension of the increased
involvement between adults and parents (as well as reflecting offspring’s economic
needs).
Parental Affection, Solidarity, and Ambivalence Towards Young Adult
Children
In general, affection between young adults and parents seems to be increasing in the
twenty-first century as well. It is not possible to objectively document changes in the
strength of emotional bonds due to measurement issues and ceiling effects—most
people have reported close ties to parents or grown children across the decades. Still,
it seems intergenerational intimacy is on the rise. In the 20th century in Western
societies, marriage was the primary tie. Yet, over 15 years ago, Bengtson
(2001)speculated that the prominence of multigenerational ties would rise in the 21st
century due to changes in family structure (e.g., dissolution of romantic bonds) and
longevity (e.g., generations sharing more years together). Bengtson’s predictions seem
to be coming to fruition.
Increases in midlife parents’ affection for young adult children would be consistent
with a rise in intergenerational solidarity. Intergenerational solidarity theory was
developed in the 20th century to explain strengths in intergenerational bonds
(Bengtson, 2001; Lowenstein, 2007). Solidarity theory is mechanistic in nature,
suggesting that positive features of relationships (e.g., contact, support, shared values,
affection) co-occur like intertwining gears. In this regard, we might conceptualize the
overall increase in parental involvement as increased intergenerational solidarity.
It is less clear whether conflictual or negative aspects of the relationship have changed
in the past few decades. It was only towards the end of the 20th century that
researchers began to measure ambivalence (mixed feelings) or conflict in this tie
(Fingerman, 2001; Luescher & Pillemer, 1998; Pillemer et al., 2007; Suitor, Gilligan,
& Pillemer, 2014). As such, it is difficult to track changes in ambivalence across the
decades. Nevertheless, one study found that midlife adults experienced greater
ambivalence or negative feelings for their young adult children than for their aging
parents (Birditt et al., 2015), suggesting the parent/child tie may have shifted towards
greater ambivalence in that younger generation.
Indeed, scholars have argued that ambivalence arises when norms are contradictory,
such as the norm for autonomy versus the norm of dependence for adult offspring
(Luescher & Pillemer, 1998). And as I discuss, norms for autonomy contrast current
interdependence in this tie, providing fodder for ambivalence. Moreover, frequent
contact provides more opportunity for conflicts to arise (van Gaalen & Dykstra,
2010). Taken together, these trends suggest that intergenerational ambivalence
between midlife parents and grown children also may be on the rise.
Why Parent/Offspring Ties Have Changed
The Multidimensional Intergenerational Support Model (MISM) provides a

framework to explain behaviors in parent/child ties. The model initially pertained to
patterns of exchange between generations, but extends to a broader understanding of
increased parental involvement. Drawing on life course theory and other socio-
contextual theories, the basic premise of the MISM model is that structural factors
(e.g., economy, technology, policy), culture (norms), family structure (e.g.,
married/remarried), and relationship and individual (e.g., affection, gender) factors
coalesce to generate behaviors in intergenerational ties (Figure 1.) Likewise, changes
in the parent/child tie and the reasons underlying those changes reflect such factors.
Figure 1.
View largeDownload slide
Multidimension intergenerational involvement model.
MISM is truly intended as a framework for stipulating the types of factors that
contribute to parents’ and grown children’s relationship behaviors rather than a model
of causal influences. Scholars interested in ecological contexts of human development
have often designated hierarchies or embedding of different types of contexts (e.g.,
family subsumed in economy; Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 2006; Elder, 1998).
Intuitively, young adults’ and midlife parents’ relationships do respond to economic
factors, with the Great Recession partially instigating the increase in coresidence (Fry,
2015). Yet, economies arise in part from families and culture as well; in Western
democracies, policies, and politicians are a reflection of underlying beliefs and values
of the people who vote (as post-election dissection of Presidential voting in the United
States suggests). As such, I propose that each of these levels—structural (e.g.,
economy, policy), cultural (beliefs, social position), family (e.g., married
parents/single parent), and relationship or individual factors contribute to midlife
parents’ involvement with grown children without implying a hierarchy of influence
among the factors. As discussed later, a second aspect of Figure 1 pertains to
understanding how parent/child involvement is associated with parental well-being.
Societal Shifts Associated With Changes Between Parents and Young

Adults
Economic factors
Economic changes in the past 40 years weigh heavily on the parent/child tie. Young
adults’ dependence on parents reflects complexities of gaining an economic foothold
in adulthood. The U.S. Census shows that financial independence is rare for young
people today. Compared to their mid twentieth century counterparts, young people
today are more likely to fall at the bottom of the economic ladder with low wage jobs.
In 1975, fewer than 25% of young adults fell in the bottom of the economic ladder
(i.e., less than $30,000 a year in 2015 dollars), but by 2016, 41% did (Vespa, 2017).
Further, roughly one in four young adults who live with their parents in the United
States (i.e., 32% who live with parents; Fry, 2016) are not working or attending school
(Vespa, 2017). These 8% of young adults might reside with parents while raising
young children of their own. But notably, the rate of young women who were
homemakers fell from 43% in 1975 to just 14% in 2016 (Vespa, 2017) and as I
discuss later, fertility has also dropped in this age group (World Bank, 2017a).
Moreover, a large proportion of young adults who live with parents have a disability
of some sort (10%; Vespa, 2017). Thus, factors other than childrearing such as
disability, addiction, or life problems seem more likely to account for the 2.2 million
25–34 year olds residing with parents not engaged in work or education.
Moreover, the shift toward coresidence with parents is not purely economic—one can
imagine a society where young people turn to friends, siblings, or early romantic
partnership to deal with a tough economy. Thus, other factors also contribute to these
patterns.
Public policies
Public policies play a strong role in shaping relationships between adults and parents
in European countries, but may play a lesser role in shaping these ties in the United
States. In European countries, the government provides health coverage and long-term
care, and government investments in older adults result in transfers of wealth to their
middle generation progeny (Kohli, 1999). Similar processes occur with regard to
midlife parents and young adults in Europe. Differences in programs to support young
adults in Nordic countries versus Southern European countries are associated with the
type of welfare state; that is, social democratic welfare regimes assist young adults in
Nordic countries towards autonomy, whereas conservative continental or familistic
welfare regimes encourage greater dependence on families in southern Europe
(Billari, 2004). The coresidence patterns described previously conform to the type of
regime. As such, patterns of parental involvement in Europe seem to be associated
with government programs.
These patterns are less clear in the United States. Indeed, lack of government support
for young adults may help explain many aspects of the intensified bonds. For
example, as college tuition has increased and state and federal funding of education
has decreased, parents have stepped in to provide financial help or co-sign loans for
young adult students. When U.S. policies do address young adults, the policies seem
to be popular. For example, in 2017, when the U.S. Congress debated repealing the
Affordable Care Act (i.e., Obamacare), there was bipartisan support for allowing
parents to retain grown children on their health insurance until age 26, even if these
young adults were not students. This policy, instigated in 2011, seemed to be a
reaction to the greater involvement of parents in supporting young adults rather than a
catalyst of such involvement.
Education
Related to economic changes, a global rise in parental support of young adults may
partially reflect the prolonged tertiary education that has occurred throughout the
world (i.e., rates of college attendance have risen worldwide; OECD, 2016). In the
United States, in 2016, 40% of adults aged 18–24 were pursuing higher education
(National Center for Education Statistics, 2017), the highest rate observed historically.
Similarly, in industrialized nations, young adults are more likely to attend college
today than in the past (Fingerman, Cheng, et al., 2016).
The influence of education on parental involvement has been observed globally. In

young adulthood, students receive more parental support than nonstudents (Bucx, van
Wel, & Knijn, 2012; Johnson, 2013). A study of college students in Korea, Hong
Kong, Germany, and the United States revealed that, across nations, parents provided
advice, practical help, and emotional support to college students at least once a month
(Fingerman et al., 2016). Young people who don’t pursue an education may end up in
part time jobs with revolving hours or off hour shifts and may depend on parents for
support (Furstenberg, 2010), but students typically receive more parental support
(Henretta et al., 2012).
Technology and geographic stability
Recent technologies also have altered the nature of the parent/child bond, allowing
more frequent conversations and exchanges of nontangible support (e.g., advice,
sharing problems). Beginning in the 1990s, competitive rates for long distance
telephone calls facilitated contact between young adults and parents who resided far
apart. Since that time, cell phone, text messages, email, and social media have
provided almost instantaneous contact at negligible cost, regardless of distance
(Cotten, McCollough, & Adams, 2012).
Parents and grown children also may have more opportunities to visit in person.
Residential mobility decreased in the United States from the mid-20th century into the
21st century. Data regarding how far young adults reside from their parents in the
United States are not readily available. But in 1965, 21% of U.S. adults moved
households; mobility declined steadily over the next 40 years and by 2016 had
dropped to 11% (U.S. Census Bureau, 2011, 2016). As such, parents and grown
children may be more likely to reside in closer geographic proximity. Deregulation of
airlines in 1978 in the United States established the basis for airline competition and
declining prices in airfare (with concomitant diminished quality of air travel
experience), facilitating visits between parents and grown children who reside at
longer distances.
Cultural Beliefs Associated With Changes Between Parents and Young

Adults
Culture also contributes to the nature of parent/child ties. Parents and grown children
harbor values, norms or beliefs about how parents and grown children should behave.
Shifts in cultural values have also contributed to increased involvement.
Historical changes in values for parental involvement
The cultural narrative regarding young adults and parents in the United States has
shifted over the past few decades. During the 1960s and 1970s, popular media and
scholars referred to the “generation gap” involving dissension between midlife parents
and young adult children (Troll, 1972). This cultural notion of a gap reflected the
younger generation’s separation from the older one during this historical period. For
example, in 1960, only 20% of adults aged 18–34 lived with their parents (Fry, 2016).
Into the 1970s, 80% of adults were married by the age of 30 (Vespa, 2017). As such,
the generations were living apart. Cultural attention to a generation gap reflected the
younger generation’s independence from the older generation. Notably, there was not
much empirical evidence of generational dissension. And in the 21st century, this
conception of separation of generations and intrafamily conflict seems antiquated.
Today’s cultural narrative is consistent with increased intimacy and dependence of the
younger generation, while also disparaging this increased parental involvement.
Recent media trends and scholarly work in the early 21st century focus on “helicopter
parents” who are too involved with their grown children (Fingerman,
Cheng, Wesselmann, et al., 2012; Luden, 2012). Although the concept of the
helicopter parent implies intrusiveness, it is also a narrative that reflects increased
contact, intimacy, and parental support documented here. The pejorative aspect of the
moniker stems from retention of norms endorsing autonomy; the relationships are
deemed too close and intimate. Although intrusive parents undoubtedly exist, there is
little evidence that intrusive helicopter ties are pervasive (outside small convenience
studies of college students). Rather, young adults seem to benefit from parental
support in many circumstances (Fingerman, Cheng, Wesselmann, 2012), but to
perhaps question their own competency under some circumstances of parental support
(Johnson, 2013). Nevertheless, a cultural lag is evident in beliefs about autonomy in
young adulthood versus the increased parental involvement. Many midlife parents
believe young adults should be more autonomous than they are (Fingerman,
Cheng, Wesselmann, et al., 2012).
Historical changes in sense of obligation
Shifts in beliefs are notable with regard to a diminished sense of obligation to attend
to parent/child ties as well. Obligation has been measured most often with regard to
midlife adults’ beliefs concerning help to aging parents (i.e., filial obligation). For
example, Gans and Silverstein (2006) examined four waves of data regarding adults’
ties to parents from 1985 to 2000; they documented a trend of declining endorsement
of obligation over that period. Similarly, many Asian countries (e.g., China, Korea,
Singapore) traditionally followed Confucian ideals involving a high degree of respect
and filial piety. But over the past three decades, these values have eroded in these
countries (Kim, Cheng, Zarit, & Fingerman, 2015). As such, norms obligating
parent/child involvement seem to be waning.
Instead, the strengthened bonds and increased parental involvement may reflect
a loosening of mores that govern relationships in general. Scholars have suggested
that increased individual freedom and fewer links between work, social activity, and
family life characterize modern societies over the past decades. These changes also
are associated with evolving family forms (e.g., divorce and stepties) as well as
decreased fertility (Axinn & Yabiku, 2001; Lesthaegh, 2010). Likewise, this
loosening of rules has rendered the parent/child relationship more chosen and
voluntary in nature. This is not to say the tie has become reciprocal; parents typically
give more to offspring than they receive (Fingerman et al., 2011). Yet, the increased
involvement and solidarity may stem from freedom parents and grown children
experience to retain strong bonds (rather than following norms of autonomy).
National and ethnic differences in beliefs about parent/child ties
The role of beliefs and values in shaping ties between young adults and parents is
evident in cross national differences. High parental involvement occurs most often in
cultures where people highly value such involvement. Analysis of European countries
has found that in countries where adults and parents coreside more often, adults place
a higher value on parental involvement with grown children (Hank, 2007; Newman,
2011). For example, families in Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, Greece) coreside most
often and also prefer shared daily life. Based on this premise, we would expect to see
a surge in norms in the United States endorsing intergenerational bonds and young
adults’ dependence on parents, but this is not necessarily the case.
In addition to the cultural lag mentioned previously, within the U.S. ethnic differences
in parental beliefs about involvement with young adults are evident. For
example, Fingerman, VanderDrift, and colleagues (2011) examined three generations
among Black and non-Hispanic White families. Findings revealed that overall, non-
Hispanic White midlife adults provided more support of all types to their grown
children than to their parents. Black midlife adults also provided more support overall
to their grown children than to their parents, but they provided more emotional
support, companionship, and practical help to their parents. Importantly, midlife
adults’ support to different generations was consistent with ethnic/racial differences in
value and beliefs—Black and non-Hispanic adults’ support behaviors were associated
with their perceived obligation to help grown children and rated rewards of helping
grown children and parents (above and beyond factors such as resources, SES,
offspring likelihood of being a student, and familial needs) (Fingerman, VanderDrift,
et al., 2011). These findings were consistent with a study conducted in the late 20th
century using a national sample of young adults; that study found that racial and
immigration status differences in parents’ support of young adults reflected factors in
addition to young adult resources, family SES, or other structural factors (Hardie &
Selzter, 2016), presumably cultural differences. As such, the overall culture
surrounding young adults and family may play a role in increased parental
involvement.
Family Factors Associated With Changes Between Parents and Young

Adults
Changes in family structure are likely to affect the nature of parent/child relationships,
including (a) proportion of mothers married to a grown child’s father, (b) likelihood of
a midlife parent having stepchildren, and (c) the grown child’s fertility. Collectively,
these family changes contribute to the nature of bonds between young adults and
parents, and raise questions about the future of this tie.
Declines in married parents and rise of stepfamilies
Changes in parents’ marital status contribute to relationships with grown children in

complex ways. Some changes facilitate the strengthened bonds observed, but other
changes diminish the likelihood of a strong bond. As such, while the overall trend
shows greater parental involvement, specific groups of midlife parents may have only
tenuous or conflicted ties with their grown children.
The previous few decades saw a shift from families where two parents were likely to
be married to one another toward single parents and complex family forms. From
1970 to 2010, the marriage rate for women in the United States declined steadily,
particularly for Black women (in 2010 only 26% of Black women were married; Cruz,
2013). Mothers who raise children alone typically have stronger ties when those
children grow into young adults. By contrast, never-married fathers may have little
contact and are more likely to be estranged from those children (Hartnett et al., 2017).
Further, midlife adults are more likely to have ties to grown children through
remarriage (i.e., stepchildren) than in the past. Divorce rates rose and plateaued in the
mid to late twentieth century. Divorce is associated with greater tensions between
young adults and parents, particularly for fathers (Yu, Pettit, Lansford, Dodge, &
Bates, 2010).
Remarriage rates also continued to rise over the past few decades; 40% of all
marriages involve at least one partner who was previously married (Livingston, 2014).
A recent survey found 18% of adults in the United States aged 50–64 and 22% of
adults over age 65 had a stepchild (Pew Research Center, 2011). Stepparents are less
involved with grown stepchildren (Aquilino, 2006) and feel less obligated to help
stepchildren than biological/adoptive parents do (Ganong & Coleman, 2017; Pew
Research Center, 2011). Thus, many midlife adults have ties to grown children that do
not involve the intensity of biological relationships. Yet, it is not clear whether these
same midlife adults have biological children to whom they remain close.
Young adults’ marriage and fertility
Young adults’ marital and procreation patterns may contribute to more intense bonds
with midlife parents. In well-off families, young adults are delaying marriage
(Cherlin, 2010). Given that marriage typically draws young adults away from parents
(Sarkisian & Gerstel, 2008), this delay may contribute to more intense ties with
parents. Upper SES young adults are more likely to marry, but do so at later ages
(Vespa, 2017) and thus, also retain stronger ties to parents.
Changes in childbearing also may facilitate prolonged ties to parents. The transition to
adulthood co-occurs with the period of highest fecundity, but several factors
contribute to diminished fertility since 1960s (World Bank, 2017a). Rising levels of
women’s education and effective contraception are associated with lower birth rates
(Lesthaegh, 2010). Americans no longer believe parenthood is a key marker of
adulthood (Vespa, 2017). Further, declines in fertility occur during economic
downswings, such as the Great Recession (Mather, 2012).
Declines in fertility lengthen the period of time in which young adult retain child-free
ties to parents, and also shape the midlife adults’ transition to grandparenthood. Yet,
the likelihood and experience of being a grandparent also differs by socioeconomic
position. In lower SES families, young adult women are more likely to become
mothers without a long term partner (Cherlin, 2010); their midlife mothers (the
grandmothers) may help with childcare, housing, and other support. Further, lower
SES midlife parents are more likely to be involved in living with or raising
grandchildren (Ellis & Simons, 2014; U.S. Census Bureau, 2014). Thus, a majority of
midlife adults remain in limbo with regard to whether and when they will become
grandparents and their involvement with their own children reflects a prolongation of
prior parental involvement, but a subset of typically under-privileged midlife parents
may be highly involved in care for grandchildren.
Relationship and Individual Characteristics Associated With

Parent/Child Ties
Finally, ties between midlife adults and their grown children occur between two
people, and the characteristics of these people and their shared history account for the
nature of those relationships.
History of the relationship
Close relationships in young adulthood may arise from strong relationships in

childhood and adolescence. Attachment theory suggests children form bonds to
parents in infancy that endure into their relationship patterns in adulthood, and
theorists also argue that parents retain bonds to children formed earlier in life
(Antonucci & Akiyama, 1994; Kahn & Antonucci, 1980). Of course, these
assumptions raise questions about what types of relationships are likely to be stronger
in childhood and adolescence.
Similar structural, cultural, and family contexts contribute to childhood patterns and to
continuity into adulthood. For example, upper socioeconomic status parents are more
likely to engage in intensive parenting when their children are young such as playing
games with them and ferrying them to soccer practice (Bianchi & Milkie,
2010; Sayer, Bianchi, & Robinson, 2004). Likewise, parental marital status plays a
role in these patterns, with divorced or single fathers less involved with young
children than coresident married fathers (Kalmijn, 2013a; Sweeney, 2010). Lower
socioeconomic mothers may be involved with their children because they are more
likely to be never married or divorced. A complete review of the factors that shape
ties between young children and parents is beyond the scope of this article, but suffice
it to say that the factors that account for ties between young adults and parents also
shape ties earlier in the lifespan, and that observed relationships between young adults
and parents in part arise from these earlier relationships.
Individual Characteristics and Within Family Differences
In addition, midlife parents bring individual characteristics to their relationships with

grown children, including their gender, socioeconomic position, and marital status.
Socioeconomic position has already been covered with regard to provision of support,
and marital status was reviewed with regard to family structure.
But parental gender also plays a key role, favoring maternal involvement with grown
children. The pattern of current maternal involvement is not new; research from the
mid twentieth century documented that mothers were consistently more involved than
fathers were with grown children of all ages (Rossi & Rossi, 1990; Umberson, 1992).
Parental gender is situated in a variety of other contextual variables, including SES

(single mothers likely to be poorer, with fewer financial resources for children) and
marital status (e.g., unmarried mothers are closer to their grown children,
unmarried/remarried fathers have lessened involvement or may be estranged from
grown children). Yet, studies find that mothers have more frequent contact with
grown children, provide more support, and report greater closeness and conflict at
midlife even after controlling for social structure and marital status (e.g., Arnett &
Schwab, 2012a; Fingerman et al., 2009; Fingerman et al., 2016).
Notably, relationships between young adults and parents also vary within families.
That is, parents do not have equally intense relationships with each of their children
(Suitor et al., in press). Parents respond to their children’s characteristics and their
sense of compatibility with each child. Parents provide support in reaction to crises
(e.g., divorce, illness) or ongoing everyday needs associated with a child’s statuses
(e.g., child is a parent; student) or age (Hartnett et al., 2017). Parents also are more
likely to give support to young adult and midlife children whom they view as
successful, with whom they have closer relationships, or with whom they share values
(Kalmijn, 2013b; Suitor, Pillemer, & Sechrist, 2006; Suitor et al., 2016).
Declining fertility described previously may diminish within-family variability in the

future (World Bank, 2017a). Today’s midlife adults grew up in larger sibships than
today’s young adults, and parents invest more in each child in smaller sibships
(Fingerman et al., 2009). As such, the intensity of ties between midlife parents and
their grown children is generally higher than in the past, and likely to remain high,
with diminishment of within family variability.
Implications of Changes in Young Adulthood for Midlife Parents’ Well-

Being
All of these issues raise the question—do changes in parents’ ties to young adults
matter for the parents? Theory and research regarding the effects of parental
involvement have focused on the grown child (e.g., Johnson, 2013) rather than on the
parent.
Emerging evidence suggests involvement with young adult offspring has implications
for midlife parents’ current well-being, however. The research literature on this topic
is nascent, beginning in the past 10 years (perhaps reflecting the increase in parental
involvement during that period). Further, most studies examine effects of parental
involvement without contextual factors such as SES or marital status. As such, the
MIS model (Figure 1) is comprised of two models, one model predicting parental
involvement from a variety of factors, and the other model predicting parental well-
being from parental involvement. Several of the connections between levels of the
model are theoretical and warrant additional research attention. In describing
associations between parental involvement and well-being, I highlight which factors
might warrant particular research attention in the future.
Generativity and benefits of parental involvement
Midlife parents may benefit from involvement with their grown children. Erikson’s
(1963) theory of lifespan development indicated the task of midlife is generativity—
that is, midlife adults derive rewards from giving to the next generation. In the context
of the parent/child tie, one study found that parents who gave more instrumental
support to their grown children reported better well-being (fewer depressive
symptoms) over time (Byers, Levy, Allore, Bruce, & Kasl, 2008). Similarly, another
study found that parents shared laughter and enjoyable exchanges with grown children
in their daily interactions. Over the course of the study week, 90% of the parents (N =
247) reported having an enjoyable encounter with a grown child, and 89% reported
laughing with a grown child (Fingerman, Kim, Birditt, & Zarit, 2016).
Yet, not all parents experience such generativity and enjoyment of grown children.
The family factors described previously may play a role in whether parents benefit
from, or are harmed by, involvement with grown children. Parents who are estranged
from offspring (i.e., fathers) may suffer diminished well-being due to the loss of this
normative role. Similarly, stepparents may incur fewer rewards due to lessened
involvement with grown children. Future research should focus specifically on
opportunities for generativity in different populations, particularly among midlife
men.
Further, as mentioned, midlife adults are less likely to be grandparents due to young
adults’ delayed fertility (or decisions to not have children). Midlife adults who are
grandparents are often highly involved with their grandchildren (as well as their
grown children), providing childcare on a frequent basis (Hank & Buber, 2009).
Grandparents typically find the grandparenting role rewarding (Fingerman, 1998).
Future research should ask whether midlife adults who have grown children, but not
grandchildren experience frustration or longing.
Emotional involvement and grown children’s problems
Parental well-being also may align with events in their grown children’s lives.
Coregulation of emotions has been found in marital couples and in ties between
parents and younger children who live in their home (Butler & Randall, 2013).
Likewise, the increased frequency of contact with grown children may generate an
immediate emotional response to problems grown children experience. Indeed, factors
that have facilitated contact between generations, such as technologies, decreased
mobility, and coresidence allow parents to experience immediate reactions to events
in grown children’s lives. For example, in the 1980s, a grown child who failed a
college exam might call at the end of the week to relate that story to a parent, along
with the resolution of the problem (the professor offered extra credit because students
did not perform well on that test). The parent learned of the events without reacting
emotionally. By contrast, in the 21st century, young adults text or call their parents in
the throes of crisis, and parents experience the vicissitudes of young adulthood in the
moment.
In particular, midlife parents incur detriments from grown children suffering life
crises such as divorce, health problems, job loss, addiction, or being the victim of a
crime. Researchers have found that even one grown child experiencing one problem
has a negative effect on a midlife parent, regardless of how successful other children
in the family might be (Fingerman, Cheng, Birditt, & Zarit, 2012). Similarly, in late
life, mothers suffer when grown children experience such crises, irrespective of their
favoritism or feelings about the grown child (Pillemer, Suitor, Riffin, & Gilligan,
2017). These effects on parental well-being may reflect a variety of responses
including a sense that one has failed in the parenting role, worry about the child,
empathy with the grown child, or stress of trying to ameliorate the situation
(Fingerman, Cheng, Birditt, et al., 2012; Hay, Fingerman, & Lefkowitz, 2008). Again,
structural factors such as SES are associated with the likelihood parents will have a
grown child who experiences such problems. That is, lower SES is associated with
increased risks of a grown child experiencing financial and other life problems.
The familial changes noted previously also may play a role regarding which parents
are affected by grown children. Stepparents may incur fewer rewards from
stepchildren and less harm when their stepchildren suffer problems compared to
biological (or adopted early in life) children. Yet, the marriage may suffer if the
stepparent objects to the biological parents’ involvement with a grown children who
has incurred a life crisis. Future research should address these issues.
In sum, many midlife parents incur benefits from their stronger ties to grown children.
But when grown children experience life crises—job loss or serious health
problems—these problems may undermine their parents’ well-being, particularly
when parents are highly involved with those grown children.
Beliefs About Involvement With Grown Children
Parents’ beliefs about their involvement with grown children may also be pivotal in
the implications of that involvement for their well-being. Cognitive behavioral
theories suggest that individuals’ perspectives on these relationships determine the
implications of involvement with family members. Indeed, research regarding
intergenerational caregiving has established that beliefs about the caregiving role and
subjective burden contribute to the implications of caregiving more than the objective
demands of caregiving (Aneshensel, Pearlin, Mullan, Zarit, & Whitlatch, 1995; Zarit,
Reever, & Bach-Peterson, 1980).
Similar processes may be evident regarding midlife parents’ involvement with their
grown children. It is not so much the involvement, per se, as the parents’ perceptions
of that involvement that affects the parents’ well-being. For example, in one study,
when midlife parents provided support to grown children several times a week,
parents’ ratings of the child’s neediness were associated with parental well-being.
Parents who viewed their grown children as more needy than other young adults
reported poorer well-being, but the frequency of support the parents provided was not
associated with the parents’ well-being (though more frequent support was beneficial
from the grown child’s perspective; Fingerman, Cheng, Wesselmann, et al., 2012).
Shifts in beliefs and the associations with well-being may reflect both the overall
cultural norms for parental involvement and the economy. For example, a study in the
United States before the Great Recession (when intergenerational coresidence was
less common) found that adults of all ages endorsed coresidence between generations
solely when the younger generation incurred economic problems or was single and
childless (Seltzer, Lao, & Bianchi, 2012). A more recent study of the “empty nest”
found that midlife parents who had children residing in their home in 2008 had poorer
quality marital ties. But in 2013 (when intergenerational coresidence became more
common), parents residing with offspring reported poorer marital quality only when
their children suffered life problems (Davis, Kim, & Fingerman, in press). Thus,
norms for parental involvement with grown children and the economic context may
shape the implications of that involvement for parents’ marital ties and well-being.
Parents are harmed when they believe their grown children should be more
autonomous (Fingerman, Cheng, Wesselmann, et al., 2012; Pillemer et al., 2017).
Future Consequences of Today’s Young Adulthood for Parents Entering

Late Life
Given the implications of young adult children for midlife parents’ well-being, it is
worth considering how relationships with grown children may shape parents’ later
years. We might consider two possible pathways with regard to parental aging. First,
parents may continue in the role of parenting by giving support to the next generation
even as the offspring transition to midlife. Second, most parents will require
assistance at some point in the aging process. Again, the economic structures, norms,
and family structures evident today may shape these processes, but the research is not
well-developed regarding variability in these patterns.
Continued Involvement in the Parenting Role

Given current patterns of heavy involvement, parents may persist in the parenting role
into late life. Primates demonstrate a general parenting predisposition long past the
years of the progeny’s immaturity (at least among mothers). Jane Goodall, the famous
primatologist reported her observations of Flo, an elderly female chimp. One day, Flo
viciously attacked a young male chimp who had engaged in a fight with her son,
Figan. Despite the aged Flo’s weaker status, she jumped in to protect her grown
offspring (Montgomery, 2009).
Human “primates” behave in a similar manner, continuing in the parental role and
providing for their children in need, even in late life (Suitor et al., 2006; Suitor,
Sechrist, & Pillemer, 2007). These patterns are evident across cultural groups.
Research regarding Western countries throughout Europe found that parents gave
more support to grown children than the reverse (Grundy & Henretta, 2006; Kohli,
Albertini, & Kunemond, 2010). In the United States, Becker, Beyene, Newsom, and
Mayen (2003) conducted a qualitative study of family ties among older adults in four
different ethnic groups (Latino, African American, Vietnamese, and Filipino).
Although the scholars noted ethnic differences in how groups viewed coresidence and
family ties, older relatives in all four groups attempted to give financial or practical
help such as child care to the younger generation.
Moreover, although Asian cultures have traditionally endorsed Confucian values for
grown children to provide support to parents (Kim et al., 2015), research in China
finds that rural older adults still provide practical support to grown children or
childcare for their grandchildren (i.e., if the grandchildren’s parents move to urban
areas; Chen & Silverstein, 2000). Thus, despite cultural and economic differences,
overall parents may remain heavily invested in the parenting role into late life and are
likely to do so in the future.
Parental Needs for Care
Nevertheless, parents also typically incur needs for support by the end of life when
physical health or cognitive abilities decline. Midlife children have been a mainstay of
this support. As such, we ask how today’s young adults will care for their parents in
old age.
The strengthening of intergenerational bonds may serve many older parents well at the
end of life. Research examining current cohorts of older adults suggests that aging
parents are more likely to receive care from a child who shares their values and with
whom they have had a close relationship (Pillemer & Suitor, 2013). Extending this
pattern into future cohorts, the prolonged transition to adulthood provides
opportunities for parents and young adult children to develop strong bonds. By
midlife, these ties may facilitate a seamless transition to caregiving tasks because the
two parties already engage in daily exchanges of emotional and practical help
(Fingerman et al., 2016; Fingerman, Huo, Kim, & Birditt, in press).
By contrast, prolonged dependency on parents may stymie the offspring’s

psychological growth and could impede the ability of midlife adults to care for their
parents in late life. Researchers have shown that investment in adult roles (e.g., work,
family) is associated with personality changes consistent with providing care to others
(e.g., increased agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability; Bleidorn et al.,
2013; Lodi-Smith & Roberts, 2007). As such, exclusion from these roles may
diminish psychological growth associated with helping parents in late life.
Yet, evidence suggests offspring will step in when the time come based on current
patterns. A survey of over 1,000 caregivers in the United States revealed that nearly a
quarter of them were aged 18–34 (AARP, 2015). Granted, these younger caregivers
typically were involved as secondary caregivers and put in fewer hours than older
adults who were caring for a spouse. Nevertheless, these data suggest millennials are
already stepping in to care for family.
Of course, patterns may vary within and between families. Some of the best predictors
of relationship qualities in parent/child relationships over time are prior relationship
qualities (Belsky, Jaffee, Shieh, & Silva, 2001; Suitor, Gilligan, & Pillemer, 2013). In
essence, it is likely that parent/child ties that are well-functioning in young adulthood
may persist in this manner, providing excellent care to aging parents. By contrast,
relationships that are already fraught with difficulties may disband or generate
inadequate parent care in late life.
Factors associated with future support
The factors that underlie current parental involvement may also shape the likelihood
and type of future support that parents receive in old age. Yet structural factors may
evolve over time. Thus, for any individual midlife parent today, future circumstances
may be different.
Regarding socioeconomic status, prolonged parental support of young adults may

have implications for parents’ financial well-being, even among parents who are not
badly off today. Money is finite. As such, when midlife parents provide financial
support to grown children, that support may come at the expense of the parents’
current and future financial well-being (e.g., own retirement savings). These patterns
may be exacerbated for Americans in the bottom half of the economic ladder, who are
unlikely to save for retirement at all (Rhee, 2013). Yet, it is not clear how current
financial demands on midlife parents bode for the future. For example, coresidence is
more common among lower SES parents and adult children. And this coresidence
may be setting up patterns now that facilitate support of parents in late life. A recent
survey found that nearly half of grown children who reside with parents paid rent and
nearly 90% contributed to household expenses (Pew Research Center, 2012). When
parents age, these children may step in with financial support providing lower SES
parents with a safety net.
The role of technology in future ties with aging parents also is unclear. The
technological advances of the early 21 century facilitated communication between
adults and parents, as cell phones saturated markets nearly worldwide by 2015 (World
Bank, 2017b). Yet, as the 21st century unfolds, social media are a dominant force in
communication patterns. More importantly, social media platform usage differs by
cohort. For example, 62% of adults who are online use Facebook, but young adults
are more likely to use Instagram (59% of adults aged 18–29 in 2015 used Instagram,
compared to only 8% of older adults; Pew Research Center, 2016). If these patterns
persist, by late life, current midlife parents who use a certain form of social media
may be shut out of communication if their grown children use a different social media
platform. Perhaps this alienation will be avoided if both parties use a single social
media platform—even a new one that emerges in the future.
Family structure may also have implications for parents as they grow older and
require care. In the 20th century, scholars debunked the idea of the “sandwich
generation” as a falsehood; most midlife caregivers had children who were grown and
were not raising young children while caring for aging parents (Fingerman et al.,
2010; Grundy & Henretta, 2006). If anything, today’s midlife adult is likely to be in a
“club sandwich” where they confront demands from layers of generations—
caregiving for an aging parent and responding to crises and everyday needs among
their young adult offspring in sequence and simultaneously (Fingerman, Pitzer, et al.,
2011; Grundy & Henretta, 2006).
For young adults today who have children at later ages, however, a true sandwich may
occur, with both generation pressing on the midlife generation squished like jelly in
between. Aside from the increased stress on the midlife caregiver, quality of care may
suffer. Older parents may worry about burdening their grown children and may not
ask for help they need. Even older parents who seek assistance may suffer due to
constraints on the midlife child who is consumed with raising her own children. In
some families, adolescent grandchildren may supplement care provided by a midlife
adult (AARP, 2015; Hamil, 2012), and future research should examine this type of
supplementary care. In sum, in the future, parents may find that their midlife children
are experiencing strains balancing children in the home and aging parents, but some
families may come together in caregiving with a third generation joining in.
Finally, with declining fertility rates, parents may selectively turn to midlife children
who lack children of their own for care. Yet, the evidence for this assertion is mixed.
In one study, aging mothers identified the grown child they anticipated would provide
care and then examined who actually did provide care 7 years later. That study found
no such association regarding whether the midlife child had children of his/her own
(Pillemer & Suitor, 2013), perhaps because adults who have children of their own
assume nurturing roles toward their parents as well as their children. Other research
has found that gay and lesbian married couples do a better job of supporting one
another when providing care to aging parents than do heterosexual marital couples
(Reczek & Umberson, 2016). The authors attributed some of this spousal support of
caregiving to gendered roles in marriage (i.e., men expect women to do caregiving but
this not the case in gay and lesbian couples). Still, heterosexual couples are also more
likely to have children who generate additional burdens competing with parental
caregiving. Future research will need to examine how the current generation of
parents elicits care from their offspring who may or may not have children of their
own.
Directions for Future Research and Conclusions
Parents are considerably more involved with their grown children aged 18–34 than
was the case 40 years ago. Parents engage in more frequent contact, give more
support, are more likely to live with a grown child, and experience greater affection.
Societal changes in the form of economic challenges to attaining adulthood, new
technologies facilitating communication, and public policies that place greater
reliance on family contribute to these stronger bonds.
Distinct subgroups of parents warrant additional research attention. For example,

although LGBT youth have received research attention—particularly with regard to
coming out to parents (Pew Research Center, 2013), studies examining LGBT midlife
parents and their young adult offspring are all but absent from the literature. It is
likely that these relationships are as involved as relationships involving married or
single heterosexual parents, but the history of discrimination and inability to marry
earlier in life may offer unique features to these ties.
Moreover, cultural values and beliefs are in flux. Many parents in the United States
continue to endorse beliefs about grown children’s autonomy (Fingerman, Cheng,
Wesselman, et al., 2012; Vespa, 2017). It is not clear when (and whether) those values
will shift and future studies should focus on this issue. Research should also seek to
understand parental beliefs about goals during the adolescent years and the types of
tasks parents expect their adolescent children to perform to prepare for young
adulthood.
Of equal concern is the dearth of recent data regarding ethnic and racial differences in
parents’ ties to young adults. Many publications regarding ethnic and racial
differences among parents and young adult children still analyze data from the 1990s
(e.g., Hardie & Seltzer, 2016), and it is not clear whether the findings are relevant in
2017.
Finally, there has been little attention to potential distinctions between rural and urban
settings with regard to the transition to adulthood, and young adults’ ties to their
midlife parents. Studies have examined these differences in China where urban
residence requires permits that aging parents often lack (Chen & Silverstein, 2000).
Given the outflux of young people from rural areas in the United States, this topic
warrants consideration in the United States as well.
The penultimate issue is how ties between midlife parents and young adult children
will evolve into tomorrow’s support for aging parents. Rather than judge or criticize
current patterns (e.g., young adults are immature), future research might seek to
identify how the strengths of current patterns could lead to support of aging parents.
Indeed, decades of research addressing marriage has generated algorithms to predict
divorce and to provide interventions for maladaptive marital relationship patterns.
Similar initiatives may be warranted with regard to intergenerational ties which seem
to be replacing romantic partnerships as the primary relationships for many adults
today.
Anecdotally, young adults seem to be involved in ways that facilitate their midlife
parents’ well-being in many situations today. When Hurricane Harvey hit the Gulf
Coast during the first week of classes at UT Austin in late August, 2017, the Provost
sent a memo to faculty asking them to be flexible for the many students from Houston
affected by the hurricane. In that memo, the Provost correctly pointed out that many
of these young people would spend the semester going back and forth to Houston to
help their parents move in and out of shelters and to restart their lives. This disaster
brought to light the ways in which millennials reciprocate their parents’ involvement
and investment via a strong sense of family cohesion in return.
In conclusion, involvement with young adult children has ramifications for midlife
parents in positive and negative ways. Parents benefit from a close tie with frequent
contact, and many parents find it rewarding to be involved in their grown children’s
lives. Parents may also suffer if they vicariously experience their children’s life crises.
Nevertheless, parental involvement may help mitigate children’s crises and improve
the parents’ well-being as a result. And the offspring may step up and be there in
moments of crisis as well. In sum, most parents view their grown children as valuable
relationship partners from whom they benefit in the present, and may benefit in the
future.
Funding
This study was supported by grants from the National Institute on Aging (NIA),
National Institutes of Health (R01AG027769) the Family Exchanges Study II to K. L.
Fingerman, Principal Investigator. This research also was supported by grant (5 R24
HD042849) awarded to the Population Research Center (PRC) at The University of
Texas at Austin by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and
Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health.
Conflict of Interest
None reported.
Acknowledgments
I am grateful to Steven Zarit for helpful comments on a draft of this article. Gianna
Colera and Jaimee Liem assisted with proofreading a draft of this article.
References
AARP Public Policy Institute
.(
2015
).
Caregiving in the US: 2015 Report
Retrieved from http://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/2015/caregiving-in-the-

united-states-2015-report-revised.pdf
Albertini
M.
,&
Kohli
.(
2012
).
The generational contract in the family: An analysis of transfer regimes in Europe
European Sociological Review
,
29
828
840
. doi:
10.1093/esr/jcs061
Google Scholar
Crossref
Aneshensel
C.
Pearlin
L. I.
Mullan
J. T.
Zarit
,
S. H.
,&
Whitlatch
C. J
.(
1995
).
Profiles in caregiving: The unexpected career
New York
Academic Press
Antonucci
T. C.
,&
Akiyama
.(
1994
).
Convoys of attachment and social relations in children, adolescents, and adults
. In
F.
Nestmann
&
K.
Hurrlelmann
(Eds.),
Social networks and social support in childhood and adolescence
(pp. 37–52).
New York
Walter de Gruyter
. doi:10.1515/9783110866377.37
Aquilino
W. S
.(
2006
).
Family relationships and support systems in emerging adulthood
. In
J. J.
Arnett
&
J. L.
Tanner
(Eds.),
Emerging adults in America: Coming of age in the 21st century
(pp.
193
217
).
Washington, DC
American Psychological Association
Arnett
J. J
.(
2000
).
Emerging adulthood. A theory of development from the late teens to the late twenties
American Psychologist
55
469
480
. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.55.5.469
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Arnett
J. J.
,&
Schwab
J
.(
2012a
).
The Clark University poll of emerging adults
Worcester, MA
Clark University
Arnett
J. J.
,&
Schwab
.(
2012b
).
The Clark University Poll of parents of emerging adults
Worcester, MA
:
Clark University
Axinn
W. G.
,&
Yabiku
S. T
.(
2001
Social change, the social organization of families, and fertility limitation
106
1219
1261
. doi:10.1086/320818
Google Scholar
Crossref
Becker
G.
Beyene
Y.
Newsom
E.
,&
Mayen
.(
2003
).
Creating continuity through mutual assistance: Intergenerational reciprocity in four

ethnic groups
Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences

,
58
S151
S159
Google Scholar
Crossref
Belsky
J.
Jaffee
S.
Hsieh
K. H.
,&
Silva
,
P. A
.(
2001
).
Child-rearing antecedents of intergenerational relations in young adulthood: A

prospective study
Developmental Psychology
37
801
808
. doi:10.1037//0012-1649.37.6.801
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Bengtson
V. L
.(
2001
).
Beyond the nuclear family: The increasing importance of multigenerational bonds
63
16
. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2001.00001.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
Bianchi
S. M.
,&
Milkie
M. A
.(
2010
).
Work and family research in the first decade of the 21st century
72
705
725
. doi:
10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00726.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
Billari
F. C
.(
2004
).
Becoming and adult in Europe: A macro(/micro)-demographic perspective
Demographic Research
15
44
. doi:
10.4054/DemRes.2004.S3.2
Google Scholar
Crossref
Birditt
K. S.
Hartnett
C. S.
,
Fingerman
K. L.
Zarit
S.
,&
Antonucci
T. C
.(
2015
).
Extending the intergenerational stake hypothesis: Evidence of an intraindividual stake

and implications for well-being
77
877
888
. doi:
10.1111/jomf.12203
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Bleidorn
W.
Klimstra
T. A.
Denissen
J. J.
Rentfrow
P. J.
Potter
,
J.
,&
Gosling
S. D
.(
2013
).
Personality maturation around the world: A cross-cultural examination of social-

investment theory
Psychological Science
24
2530
2540
. doi:
10.1177/0956797613498396
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Bronfenbrenner
U.
,&
Morris
P. A
.(
2006
).
The bioecological model of human development
. In
W.
Damon
&
R. M.
Lerner
(Eds.),
Handbook of child psychology, Vol.1: Theoretical models of human development
6th ed
., pp.
793
828
).
New York, NY
Wiley
Bucx
F.
van Wel
F.
,&
Knijn
.(
2012
).
Life course status and exchanges of support between young adults and parents
.
74
101
115
. doi:
10.1111/j.1741-3737.2011.00883.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
Butler
E. A.
,&
Randall
A. K
.(
2013
).
Emotional coregulation in close relationships
Emotion Review
202
210
. doi:
10.1177/1754073912451630
Google Scholar
Crossref
Byers
A. L.
Levy
B. R.
Allore
,
H. G.
Bruce
M. L.
,&
Kasl
S. V
.(
2008
).
When parents matter to their adult children: Filial reliance associated with parents’
depressive symptoms
63
P33
P40
. doi:
10.1093/geronb/63.1.P33
Google Scholar
Crossref
Chen
X.
,&
Silverstein
.(
2000
).
Intergenerational social support and the psychological well-being of older parents in

China
Research on Aging
22
43
65
. doi:10.1177164027500221003
Google Scholar
Crossref
Cherlin
.(
2010
).
Demographic trends in the United States: a review of research in the 2000s
72
403
419
. doi:
10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00710.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Conger
R. D.
Conger
K. J.
&
Martin
M. J
.(
2010
).
Socioeconomic status, family processes, and individual development
,
72
685
704
. doi:
10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00725.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Cotten
S. R.
McCullough
B. M.
,&
Adams
R. G
.(
2012
).
Technological influences on social ties across the lifespan
. In
K. L.
Fingerman
C. A.
Berg
J.
Smith
,&
T. C.
Antonucci
(Eds.),
Handbook of lifespan development
(pp.
647
672
).
New York, NY
:
Springer Publishers
Cruz
.(
2013
).
Marriage: More than a century of change
Bowling Green University: National Center for Family and Marriage Research
. OH: Bowling Green. Retrieved

from https://www.bgsu.edu/content/dam/BGSU/college-of-arts-and-
sciences/NCFMR/documents/FP/FP-13-13.pdf
Davis
E. M.
Kim
K.
,&
Fingerman
K. L
.(
in press
).
Is an empty nest best? Coresidence with adult children and parental marital quality
before and after the Great Recession
. doi:10.1093/geronb/gbw022
Elder
G. H.
, Jr
.(
1998
).
The life course as developmental theory
Child Development
69
,
12
. doi:
10.1111/j.1467–8624.1998.tb06128.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Ellis
R. R.
,&
Simmons
.(
2014
).
Coresident grandparents and their grandchildren: 2012
. Washington, DC:
United States Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce Economics and

Statistics Administration
.
Erikson
.(
1963
).
Childhood and society
New York
Norton
Fingerman
K. L
.(
1998
).
The good, the bad, and the worrisome: Emotional complexities in grandparents’
experiences with individual grandchildren
.
Family Relations
47
403
414
. doi:
10.2307/585271
Google Scholar
Crossref
Fingerman
K. L
.(
2001
).
Aging mothers and their adult daughters: A study in mixed emotions
New York
:
Springer
Fingerman
K. L
.(
2016
).
The ascension of parent–child ties in the twenty-first century
The Psychologist
29
114
118
Fingerman
K. L.
,
&
Bermann
.(
2000
).
Applications of family systems theory to the study of adulthood
51
29
. doi:
10.2190/7TF8-WB3F-TMWG-TT3K
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Fingerman
,
K. L.
Cheng
Y. P.
Birditt
K. S.
,&
Zarit
.(
2012
).
Only as happy as the least happy child: Multiple grown children’s problems and
successes and middle-aged parents’ well-being
67
,
184
193
. doi:
Google Scholar
Crossref
Fingerman
K. L.
Cheng
Y. P.
Kim
K.
Fung
H. H.
,
Han
G.
Lang
F. R.
,…
Wagner
.(
2016
).
Parental involvement with college students in Germany, Hong Kong, Korea, and the
United States
37
1384
–
1411
. doi:
10.1177/0192513X14541444
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Fingerman
K. L.
Cheng
Y. P.
Wesselmann
E. D.
Zarit
S.
,
Furstenberg
F.
,&
Birditt
K. S
.(
2012
).
Helicopter parents and landing pad kids: Intense parental support of grown children
74
880
896
. doi:
10.1111/j.1741-3737.2012.00987.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Fingerman
K. L.
Cheng
Y.-P.
Tighe
L. A.
Birditt
K. S.
,&
Zarit
S. H
.(
2012
).
Relationships between young adults and their parents
. In
A.
Booth
S. L.
Brown
N.
Landale
W.
Manning
,&
S. M.
McHale
(Eds.),
Early adulthood in a family context
(pp.
59
85
).
New York
Springer Publishers
Fingerman
K. L.
Hay
E. L.
,&
Birditt
K. S
.(
2004
).
The best of ties, the worst of ties: Close, problematic, and ambivalent relationships
across the lifespan
,
66
792
808
. doi:
10.1111/j.0022-2445.2004.00053.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
Fingerman
K. L.
Huo
M.
Kim
K.
,&
Birditt
,
K. S
.(
in press
).
Coresident and noncoresident young adults’ daily experiences with parents
Emerging Adulthood. doi:10.1177/2167696816676583
Fingerman
K. L.
Kim
K.
Birditt
K. S.
,&
Zarit
,
S. H
.(
2016
).
The ties that bind: Midlife parents’ daily experiences with grown children
78
431
450
. doi:
10.1111/jomf.12273
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Fingerman
K. L.
,
Kim
K.
Davis
E. M.
Furstenberg
F. F.
, Jr
Birditt
K. S.
,&
Zarit
S. H
.(
2015
).
“I’ll give you the world”: Parental socioeconomic background and assistance to young
adult children
77
844
865
. doi:
10.1111/jomf.12204
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Fingerman
K.
Miller
L.
,
Birditt
K.
,&
Zarit
.(
2009
).
Giving to the good and the needy: Parental support of grown children
71
1220
1233
. doi:
10.1111/j.1741-3737.2009.00665.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Fingerman
K. L.
Pitzer
L. M.
Chan
W.
Birditt
K. S.
Franks
M. M.
,&
Zarit
,
S. H
.(
2011
).
Who gets what and why: Help middle-aged adults provide to parents and grown
children
66
87
98
. doi:
10.1093/geronb/gbq009
Google Scholar
Crossref
Fingerman
K. L.
,
Sechrist
J.
,&
Birditt
.(
2013
).
Changing views on intergenerational ties
Gerontology
59
64
70
. doi:
10.1159/000342211
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Fingerman
K. L.
VanderDrift
L. E.
Dotterer
A. M.
Birditt
K. S.
,&
Zarit
S. H
.(
2011
).
Support to aging parents and grown children in black and white families
The Gerontologist
51
441
452
. doi:
10.1093/geront/gnq114
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Fry
.(
2015
).
More millennials living with family despite improved job market
Washington, DC
Pew Research Center
. Retrieved from http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2015/07/29/more-millennials-living-

with-family-despite-improved-job-market/
Fry
.(
2016
).
For the first time in modern era, living with parents edges out other living
arrangements for 18- to 34-year-olds
Washington, DC
Pew Research Center
. Retrieved from http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2016/05/24/for-first-time-in-

modern-era-living-with-parents-edges-out-other-living-arrangements-for-18-to-34-
year-olds/
Furstenberg
,
F. F.
, Jr
.(
2010
).
On a new schedule: Transitions to adulthood and family change
Future of the Child
20
67
87
. doi:
10.1353/foc.0.0038
Google Scholar
Crossref
Ganong
L.
,&
Coleman
.(
2017
).
Stepfamily relationships: Development, dynamics, and intervention
2nd ed
.).
New York
Springer
. doi:
10.10078/978-1-4899-7702-1
Gans
D.
,&
Silverstein
M
.(
2006
).
Norms of filial responsibility for aging parents across time and generations
68
961
976
. doi:
10.11111/j.17413737.2006.00307.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
Gilligan
M.
Suitor
,
J. J.
,&
Pillemer
.(
2015
).
Estrangement between mothers and adult children: The role of norms and values
77
908
920
. doi:
10.1111/jomf.12207
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Grundy
.(
2005
).
Reciprocity in relationships: Socio-economic and health influences on

intergenerational exchanges between third age parents and their adult children in
Great Britain
The British Journal of Sociology
56
233
255
. doi:
10.1111/ j.1468-4446.2005.00057.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Grundy
E.
,&
Henretta
J. C
.(
2006
).
Between elderly parents and adult children: A new look at the intergenerational care
provided by the ‘sandwich generation’
Ageing and Society
26
707
722
. doi:
10.1017/S0144686X06004934
Google Scholar
Crossref
Hamil
S. B
.(
2012
).
Caring for grandparents with Alzheimer’s disease: Help from the forgotten generation
33
1195
1217
Google Scholar
Crossref
Hank
,
K
.(
2007
).
Proximity and contacts between older parents and their children: A European
comparison
69
157
173
Google Scholar
Crossref
Hank
K.
,&
Buber
,
.(
2009
).
Grandparents caring for their grandchildren: Findings from the 2004 Survey of
Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe
30
53
73
Google Scholar
Crossref
Hardie
J. H.
,&
Seltzer
,
J. A
.(
2016
).
Parent–child relationships at the transition to adulthood: A comparison of Black,

Hispanic, and White immigrant and native-born youth
Social Forces
95
321
354
. doi:
10.1093/sf/sow033
Google Scholar
Crossref
Hartnett
C. S.
,
Fingerman
K. L.
,&
Birditt
K. S
.(
2017
).
Without the ties that bind: Young adults who lack active parental relationships
. Manuscript under review.
Hay
E. L.
Fingerman
K. L.
&
Lefkowitz
,
E. S
.(
2008
).
The worries adult children and their parents experience for one another
67
101
127
. doi:
10.2190/AG.67.2.a
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Henretta
J. C.
,
Grundy
E.
,&
Harris
.(
2002
).
The influence of socio-economic and health differences on parents’ provision of help

to adult children: A British-United States comparison
Ageing and Society
22
441
458
. doi:
10.1017/S0144686X02008735
Google Scholar
Crossref
Henretta
J. C.
Wolf
D. A.
Van Voorhis
M. F.
,&
Soldo
B. J
.(
2012
).
Family structure and the reproduction of inequality: Parents’ contribution to children’s

college costs

,
41
876
887
. doi:
10.1016/j.ssresearch. 2012.02.008
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Johnson
M. K
.(
2013
).
Parental financial assistance and young adults’ relationships with parents and well-
being
,
75
713
733
. doi:
10.1111/jomf.12029
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Kahn
R. L.
,&
Antonucci
T. C
.(
1980
).
Convoys over the life course: Attachment, roles, and social support
. In
P. B.
Baltes
&
O. B.
Brim
(Eds.),
Life-span development and behavior
(Vol.
., pp.
253
268
).
New York
Academic Press
Keniston
.(
1970
).
Youth: A “new” stage of life
The American Scholar
39
631
654
Kalmijn
.(
2013a
).
Adult children’s relationships with married parents, divorced parents, and stepparents:
Biology, marriage or residence
,
75
1181
1193
. doi:
10.1111/jomf.12057
Google Scholar
Crossref
Kalmijn
.(
2013b
).
How mothers allocate support among adult children: Evidence from a multiactor
survey
The Journals of Gerontology. Series b, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences
68
,
268
277
. doi:
10.1093/geronb/gbs110
Google Scholar
Crossref
Kim
K.
Cheng
Y.-P.
Zarit
S. H.
,&
Fingerman
K. L
.(
2015
).
Relationships between adults and parents in Asia
. In
S.-T.
Cheng
I.
Chi
H. H.
Fung
L. W.
Li
,&
J.
Woo
(Eds.),
Successful aging: Asian perspectives
(pp.
101
–
123
).
New York
Springer
Kohli
.(
1999
).
Private and public transfers between generations: Linking the family and the state
European Societies
81
104
.
Google Scholar
Crossref
Kohli
M.
Albertini
M.
,&
Künemund
.(
2010
).
Linkages among adult family generations: Evidence from comparative survey

research
. In
P.
Heady
and
M.
Kohli
(Eds.),
Family, kinship and state in contemporary Europe: Perspectives on theory and policy
(pp.
225
248
).
Frankfurt, Germany
Campus Verlag
Kornrich
S.
&
Furstenberg
.(
2013
).
Investing in children: Changes in parental spending on children, 1972–2007
Demography
50
23
. doi:
10.1007/s13524-012-0146-4
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Lesthaegh
.(
2010
).
The unfolding story of the second demographic transition
Population and Development Review
36
211
251
. doi:
10.111/j.1728-4457.210.00328.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Livingston
.(
2014
).
The demographics of remarriage

.
Washington, DC
Pew Research Center
. Retrieved from http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2014/11/14/chapter-2-the-

demographics-of-remarriage/
Lodi-Smith
J.
,&
Roberts
B. W
.(
2007
).
Social investment and personality: A meta-analysis of the relationship of personality

traits to investment in work, family, religion, and volunteerism
Personality and Social Psychology Review
11
68
–
86
. doi:
10.1177/1088868306294590
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Lowenstein
.(
2007
).
Solidarity-conflict and ambivalence: Testing two conceptual frameworks and their

impact on quality of life for older family members
62
S100
–
S107
. doi:
10.1093/geronb/62.2.S100
Google Scholar
Crossref
Luden
.(
2012
).
Helicopter parents hover in the workplace
National Public Radio
. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/2012/02/06/146464665/helicopter-parents-

hover-in-the-workplace
Luescher
K.
,&
Pillemer
,
K
.(
1998
).
Intergenerational ambivalence: A new approach to the study of parent–child relations

in later life
60
413
425
. doi:
10.2307/353858
Google Scholar
Crossref
Mather
.(
2012
).
Fact sheet: The decline in US fertility
World Population Data Sheet
. Retrieved from http://www.prb.org/publications/datasheets/2012/world-population-

data-sheet/fact-sheet-us-population.aspx
Mintz
.(
2015
).
The prime of life: A history of modern adulthood
Cambridge, MA
Belknap Press of Harvard University Press
Montgomery
S
.(
2009
).
Walking the great apes: Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, Birute Galdikas
White River Junction, VT
Chelsea Green Publishing
National Center for Education Statistics
2017
, August).
Fast facts: Back to school statistics
Washington, DC
U.S. Department of Education
. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=372
Newman
K
.(
2011
).
The accordion family: Boomerang kids, anxious parents, and the private toll of global
competition
Boston, MA
Beacon Press
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
.(
2016
).
Education at a glance 2016: OECD indicators
. Washington, DC:
OECD Publishing
Pew Research Center
.(
2011
).
A portrait of stepfamilies. Social and Demographic Trends
Washington, DC
Author
. Retrieved from http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2011/01/13/a-portrait- of-

stepfamilies/
Pew Research Center
.(
2012
).
The boomerang generation: Who are the boomerang kids?
Washington, DC
Author
. Retrieved from http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2012/03/15/who-are-the-

boomerang-kids/
Pew Research Center
.(
2013
).
A survey of LGBT Americans
Washington, DC
Author
. Retrieved from http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2013/06/13/a-survey-of-lgbt-

americans/
Pew Research Center
.(
2016
).
Social media update 2016
Washington, DC
Author
. Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/2016/11/11/social-media-update-2016/
Pillemer
K.
,&
Suitor
,
J. J
.(
2013
).
Who provides care? a prospective study of caregiving among adult siblings
The Gerontologist
54
589
598
. doi:
10.1093/geront/gnt066
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Pillemer
K.
,
Suitor
J. J.
Mock
S. E.
Sabir
M.
Pardo
T. B.
,&
Sechrist
.(
2007
).
Capturing the complexity of intergenerational relations: Exploring ambivalence within
later-life families
Journal of Social Issues
63
775
791
. doi:
10.1111/j.1540-4560.2007.00536.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
Pillemer
K.
Suitor
J. J.
Riffin
,
C.
,&
Gilligan
.(
2017
).
Adult children’s problems and mothers’ well-being: Does parental favoritism matter
Research on Aging
39
375
395
. doi:
10.1177/0164027515611464
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Reczek
C.
,&
Umberson
.(
2016
).
Greedy spouse, needy parent: The marital dynamics of gay, lesbian, and heterosexual
intergenerational caregivers
78
957
974
. doi:
10.1111/jomf.12318
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Rhee
.(
2013
).
The retirement savings crisis: Is it worse than we think?
Washington, DC
National Institute on Retirement Security
. Retrieved from http://www.controller.ca.gov/Files-

EO/2013_sco_flac_retirement_savings_crisis_final_natl_institute_retirement.pdf
Rossi
A. S.
,&
Rossi
P. H
.(
1990
).
Of human bonding: Parent–child relations across the life course
New York, NY
Aldine de Gruyter
Sarkisian
N.
,&
Gerstel
.(
2008
).
Till marriage do us part: Adult children’s relationships with parents
,
70
360
376
. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2008.00487.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
Sayer
L. C.
Bianchi
S. M.
,&
Robinson
J. P
.(
2004
).
Are parents investing less in children? Trends in mothers’ and fathers’ time with
children
110
43
. doi:
10.1086/386270
Google Scholar
Crossref
Schulenberg
J.
,&
Schoon
.(
2012
).
The transition to adulthood across time and space: Overview of special section
Longitudinal and Life Course Studies
164
172
. doi:
10.14301/llcs.v3i2.194
Google Scholar
PubMed
Seltzer
J. A.
Lau
C. Q.
,&
Bianchi
S. M
.(
2012
).
Doubling up when times are tough: a study of obligations to share a home in response
to economic hardship
41
1307
1319
. doi:
10.1016/j.ssresearch.2012.05.008
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Suitor
,
J. J.
Gilligan
M.
Peng
S.
Con
G.
Rurka
M.
,&
Pillemer
.(
2016
).
My pride and joy? Predicting favoritism and disfavoritism in mother–adult child

relations
78
908
925
. doi:
10.1111/jomf.12288
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Suitor
J. J.
Gilligan
M.
,&
Pillemer
.(
2013
).
Continuity and change in mothers’ favoritism toward offspring in adulthood
75
1229
1247
. doi:
10.1111/jomf.12067
Google Scholar
Crossref
Suitor
,
J. J.
Gilligan
M.
,&
Pillemer
.(
2014
).
Conceptualizing and measuring intergenerational ambivalence in late life
66
S769
S781
. doi:
Suitor
J. J.
Gilligan
M.
Pillemer
K.
Fingerman
K. L.
Kim
K.
Silverstein
M.
,&
Bengtson
V. L
.(
in press
).
Applying within-family differences designs to enhance understanding of the

complexity of intergenerational relations in well-being
Suitor
J. J.
Pillemer
K.
,&
Sechrist
.(
2006
).
Within-family differences in mothers’ support to adult children
61
S10
S17
. doi:
10.1093/geronb/61.1.S10
Google Scholar
Crossref
Suitor
J. J.
Sechrist
J.
,&
Pillemer
.(
2007
).
Within-family differences in mothers’ support to adult children in Black and White

families
Research on Aging
29
410
435
. doi:
10.1177/0164027507303636
Google Scholar
Crossref
Swartz
,
T. T.
Kim
M.
Uno
M.
Mortimer
J.
,&
O’Brien
K. B
.(
2011
).
Safety nets and scaffolds: Parental support in the transition to adulthood

,
73
414
429
. doi:
10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00815.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
Sweeney
M. M
.(
2010
).
Remarriage and stepfamilies: Strategic sites for family scholarship in the 21st century
,
72
667
684
. doi:
10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00724.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
Torche
.(
2015
).
Analyses of intergenerational mobility: An interdisciplinary review
The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science
657
,
37
62
. doi:
10.1177/0002716214547476
Google Scholar
Crossref
Troll
.(
1972
).
Is parent–child conflict what we mean by the generation gap
The Family Coordinator
21
347
–
349
Google Scholar
Crossref
Umberson
.(
1992
).
Relationships between adult children and their parents: Psychological consequences

for both generations
544
664
674
. doi:
10.2307/353252
Google Scholar
Crossref
U.S. Census Bureau
.(
2011
).
Mover rate reaches record low, Census Bureau reports
Washington, DC
Author
. Retrieved
from https://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/mobility_of_the_populatio
n/cb11-193.html
U.S. Census Bureau
.(
2014
).
Coresident grandparents and their grandchildren
Washington, DC
:
Author
. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2014/demo/p20-

576.html
U.S. Census Bureau
.(
2016
).
CPS historical migration/geographic mobility tables
Washington, DC
Author
. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/geographic-

mobility/historic.html
van Gaalen
R. I.
,&
Dykstra
P. A
.(
2010
).
Where is the exit? Intergenerational ambivalence and relationship quality in high

contact ties
Journal of Aging Studies
24
105
114
. doi:
10.1016/j.jaging.2008.10.006
Google Scholar
Crossref
Vespa
.(
2017
).
The changing economics and demographics of young adulthood: 1975–2016
U.S. Census Bureau: Current Population Reports
. Retrieved
from https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2017/demo/
p20-579.pdf
Yu
T.
Pettit
G. S.
Lansford
J. E.
Dodge
K. A.
,&
Bates
,
J. E
.(
2010
).
The interactive effects of marital conflict and divorce on parent–adult children’s

relationships
72
282
292
. doi:
10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00699.x
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
World Bank
.(
2017a
).
Fertility rate, total (births per woman)
United Nations Population Division
. Retrieved from http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.TFRT.IN
World Bank
2017b
).
Mobile cellular subscriptions (per 100 people)
. Retrieved from http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/IT.CEL.SETS.P2
Zarit
S. H.
Reever
K. E.
,&
Bach-Peterson
J
.(
1980
).
Relatives of the impaired elderly: Correlates of feelings of burden
The Gerontologist
20
649
655
Google Scholar
Crossref
PubMed
© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The

Gerontological Society of America.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits
unrestricted reuse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the
original work is properly cited.
Millenial Or Gen Z? Everything You Need To
Know About Generational Shifts
By Marga ManlapigApril 17, 2017
In recent years, the proverbial generation gap has become more visible in the
Philippines due to changing mores, styles, and spending habits. Marga
Manlapig finds out more about the differences among the Silent Generation,
Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials,Generation Z, and the young leaders
known as Generation T
STAY INFORMED
Our newsletter covers the people, businesses and ideas impacting Asia you
need to know. Sign up here
Sign Up
I accept the terms & conditions of personal data

"The Silent Generation" | Illustration: Courtesy of Ramon Cuenca of
Artfinance.net
"You just don't understand!" Over the years, these words have been the
battlecry (or the broken-hearted wail) of young people against the strictures
and policies imposed by their elders. It is a cry usually followed up with a
bracing statement that invariably begins with “When I was your age, we did
things differently!”
The concept of the generation gap—that all-encompassing phrase used to

describe the conflict between older people and the youth—has been
presented in so many ways over the years. It has served as the gist of films,
popular music, and television shows, as well as a starting point of discussion
for many sociopolitical issues. It is a concept that has been played for both
laughs and copious amounts of tears, but all of that is but the tip of an iceberg
of conflicting yet correlated issues and points of view regarding anything and
everything.
However, it is most notable that this conflict, so to speak, between generations

has become more noticeable in recent years. Sociologists, psychologists, and
cultural scholars have noted the increasing disparity among Baby Boomers,
Generation X, and the so-called Millennials with regard to fashion, finances,
and general morality.
WHO'S THE BOSS?
The modern Filipino workplace is where much of the intergenerational conflict
comes into play. The set-up is virtually the same regardless of industry: senior
and corporate executive management is invariably composed of Baby
Boomers (born 1945-1965); middle management usually consists of
Generation X (born 1966-1986); while Millennials (born 1986-1996; literally on
the cusp of the Second Millennium) hold supervisory roles.
The product of a time rife with global upheavals, Baby Boomers in the
workplace have, in the words of American lawyer and journalist Sally Kane,
made work their raison d’etre. They are focused on their goals and on
personal accomplishment; independent to the point of questioning authority,
goal-oriented, competitive, and keen on self-actualisation—a characteristic
that has earned younger boomers (c. 1960-1965) the questionable title of “The
‘Me’ Generation.” While many of them have retired or are now retiring, there
are still those who work: mostly founders of family-owned or controlled
corporations who are reluctant to relinquish full control to younger
generations.
This has caused many Generation X’ers to chafe at the reins and rebel. Having
grown up with an innate mistrust of authority in general due to numerous
socio-political revolutions that erupted as they came of age and a personal
sense of autonomy having grown up with two working parents and less
parental supervision, the Gen X at work tends to be somewhat individualistic.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
1. In Pictures: The Tatler Tribe Assembles Across Asia

2. Meet The Entrepreneurs Behind Some Of The Most Exciting E-Commerce Startups In Asia
3. What Matters To Me: Julien-Loïc Garin, Founder Of Lumieres Hong Kong
They work best alone, saying they can cover more ground when they work by
themselves. Having grown up during the genesis of the Information Superhighway, this
generation easily switches between the use of technology and traditional methods of
working and gathering information (physical libraries and archives are theirs for the
browsing when the internet goes down).
But the general attitude of the Baby Boomers in power towards succession management
has been the primary reason why Gen X’ers quit their jobs or cut short excellent careers
in favour of starting their own businesses. To be very blunt about it, Gen X has had it
with the overly authoritarian leadership of their elders, choosing instead to strike out on
their own. Likewise, it gives them the opportunity to spend more time with their
families—something they feel that they missed out on because their parents were so
busy building their careers.
Contrast this with Millennials in the workplace. Everyone who graduates from college is
highly driven and ambitious. Regardless of their generation, every fresh. grad jumps into
the job-pool with high hopes for immediate advancement. Millennials, however, have
taken this optimism and turned the knobs up to 11. Likewise, due to having grown up in
a completely wired environment where they can get answers at the touch of a button (a
click of the mouse, as it were), they want instant appreciation, quick growth, and easy
advancement up the corporate ladder. This is not an attitude that endears them to their
elders, of course, but one commendable when you realise that they’re thinking about
their futures.
In between Generation X and the Millennials, however, Philippine Tatler has noted a
niche group: Generation T. These are people between the ages of 25 and 40 who are
filled with potential: a whole new generation of influencers, creative visionaries, and
upcoming leaders who are making names for themselves and are changing the very face
of the nation. A bright mix of youth, idealism, and a wisdom beyond their years,
Generation T is redefining what it means to lead and to affect change in society.
HEY, BIG SPENDER!

Now, if there is one particular issue that raises hackles with regard to generational
disputes it would have to be their vastly differing spending habits. Young people
nowadays, according to both sociologists and style-watchers, are more brand-conscious
than their elders. According to an October 2016 online survey conducted in the Asia-
Pacific region by the British Broadcasting Network (BBC), millenials consider the brands
they buy an extension of themselves: a tangible form of both identification and self-
expression. Millennials also live for experiences, taking advantage of budget fares to see
the world. Connectivity is also a big thing and a substantial amount goes to the
acquisition of mobile gadgetry and reliable telecommunications plans, making
millennials 80 per cent of the Philippine mobile communications market.
"Baby Boomers" | Illustration: Courtesy of Ramon Cuenca of Artfinance.net
Contrast this with the spending habits of older generations. Baby boomers chose to
invest for their future early in their careers. As a result, many have the means to travel,
enjoy spa weekends; and dote upon adorable grandchildren.Their finances are also
directed towards the purchase of maintenance medications and, alas, the inevitable:
end-of-life-care, memorial plans, and the subsequent distribution of wealth among
those who will be left behind. Generation X is also growing more savvy with regard to
personal spending. They value quality as well as value for money; their purchases made
to last as long as possible thanks to due consideration of durability and, in the case of
clothes and accessories, timelessness.
The practical side of Gen X can also be seen in their purchase of lifetime investments
such as real estate and vehicles. As they now enter middle age, these investments also
include health and personal insurance, education funds for their children, and a tidy sum
to retire upon when the time comes.
"Millennials" | Illustration: Courtesy of Ramon Cuenca of Artfinance.net
CHECK YOUR MORALS AT THE DOOR

“Children now love luxury. They have bad manners, contempt for authority, disrespect
their elders, and love talking instead of exercise.” These were the words of the Greek
philosopher Socrates in a tirade against Athenian youth during his time, but many older
adults in this modern age would use the very same words when railing against the
youth.
Millennials are perceived by their elders as having a rather tenuous grip on morality.
While they are more open-minded with regard to issues regarding sexual identity, pre-
marital relations, and the concept of having and raising children out of wedlock, they are
also seen as a little too sensitive when it comes to reacting to socio-civic issues. The use
of social media through which to air their views has been considered by many as a
coward’s way out: many people air scathing opinions online instead of in public,
protected, as they are, by a sense of virtual anonymity.
According to Jos Ortega, chairman and CEO of digital media agency Havos Media
Ortega, the last thing a mill ennial wants to hear is to be told that he or she will be
unable to do something. “To them, that is violating the very being of what they stand
for,” he explained during a discussion on the millennial market with the Philippine
Association of National Advertisers (PANA). “[Life] for millennials is a journey of self-
discovery.”
But this drive towards self-discovery is not without consequences. Older generations see
them as wilful and disrespectful to others; highly interactive online but completely
lacking in interpersonal skills in the real world; overly dependent on technology;
narcissistic and overly materialistic; even fatalistic as many millennials do not seem to
have a solid foundation for their future or even a sense of where to go next.
Exposure to other ways of thinking thanks to being connected to the world online has
also made many millennials drift away from traditional religion, with some veering into
becoming agnostics and others into all-out atheists. Ironically, many baby boomers who
once shunned organised religion find themselves seeking spiritual solace in the faith
they left behind as they grow older. Even Generation X cynics have found new life, so to
speak, in their respective churches: a sort of refuge and backlash against the wanton
behaviour they see proliferating among the young.
There are various aspects of the generation gap that can be opened for discussion.
Corporate and financial issues, particularly those involving the balance of power in the
workplace or proper investing, are one; changing values are another.
In the end, it is up to all of us to coexist in mutual respect and some modicum of
understanding. Perhaps the one question we need to answer is “Why can’t we all just
get along?”
https://generationt.asia/ideas/minding-the-gaps
https://academic.oup.com/innovateage/article/1/3/igx026/4643095
https://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/143714-defining-filipino-millennials
Powered by
THOUGHT LEADERS
The Filipino Millennial?

When commentators celebrate their independence, creativity, and
entrepreneurial spirit, they neglect the struggles of many other youth in our
society
Jayeel Serrano Cornelio

Published 1:00 PM, August 21, 2016
Updated 7:35 AM, September 17, 2016
Facebook
Twitter
Reddit
Email
Millennials broadly refer to youth born in the 1980s and 1990s. They came of
age at the turn of the new millennium.
But when commentators describe Filipino youth as millennials, they typically
refer to a very specific segment of our population. Millennials are
characterized as young people who are educated, tech-savvy, well travelled,
and cosmopolitan with their choices in life.
Market researchers and advertisers are naturally interested in them as a

target demographic.
But they too reinforce the stereotype that they are highly mobile and readily
willing to transfer from one job to another.
But there's a problem. These are, of course, young people who come from
affluent backgrounds with a lifestyle that affords them to experience the best
the world has to offer.
Eat, pray, love
To use the title of a hit movie, these millennials can choose to eat, pray, and
love. Theirs is a disposition that is not only consumerist but also willing to
encounter new discoveries. After all, the affluence of the Philippine economy –
thanks to booming industries and OFW remittances – has given birth to a
segment of young people who can afford an experimental lifestyle.
A NEW BREED. The boost in the Philippine economy has provided millennials more options for
their career and lifestyle goals
Although their disposition is thoroughly individualistic, they are not necessarily

egocentric. Older people might find them selfish because, as studies show,
millennials especially in the West "want it all" and they "want it now." This
explains their insatiable drive for new gadgets, clubbing, travel, rewarding
jobs, and even designer drugs.
But they are not self-seeking. They want occupations that give them meaning.
Passion is a tangible virtue for them. And in many cases, their passion is
about making a positive difference in the world. That's why they have many
passion projects. After all, YOLO.
Passion, experience, adventure, and meaning. These are just some of the
words that define today's millennial.
What's wrong?
But something is amiss with this caricature.

When generations are described wholesale – as Baby Boomers, Gen X, or
Millennials commentators in the Philippines commit at least two mistakes.
First, these categories are directly imported from Western societies with their
own historical conditions that shaped the consciousness of their young people
as they were growing up. Filipino youth, having been born in the 1980s and
1990s, surely have their own social conditions. Many of them are not aware of
Martial Law. Many of them are children of OFWs.
Second, commentators run the risk of essentializing young people by using

such general categories. Essentialisms are problematic in sociological
analysis because they impose only one way of understanding reality.
Deviations are treated as outliers or abnormalities, which overlook other
experiences that can enrich our understanding of social issues.
Other Stories
Truth about the youth: The difference of the Filipino millennial

A new study by McCann Truth Central highlights how Filipino millennials stand out from their
global peers on their view of social media, adulthood, and social responsibility
[OPINION] Weaponizing the National Youth Commission

Nowhere in the law does it say that the NYC must be the mouthpiece of the sitting president
Filipino millennials: Take our survey

We want to know how millennials describe themselves, how they define success, and what
drives their ambitions. Take the survey HERE
That is why from the point of view of the sociology of generations, observers
need to underscore not only the dominant youth culture. We need to
recognize other groups or segments of young people who may have
undergone very different experiences even if they may belong to the same
age group. Karl Mannheim, a classical thinker in the sociology of generations,
calls these other groups generational units.
In this light, to call Filipino youth millennials conceals more than it reveals.
The complex picture
Ours is a very young population. Half of Filipinos in 2015 were younger than
25. As they will shape our future, young people need to be understood well.
Official unemployment statistics are revealing. While the total unemployment

rate is declining, it is remarkable that as of April 2016, 50% of the unemployed
are 15 to 24 years old. 28% come from the 25-34 age group.
Unemployment, in other words, hits our youth more than it does any other age
groups.
For the lucky ones who found employment, the skills for which they trained at
university may not match their current occupation. Students typically enroll in
such courses as engineering, information technology, and business
administration. But 80% of jobs generated in the past 6 years are in the
service sector, which includes BPO, tourism, and retail.
The findings of the National Youth Assessment Study 2015 are also
instructive. The study, sponsored by the National Youth Commission, profiles
the needs, attitudes, and economic state of Filipino youth aged 15-30 years
old.
70.2% reported that their household income on average is less than P10,000.
18.8% of households are recipients of 4Ps, which means they are indigents.
42.5% of surveyed youth are hoping for a job within the next five years.
Among those who are employed, 26.2% indicated that their occupation poses
some form of hazard to their health.
These basic economic data suggest that many of our youth are not as
upwardly mobile as we thought they were. They have a very limited lifestyle.
Given this complex picture, characterizing the Filipino youth as millennials is a

mistake. Affluent youth, after all, constitute only a very small proportion of
young Filipinos. In urban centers like Manila and Cebu, we might take this for
granted. Malls, cafes, and condominiums have become youthful spaces
adjacent to universities and hipster offices.
NOT 'MILLENNIALS?' There is a need for a wider and more complex definition of this
generation
But in the rest of the country, the opportunity to travel, set up enterprises, and
pursue passion projects is not as widespread as we are led to believe. They
are faced with barriers to relevant education, decent employment, and other
entitlements that could enhance their prospects about the future.
Way forward
Maybe I am a party pooper, but we need to be cautious when we refer to the

Filipino youth as millennials. My view is this: Not all Filipino youth are
millennial insofar as their experiences and life chances are concerned.
So when commentators celebrate their independence, creativity, and
entrepreneurial spirit, they neglect the struggles of many other youth in our
society. Purpose, adventure, experience, and meaning are buzzwords that
matter only to young people who have the resources and time for such things.
Vulnerable youth, on the other hand, lead lives of precarity, risk, and social
exclusion. They are not adventurous. They take risks simply in the hope of a
better chance at life.
If we really wanted to make a difference in the lives of our youth today, we

need to recognize not just their aspirations. We need to confront the barriers
that make it difficult for them to achieve their dreams.
Jayeel Serrano Cornelio, PhD is a sociologist and the director of the

Development Studies Program, Ateneo de Manila University. With Dr
Clarence Batan, he recently convened #Kabataan Ngayon: A Workshop on
Youth and Social Change at the University of Santo Tomas. He is also the
author of Being Catholic in the Contemporary Philippines: Young People
Reinterpreting Religion (Routledge, 2016). Follow him on
Twitter @jayeel_cornelio.
Filed under:#MillennialPHFilipino MillennialsJaylee CornelioMove Awards
2016YouthMillennials and careers
Leave a comment
X
RAPPLER IQ
Youth and elections: Is

there such a thing as a
'youth vote'?
Among the important factors that shape the youth's attitudes on politics are
education, religion, family, and class
Janella Paris
Published 1:47 PM, April 25, 2019
Updated 1:49 PM, April 25, 2019

How will the youth affect the 2019 midterm elections?
MANILA, Philippines – Around 31% of registered voters for the 2019 midterm
elections are aged 18-30. (READ: IN NUMBERS: Registered voters for the May
2019 elections)
Millennials and Gen Z (Generation Z) or those born in the mid-’90s and early
2000s comprise 18,847,230 of the 61,843,750 voters across the country. In
2016, there were 18,396,615 voters in this age bracket, accounting for 33% of
the 54,363,844 voters.
How will this throng affect the 2019 midterm elections? Or do they care
enough about elections to begin with?
The role of education
Ayen Lopez and Ron Reyes work for the Otso Diretso campaign. Lopez works
in the communications team, Reyes as a volunteer recruitment officer. Both of
them are idealistic, but both are aware of the challenges of campaigning.
With little funds and much work to do, both are admittedly tired but still
energized. Gleaming, they spoke of grassroots organizing and alternative
ways of campaigning. Both are young and have university degrees.
“Humuhugot talaga ako sa college experience ko (I’m influenced a lot by my

college experience in my campaign work),” Reyes said. Lopez agreed. There
is truth to it, she said – that college experience shapes one’s perceptions and
participation in politics and elections.
Aimee Bautista, an assistant professor at the University of the Philippines-

Diliman Political Science department, said that university life is one of the
main factors of youth politicization. Bautista has done research on youth
perceptions of the Sangguniang Kabataan, as well as the likelihood of
university students participating in electoral politics.
“We know that [many] college students move from provinces to Metro Manila
to pursue tertiary education. During this period, ito yung panahon na malayo
sila sa pamilya nila (during this period, they live far from their families),” she
said.
“[The] university [becomes] the most influential agent. Initially, it would be the
family, but with college life, mas nagiging malaki na ang impluwensiya ng
unibersidad (the influence of university education becomes greater),” she
added.
Other studies also seem to point to college education as an important factor in

political and civic engagement. In a 2013 study by Willhelmina Cabo of the
University of the Philippines (UP) National College of Public Administration
and Governance, young university students were seen as politically active
when encouraged to volunteer for campaign finance monitoring in the lead-up
to the 2013 elections.
A 2018 Far Eastern University Public Policy Center study, “Does Gen Z
Care?” found that “many Gen Z students are not yet very much inclined to
participate in political and civic affairs.” Gen Z would include young people
who are voting for the first time in the coming polls.
Many are also “undecided when it comes to the most controversial issues of
the day,” according to the study. However, the study found that education,
specifically “college experience,” could instill greater social awareness, or at
least train young people for better civic engagement.
This seems to be true for the 2019 elections as well. In February, students
from the University of Cebu-Banilad campus urged fellow students to vote
intelligently by doing research on candidates’ track records.
On Tuesday, April 9, youth movement #WeTheBrave called on fellow-youth to

be critical when it comes to candidates’ platforms and campaign promises.
No bloc vote
What, then, of other youth who do not have the privilege of a college
education?
In a 2017 survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority, 9% of Filipinos aged 6-24

were recorded to be out of school. 83% of the youth surveyed were between
16 and 24 years old. Many are out of school because of family problems, lack
of interest, and financial concerns.
“Again, it’s not just the university, it’s actually several other agents of political
socialization – family, peers, university, media...I think it holds true that for the
youth in general, these factors shape what they think about politics and how
they participate in it,” Bautista said.
Sociologist Jayeel Cornelio of Ateneo de Manila University’s Development

Studies program said the same.
“Young people remain fragmented and their local experiences matter:

unemployment, conflict, discrimination, and lack of education, [for example].
These experiences affect their voting preferences based on whom they think
can meet their needs,” Cornelio said.
“The most important variables affecting voting preferences are education,

religion, and to a certain extent, class. But even these variables also shift
depending on issues of the day,” he added.
Far from apathy, Cornelio would characterize the youth’s attitudes toward
elections and politics in general as fragmented, colored by their own
backgrounds.
Asked if there is a youth vote, both professors said no.
“We cannot generalize the youth vote much like how we cannot generalize
other generations,” Bautista said.
Above all, she added that it would be most important to look at socioeconomic
factors that inform how the youth participate in politics and in elections.
Young people like Lopez and Reyes are cognizant of this fragmentation.
“[There are those] who are comfortable, privileged enough to tune out of the
political noise,” Lopez said.
In their campaign work, Reyes is the one involved in empowering partner

communities to vote and campaign for the Otso Diretso candidates. In his
work, he said, he sees the value of face-to-face conversations with people on
the ground.
“[Campaigning and politics is] a matter of getting the context of people, so you
don’t just get confined in your own echo chamber,” Reyes said.
Beyond elections
“Instead of simply voting in the elections, young people might think that
participating in politics should not be limited to participating in the elections.
There are several other ways which they think may be more effective,” said
Bautista.
She said that more and more, youth are turning to “social movement-oriented
forms of participation,” like boycotts and working for non-governmental
organizations or NGOs.
Aside from work in the campaign, Lopez is involved in the Disgruntled Young
Peoplenetwork, a group of young people who regularly hold roundtable
discussions about pertinent issues in the country. Through their network, they
also participate in a bunch of volunteer engagements.
Reyes, meanwhile, works for Hirayang Kabataan – consisting of young people

who conduct leadership trainings for others their age “to build a country
governed by leaders with competence and integrity.”
They both spoke with passion, but Lopez cushioned her optimism with a bitter
pill of sorts. “Hindi lang puwedeng puro advocacy, kasi may political realities
din (Advocacy alone is not enough because there are also political realities).”
Asked where they’ll be after the 2019 polls, Lopez and Reyes said they would
continue participating in politics with these advocacies. “There needs to be a
call for social movements for people to be more engaged in politics.”
“It’s not enough that you vote,” Lopez said. – Rappler.com
Beyond investigation
Newsbreak was built on the tradition of integrity-driven investigative reporting. Furthermore,
it aims to engage readers and the community.
You can join the conversation by becoming a Rappler PLUS member.
PLUS members will receive our editorial newsletters and industry reports, get to join online
conversations with our award-winning journalists, and be part of our monthly events.
More than that,
investigative work.
you will help enable Newsbreak to continue doing compelling and
Make your move now. Join Rappler PLUS.
Sign up here
Leave a comment
X
TRAVEL, FOOD AND LIFESTYLE
Truth about the youth:

The difference of the
Filipino millennial
A new study by McCann Truth Central highlights how Filipino millennials stand
out from their global peers on their view of social media, adulthood, and social
responsibility
Nikki Natividad
@_nikkinat
Published 3:11 PM, October 26, 2016
Updated 3:25 PM, October 26, 2016
Rappler in Partnership with

MANILA, Philippines — The millennials – also known as Generation Y, the
YOLO generation, or those born between 1981 and 2000 – are taking over.
By 2025, millennials are estimated to account for 72% of the global workforce.
This means that the attitudes and traits of these self-involved, selfie-taking
individuals are what will be shaping various industries, both as workers and
consumers. That’s why so much extensive research is being done to get a
better picture of them.
So far, much of the research that's been done have generalized this
generation. Studies tend to summarize insights from millennials in developing
and developed countries, where circumstances greatly vary.
What about the little nuances that make Filipino millennials different?
In order to paint a clearer picture of Filipino millennials, McCann Truth Central,

McCann Worldgroup’s global thought leadership unit, conducted an original
study for 2016 dubbed The Truth About The Youth Philippines.
This is part of a larger study that consists of findings from 33,000 interviews
across 18 countries including the US, Germany, Japan, and the Philippines.
As it turns out, there are certain things the Filipino youth do or care about
more than their millennial counterparts in other countries. Here are some
interesting statistics to note:
On adulthood, thanks to multi-generational homes and a highly collectivist

culture, Filipinos are more closely knit to their family.
 83% of Filipino youth are still heavily reliant on their parents for
advice, as compared to 73% globally
 However, Filipino youth believe that 30 is the age at which it stops
being socially acceptable to live with parents – 2 years younger than
the global average of 32.
Filipino millennials are more active on social media, and are more easily
influenced by it compared to their peers
 22% of Filipino youth have written a negative comment about

somebody they know, higher than the Asia-Pacific average of 16%
 61% of Filipino youth feel pressured to portray themselves in the best
way possible on social media, higher than the global average of 53%.
 1 in 2 Filipino youth say that seeing their friends post on social media
can make them feel inadequate
Filipino youth also feel strongly compelled to make an impact on other
people's lives.
 96% feel that we all have a responsibility to make a positive

contribution to the community we live in – higher than the global
average (89%).
 26% of Filipino youth want to be remembered as a person who has
changed the world.
These are just some of the figures from the worldwide Youth Study conducted
by McCann Truth Central. The full results will be released at a later date.
It’s interesting to see the little discrepancies that set the Filipino millennial
generation apart from their peers. It begs to ask: how else are we different,
and how are these differences relevant for our country's future? –
Rappler.com
Truth Central is McCann WorldGroup's global thought leadership unit. We exist to create original
research that can help shape and grow our clients' businesses. We create a blindingly fresh
report every three months, dedicating our minds to unearthing unique truth. Each study covers
20+ markets so we can give you a truly global view. Get in tough if you'd like to learn more
about how we can apply our learning to your business.
http://truthcentral.mccann.com
https://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/143714-defining-filipino-millennials
How to Relate to Your

Millennial Children
The gap between the Millennial's generation and those who came before is
huge, but not insurmountable.
By Wesley Baines
Shutterstock.com
If you’re the parent of a Millennial, you face a greater communication challenge than
your parents may have with you. While there’s always an uncomfortable divide between
each generation and the next, the gap between previous generations and Millennials is
a chasm. The explosion of the internet, first felt by Generation X, has completely
changed the way we live and relate to the world at large—we’re now more connected
than ever through the power of always-on broadband connections and ubiquitous social
media. This is the environment in which Millennials have grown, and it has given this
group a unique set of traits.
It seems like everybody loves to hate on Millennials. They’re called anything from
narcissists to snowflakes to entitled brats by the media, their bosses, and yes—
sometimes by their own parents. But these labels, for the most part, come from a place
of deep misunderstanding. If you’re interesting in learning how to relate to your
Millennial children, here are the essentials to understanding the mindset of their
generation.
They’re Idealistic
If there’s anything that defines the Millennial generation, it’s their enduring idealism.
While some might find this attitude unrealistic, out-of-touch, or naive, it’s anything but.
Because Millennials are so deeply connected to global events, they know how bad
things are, and their brand of optimism is tinged with realism, street smarts, and
practicality.
Because of their idealism, Millennials believe that the world can be changed for the
better. They’re kind, and they expect that same kindness of others. They don’t tolerate,
for example, fear-based management styles at work, or unkindness toward those who
break cultural norms in their social circles.
You might be tempted to label a Millennial as weak when they express discomfort at
someone’s unkind words or deeds, but make no mistake—this isn’t weakness. They
know how the real world works, but they also want to change it.
For Millennials, their strength comes in the form of unrelenting idealism, and the belief
that the world can be changed through social reform. If you keep this in mind as you try
to connect with your Millennial children, you’ll have a much better understanding of why
they act as they do.
Try engaging them on issues, asking what they think could be done about a few social
ills you may be concerned with—the instant connection you’ll forge will surprise you.
They’re Plugged In
Mention Millennials, and this picture nearly always comes to mind, but the real story
behind this image is a great introduction to why the Millennial habit of being plugged in
isn’t the scourge you might think it is.
This image is upheld as the “perfect metaphor for our age,” according to one Twitter
user. “What a sad picture of today’s society,” tweets another, lamenting the state of the
tech-obsessed Millennial mindset.
But, as it turns out, just about everybody got this picture wrong. The photographer who
captured this moment, Gijsbert van der Wal, explains: “…I posted the photo on
Facebook where, to my utter surprise, within a few days it was shared almost 9,500
times. The image was also reposted by others and shared on Twitter, Tumblr and
Reddit. It went viral, with people often adding rather dispirited captions: today’s youth is
more interested in Whatsapp than they are in Rembrandt.
On the other hand there were people who warned not to be misled by the image: they
asserted that the students were in fact attentive to the art works, using the museum’s
freely downloadable multimedia tour.”
These kids were using a special app, provided by the museum, that enriches visitors’
learning experiences by providing more information on the museum’s paintings.
Yes, Millennials are plugged in, but they’re using their connectivity not just for simple
distraction. They’re leveraging this power to take in, and evaluate, as much information
as possible so that they can make better choices.
So, the next time you see the phone come out during a family outing, your Millennial kid
is probably looking at product reviews so that they can decide what to purchase at the
next stop, or they may be conducting their banking through a convenient app.
To open up communication, try asking for help with your next major purchase. Your
Millennial kids will probably jump on the chance to use their connectivity to help you out,
and you just might learn something new in the process.
If you feel like the constant presence of electronics are placing a barrier between you
and your kids, though, feel free to ask—kindly—for some real face-to-face interaction.
The phones will go back in pockets, and you’ll get your wish.
They’re Progressive
The extremely progressive mindset of the Millennial generation is, perhaps, the source
of the greatest friction between them and previous generations. Never before has a
generation been so iconoclastic, so suspicious of tradition, and so willing to challenge
the way everything is done.
Especially for the more tradition-oriented generations, this upheaval can be tough to
swallow.
Millennials are constantly surveying the world around them, and are on the lookout for
ways to do things better. They question everything from the why we need to physically
be in an office to do work to the very way in which our government functions, and have
already created a huge wave of change that’s only going to get bigger.
This is going to cause disagreement between you and your Millennial kids. That’s
unavoidable. But you can still cultivate great communication by talking their views out
without hostility or contempt. Take the time to actively listen without speaking, and to
allow them to explain their stance. Try to see things through their eyes for a moment—
entertain their views without necessarily letting go of your own.
Above all, to really connect with your Millennial kids, try to maintain an open mind, and
to remain teachable. You may just learn something!
The Next Generation

Many Millennials are already aging into their first positions of authority—we’ll soon get
to see the effects they’ll have on the world. Purposefully maintaining a great connection
with your Millennial kids will ensure that they have the guidance they’re sure to need as
they move forward.
After all—your generation has its own unique strengths, and you have much to teach,
so take these tips to heart and start relating to your Millennial children in a better way.
https://www.beliefnet.com/love-family/parenting/how-to-relate-to-your-millennial-children?p=2
Parenting Millennial Kids – The

Biggest Challenge of Modern
Society
Published on May 22, 2017
Vote up!
Narcissists, detached, violent, self centered, environmentally and

socially unconcerned, and conceited – that’s how millennial
children tend to be defined, mostly. While most of these are over
generalizations and myths at best, it remains a challenge for
society, and parents particularly, to understand, assimilate, and
coexist with this new breed. Let’s discuss a few ideas that can help
parents deal with millennial kids.
Understand The Differentiator - Technology
Put simply, any individual who attains young adulthood in the 21st century is a
millennial. Why are millennial children the point of focus now? Well, that’s because
they’ve been born in an era where technology has changed the way humans live.
Is it any surprise that technology literally rules the everyday lives of the millennial
kids? As a parent, you’d do well to control the dependence of your children on
technology.
Encourage Open Communication
It is vital for parents to harmonize with the millennial trends, like having an
unorthodox perspective and adopting broad-mindedness to better equip
themselves to cope with the dynamic changes setting in due to the millennial
lifestyle. So instead of turning a blind eye towards the rapid influences brought in
by this kind of living, it is more practical to embrace the changing ideas about
sensitive matters like stereotypical marriages and gender equity. Encourage open
communication; mentor your kids on the right phases of life to consume
information on matters of sexuality, religion, and society.
Technology Detox
Parents have to walk the path and set an example rather than dishing out advices
and forcing rules on ‘being off the screen’ on millennial children. Instead of entirely
abolishing technology use at a go, take baby steps towards reducing the screen
usage. For example, parents and their children, together, can follow a rule of not
using their phones or watching television during meal times.
Be it at home or outside. Parents themselves, need to adopt certain lifestyle

changes that involve less usage of technology. The daily lifestyle of parents will
greatly influence the upbringing of their children. Parents can completely avoid
using their phones or any other electronic gadget around children. This will make
their children feel more loved and connected to their parents.
Define And Set Boundaries
It is no surprise that the millennial kids are suffering from various mental issues
like depression, low attention span etc. Not just children, even parents cannot stop
themselves from checking their emails or turning to their phone screen every other
minute. A survey conducted by The American Psychological Association and
Harris Interactive revealed stress levels of 5.4 out of 10 among millennials (3.4 is
considered healthy stress).
Parents can set certain limits on phone usage and adhere to the rules so their
children follow suit and do the same. A little bit of self-discipline and self-control
like avoiding usage of electronic devices in the night will go a long way in setting a
healthy example for your millennial children.
Foster Compassion
Every child withholds the spark of love, compassion and sensitivity within him/her.
Issues like narcissism can be dealt with empathy when you encourage your kids to
open their hearts to others and bring to light the fact that the world does not
revolve around just them. Encourage your children to share their resources,
technology especially, with the less privileged ones. Not only does this foster
empathy, but it also allows your children to widen their perspective on life by caring
for others. Parents can pay a visit to the NGOs once in a week and engage in
activities that help the underprivileged. Your children are bound to feel proud about
themselves. Involve yourself and your children in more socially engaging activities.
Final Thoughts
What the world desperately needs now, is compassion and love. And with
judicious use of technology and adopting healthy patterns of upbringing, we can
make the world a better place to live in. Trust these options to help you parent your
kids better, and transform them into responsible, capable, well informed, and
stable millennials.
This post comes from the TODAY Parenting Team community, where all members are welcome to post and discuss
parenting solutions. Learn more and join us! Because we're all in this together.
http://community.today.com/parentingteam/post/parenting-millennial-kids-the-biggest-challenge-of-
modern-society
ow Millennial Parents Are

Raising Their Children
Differently
By Sharon Greenthal
Updated November 05, 2018
 Pin
 Flip
 Email
PRINT
Roberto Westbrook/Getty Images
More in Raising Kids

 Activities
 Celebrations
 Gear and Products
 Technology
Each generation of parents develops its signature parenting style. While no description can
cover every parent, of course, past stereotypes of parenting styles include:
 1950s: Adult-centric family structure, where children were part of the family, but not
the focus of the family. Adults and children lived parallel lives, with parents
interacting with children for discipline and life lessons. Children were sent off to play
on their own.
 1960s: A continuation of the 1950s, with a move towards more permissiveness and
creativity. As the world began to grow more open-minded, so did parents.
 1970s-1980s: As divorce became more common and women entered the workforce,
children began to take on more responsibility for their well-being and day-to-day
needs. Latchkey kids became more commonplace, and the traditional mom, with
milk and cookies waiting after school, became less so.
 1990s- 2000s: Helicoptering, over-scheduling, fears about safety – parents became
more and more involved in their children's lives, from morning until bedtime than
ever before.
What are parents of this decade doing differently from those in previous years?
Millennials Are Waiting Longer to Start Families
For many reasons, including financial constraints, career decisions, wanderlust and more,
young adults are waiting longer to have children than any generation before them. Access to
more reliable birth control, along with conscious choices of when to start a family, have
helped to raise the age of first-time mothers. In 2015, the average age a woman had her first
baby was 28, according to the CDC. Compare that to 1990, when the average age of a first-
time mother was 25, and it's clear that the age when parenting begins is climbing up.
Parents Share a Lot On Social Media
Social media is part of everyone's lives, but perhaps none so much as parents of young
children. From the first sonogram to high school graduation, most parents in the 2010s are
not shy — or conflicted — about sharing their children's lives online. Eighty-one percent
of Millennial parents have shared images of their children on social media, compared to 47%
of Baby Boomers parents. Parenting blogs, which started in the early 2000s, are now
everywhere, covering topics ranging from co-sleeping to family travel. Parents use social
media as a way of communicating with family members, where earlier generations of parents
would make phone calls and mail photos to far-away relatives.
Family Structure Is Open to Interpretation

Single parents and LGBTQ parents are changing the notion of what a traditional family looks
like in the new millennium.
For example:
Married couples comprise 68% of parents in the 21st century, compared to 93% in the
1950's.
According to Census.gov, between 2 million and 3.7 million children under age 18 have an
LGBTQ parent, and approximately 200,000 of them are being raised by a same-sex couple.
Many of these children are being raised by a single LGBTQ parent or by a different-sex
couple where one parent is bisexual.
More women are choosing to be single parents each year. Once typical of only poor and
minority women, this trend doesn't seem to be slowing down, as the stigma of being a single
mother has been replaced by the choice by women to have children on their own.
Unique Names Are the Norm
Baby boomers tended to name their children so they would fit in with other kids, resulting in
classrooms filled with Karens, Lisas, Michaels, and Stevens. Unique names were not typical
until very recently. Millennials, who as a rule like to do things their own way, are finding
unusual, special and varied names for their babies, leading to grandparents who have learned
to keep their opinions to themselves and classroom teachers who may have to guess at a
child's gender before the first day of class.
Parenting Advice
Millennials have an enormous amount of resources to draw on for parenting tips, thanks to
the internet, social media and the instant contact of texting. Unlike their parents, who relied
on experts like Dr. Spock and T. Berry Brazelton for advice beyond their own moms and
dads, Millennials can — and do — seek out experts in every field of parenting, gathering
information from both virtual and real contacts. There is no end to the amount of advice
available, but savvy Millennials are able to weed out what works for their children and what
doesn't, and in turn can offer advice to new parents when the time comes. With extensive
communities including Facebook groups, Instagram hashtags and more, Millennials have
many ways to learn about the best way to raise their children.
More Family Time
It may not make sense, given that 46% of Millennial parents in the 2010's are both in the
workforce, vs. 31% in 1970, but Millennials spend more time than any previous generation
with their children. Fathers, in particular, are spending a lot more time — 59 minutes a
day — with their children than fathers spent with their children in the 1960's, when they
averaged only 16 minutes a day of time spent parenting.
The commitment to a structured schedule that many Millennials have for their children's
activities means that parents are often with their kids, from Mommy and Me classes for
toddlers to after-school sports team practices where moms and dads volunteer as coaches.
Many activities become not just about the children but about the parents, as well. While
family dinner around the dining room table is not as common as it once was, parents are
spending lots of time with their kids in other ways. There is homework to be managed,
carpools to drive, and many other ways parents sneak in time together with their families.
With more people working from home, parents are much more readily available for last
minute chores, commitments, and school activities. Millennials parents are far more child-
focused than parents in past decades, and that's how they like it.
https://www.verywellfamily.com/millennial-parents-raising-children-4158549
0 Dos and Don'ts of Helping Your

Millennial Child Learn to Adult
 Steve ArterburnAuthor and Founder of New Life Ministries
 201731 May
 COMMENTS
Let’s face it. Adult children are moving back home in droves.
In fact, 1 in 3 adult children, ages 25- to 34-years-old, live at home according to a new
report from the Census Bureau. Out of the millennials who live at home, 1 in 4 don’t
even work or go to school. In other words, 2.2 million millennials live at their parents’
home without making any progress to become an adult.
But millennials aren’t the only ones with problems.
Truth be told, parents play a big role in this phenomenon. Instead of letting their kids
take responsibility for their lives, they try to rescue them. And the more times parents
rescue their children, the harder it will be for their adult children to grow up.
If your millennial child is having a hard time learning to adult, here are some do’s and
don’ts to help them.
1. Do Let Your Millennial Take Responsibility
“For each one should carry their own load.”—Galatians 6:5

As a parent, you need to stop blaming yourself for every bad choice that your child
makes. Your adult child is responsible for his or her own life. It is, however, your
responsibility to love them and raise them to become an adult.
2. Don’t Criticize or Compare Your Millennial
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to
please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of
Christ.”—Galatians 1:10
Don’t scold your adult child for their mistakes, or compare them with their siblings. No
one likes someone with a holier-than-thou attitude. Let your child know that you love
them, and that they don’t need to look to you for approval. Instead, encourage them to
look to Christ.
3. Do Tell Your Millennial About Your Own Mistakes
“The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.”—Psalm 145:14
If you want to connect with your millennial, tell him about a time in your life when you
messed up. But don’t stop there! Let him know about what you learned from your
mistakes and how Christ helped you during difficult times in your life.
4. Don’t Enable Your Millennial
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”—Galatians
6:7
Allow your millennial to experience the painful consequences of their irresponsible
behavior. If your adult child lives with you and has done anything to break the law, let
him know that he has to face the consequences of his actions. He can go seek
professional help or you can contact the authorities, but he can’t live at your house.
5. Do Pray For Your Millennial
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for
you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the
wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.”—Colossians 1:9
Don’t take over for your millennial child. If you do, it will hinder their success and enable
them to be more dependent on you. But pray for them each day and allow the Holy
Spirit to work in their lives.
6. Don’t Protect Your Millennial From Failure
“If you falter in a time of trouble,how small is your strength!”—Proverbs 24:10

Teaching your millennial that it’s okay to fail is one of the most important things that you
will ever do as a parent. When they have to face the consequences for their
irresponsible behavior, they grow and mature. So instead of paying for their bills, let
them know that they will have to get a job and learn to manage their money.
7. Do Let Go of Your Millennial
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…”—Galatians 5:1

Letting go of your adult child means giving them freedom to live their life how they want
to. Ultimately, you are not responsible for your child's choices in life or his behavior.
Instead, you want your child to take responsibility for his own life and depend on Christ
to give him strength.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Honest with Your Millennial
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” —1 Corinthians 13:6
Have an honest, open talk with your 20- to 30-something and say, “We made a
mistake…we goofed! We love you; however, we failed to raise you to become an
adult.” Let your child know that you won’t bail them out anymore, and ask them to come
up with a plan for how they can become self-sufficient. Finally, follow-up with them to
make sure that they are really taking steps to get out on their own.
9. Do Set a Deadline for Your Millennial
“The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” —2 Thessalonians 3:10
If your millennial is still living at home and is not making any progress toward becoming
an adult, give them a 90-day deadline to get a full-time job and find another place to
live. But if they are still living at home in 90 days, make sure that you follow through with
consequences. This means that you’ll need to change the locks, move their belongings
outside, and don’t give them any food or money. Remember, the Bible is clear: you
should not reward bad behavior.
10. Don’t Keep Rescuing Your Millennial
“A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty;rescue them, and you will have to do it
again.” —Proverbs 19:19
It’s easy to try to rescue your millennial child from any problems that he finds himself in.
He may even ask you for food, money, and a place to live because he knows how to
manipulate you. But the more you rescue him, the more trouble he’ll get himself into
because he knows you’ll always be there to bail him out.
Is it easy to parent a millennial child who is struggling to become an adult? No! But with
a few biblical principals in place, you can help your millennial learn to adult in no time.
If you need help parenting an adult child who is struggling, we can help! Call us at 800-
NEW-LIFE (639-5433). We are waiting for your call. Or visit us at newlife.com for
information about our many books, CDs, counselors and weekend workshops.
Steve Arterburn is the founder and chairman of New Life Ministries and host of the #1
nationally syndicated Christian counseling talk show, New Life Live! the founder of
Women of Faith conferences and serves as a teaching pastor at Heartland Church in
Indianapolis, Indiana. Steve is a bestselling author of books such as Every Man’s
Battle and Healing is a Choice. The above excerpt is from his book Is This the One?
Simple Dates for Finding the Love of Your Life. Steve resides with his family in Fishers,
Indiana.
Image courtesy: ©Pexels.com
0 Dos and Don'ts of Helping Your

Millennial Child Learn to Adult
 Steve ArterburnAuthor and Founder of New Life Ministries
 201731 May
 COMMENTS
Let’s face it. Adult children are moving back home in droves.
In fact, 1 in 3 adult children, ages 25- to 34-years-old, live at home according to a new
report from the Census Bureau. Out of the millennials who live at home, 1 in 4 don’t
even work or go to school. In other words, 2.2 million millennials live at their parents’
home without making any progress to become an adult.
But millennials aren’t the only ones with problems.
Truth be told, parents play a big role in this phenomenon. Instead of letting their kids
take responsibility for their lives, they try to rescue them. And the more times parents
rescue their children, the harder it will be for their adult children to grow up.
If your millennial child is having a hard time learning to adult, here are some do’s and
don’ts to help them.
1. Do Let Your Millennial Take Responsibility
“For each one should carry their own load.”—Galatians 6:5

As a parent, you need to stop blaming yourself for every bad choice that your child
makes. Your adult child is responsible for his or her own life. It is, however, your
responsibility to love them and raise them to become an adult.
2. Don’t Criticize or Compare Your Millennial
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to
please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of
Christ.”—Galatians 1:10
Don’t scold your adult child for their mistakes, or compare them with their siblings. No
one likes someone with a holier-than-thou attitude. Let your child know that you love
them, and that they don’t need to look to you for approval. Instead, encourage them to
look to Christ.
3. Do Tell Your Millennial About Your Own Mistakes
“The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.”—Psalm 145:14
If you want to connect with your millennial, tell him about a time in your life when you
messed up. But don’t stop there! Let him know about what you learned from your
mistakes and how Christ helped you during difficult times in your life.
4. Don’t Enable Your Millennial
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”—Galatians
6:7
Allow your millennial to experience the painful consequences of their irresponsible
behavior. If your adult child lives with you and has done anything to break the law, let
him know that he has to face the consequences of his actions. He can go seek
professional help or you can contact the authorities, but he can’t live at your house.
5. Do Pray For Your Millennial
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for
you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the
wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.”—Colossians 1:9
Don’t take over for your millennial child. If you do, it will hinder their success and enable
them to be more dependent on you. But pray for them each day and allow the Holy
Spirit to work in their lives.
6. Don’t Protect Your Millennial From Failure
“If you falter in a time of trouble,how small is your strength!”—Proverbs 24:10

Teaching your millennial that it’s okay to fail is one of the most important things that you
will ever do as a parent. When they have to face the consequences for their
irresponsible behavior, they grow and mature. So instead of paying for their bills, let
them know that they will have to get a job and learn to manage their money.
7. Do Let Go of Your Millennial
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…”—Galatians 5:1

Letting go of your adult child means giving them freedom to live their life how they want
to. Ultimately, you are not responsible for your child's choices in life or his behavior.
Instead, you want your child to take responsibility for his own life and depend on Christ
to give him strength.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Honest with Your Millennial
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” —1 Corinthians 13:6
Have an honest, open talk with your 20- to 30-something and say, “We made a
mistake…we goofed! We love you; however, we failed to raise you to become an
adult.” Let your child know that you won’t bail them out anymore, and ask them to come
up with a plan for how they can become self-sufficient. Finally, follow-up with them to
make sure that they are really taking steps to get out on their own.
9. Do Set a Deadline for Your Millennial
“The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” —2 Thessalonians 3:10
If your millennial is still living at home and is not making any progress toward becoming
an adult, give them a 90-day deadline to get a full-time job and find another place to
live. But if they are still living at home in 90 days, make sure that you follow through with
consequences. This means that you’ll need to change the locks, move their belongings
outside, and don’t give them any food or money. Remember, the Bible is clear: you
should not reward bad behavior.
10. Don’t Keep Rescuing Your Millennial
“A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty;rescue them, and you will have to do it
again.” —Proverbs 19:19
It’s easy to try to rescue your millennial child from any problems that he finds himself in.
He may even ask you for food, money, and a place to live because he knows how to
manipulate you. But the more you rescue him, the more trouble he’ll get himself into
because he knows you’ll always be there to bail him out.
Is it easy to parent a millennial child who is struggling to become an adult? No! But with
a few biblical principals in place, you can help your millennial learn to adult in no time.
If you need help parenting an adult child who is struggling, we can help! Call us at 800-
NEW-LIFE (639-5433). We are waiting for your call. Or visit us at newlife.com for
information about our many books, CDs, counselors and weekend workshops.
Steve Arterburn is the founder and chairman of New Life Ministries and host of the #1
nationally syndicated Christian counseling talk show, New Life Live! the founder of
Women of Faith conferences and serves as a teaching pastor at Heartland Church in
Indianapolis, Indiana. Steve is a bestselling author of books such as Every Man’s
Battle and Healing is a Choice. The above excerpt is from his book Is This the One?
Simple Dates for Finding the Love of Your Life. Steve resides with his family in Fishers,
Indiana.
Image courtesy: ©Pexels.com
https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/teens/10-do-s-and-don-ts-of-helping-your-millennial-
child-learn-to-adult.html
 5 Pieces of Parenting Advice Millennial

Parents Need to Hear
Take it from these moms who have been there and done that!
by Loraine Balita-Centeno . Sep 2, 2017
 659 Shares
 Share
 Tweet
 2 Comments
PHOTO BY @TOMWANG112/ISTOCK
 There’s really no manual for parenting. For most of us, it’s like getting thrust into this
new world so different from what we’ve known before having children. And the first
few years could be a struggle, especially for a new mother who is finding ways to
adjust to new responsibilities as she faces parenting challenges day in and day out.
Even after a few years most of us feel like we haven’t really figured out everything
yet. But who could? Just when you thought you’re starting to adjust to parenting, your
child develops and changes, enters a new phase and stage which comes with new
needs. And so you’d have to grapple with the new responsibilities again.
While there are thousands of books with tons of theories about parenting, and science-
proven methods of rearing a child, nothing beats the authenticity and wisdom of a
message and advice from a mother who’s been through what you’re going through
right now.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
Here are some sage parenting advice and message from five veteran non-millennial
mothers that might help you along the way.
#1 Have an enormous room in your heart for

mistakes, because there will be many -- your
kids' and yours.
“Forgive them. Forgive yourself. Apologize when you do wrong and they will realize
that you're not superwoman. Remember that life is not a teleserye. It's a choice. When
things go wrong -- as they sometimes do -- make the choice to be strong, and move
on. Your child will learn strength of character when he sees you go through life's
challenges with conviction and perseverance. Cry, if you have to. Be angry, be
frustrated. But pick yourself up and do not be a victim. Your triumph will be your
child's strength. If problems occur because your marriage isn't working, don't think
that staying in a bad marriage is going to help the kids. It could destroy them. Know
when things are untenable and know when to move on. You can be a hero to your
children despite all the bumps and bruises you get when you choose to win.” - Maggie
Muñoz Shih, 57, mother of one
More from Smart Parenting

5 Timeless Parenting Tips to Raise Good Kids, According to Harvard
#2 A little deprivation will help build your

children’s character.
“Young parents nowadays do not want their kids to be deprived of material things if
they can afford it, but a little deprivation will teach them the value of subduing one’s
appetite for material things. This will in turn help build their character. It’s essential in
inculcating self-discipline and self-control. Delayed gratification is essential in
teaching self-discipline and self-control that will prove beneficial when they become
adults. Young parents should be able to meticulously understand their kids' individual
personalities by constantly interacting with them. Do not forget to speak or share to
them about the Christian faith or about spiritual things in accordance to the level of
their understanding. These leave a lasting impression on them and influence them
when they become adults.”-Nimfa Tangcuangco, 68, mother of two
#3 Show your love for all of your children
equally, do not compare them to each other.
“Natural parenting instincts come out the moment you see your child. You don’t
really have to study how to be a parent. It will come naturally. New parents have to
remember that raising a child is a big responsibility. Show them love, and make sure
you show all of your children affection and attention, equally. Never compare them to
each other. Treat them as your friends. Show them respect, so they can respect you
back. Never reprimand them in front of other people when they make mistakes. Take
them aside and talk to them in private.” - Asuncion Yap, 66 years old, mother of three
More from Smart Parenting

Bianca Gonzalez: 'The Millennial Mom Is Under Insane Pressure'
#4 Quality time is the most important thing

you can give your children.
“No matter how busy you get, find time to sit down and talk to them. Ask them how
their day went, ask them about school, about their friends, and their activities. Allow
them to have your undivided attention, allow them to really be with you. More than
just letting them know, make them feel that you are really there for them. Never forget
to say, 'I love you, anak' or 'I’m proud of you'. Don’t ever let them feel that they’re
alone. Support them always, because they will draw strength from you.” - Jocelyn
Panganiban, 52 years old, mother of two
#5 Establish rules and be consistent, but treat
your child with respect.
“Parents can meet with the teachers who may help them develop joint strategies.
Rules should be explained to the child before enforcing them. If a child makes a
mistake, avoid harsh discipline; instead, talk to the child one on one and encourage
him to be honest and truthful when admitting mistakes. It’s also important to treat a
child with respect. Talk to him politely, respect his opinions. Pay attention when he is
speaking to you. Treat him kindly. Your relationship with your child will be the
foundation of the future relationships he will be building with others. “ - Josie
Enriquez, 63, mother of five
https://www.smartparenting.com.ph/parenting/real-parenting/parenting-advice-millennial-moms-and-
dads-need-to-hear-a1149-20170902

Millennial Life

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Millennial Life

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Millennial life: How young adulthood today compares with prior generations

FEBRUARY 14, 2019

BY KRISTEN BIALIK AND RICHARD FRY

In general, they’re better educated – a factor tied to employment

Younger generations (Generation X, Millennials and Generation Z) now make up a clear

However, young adults have historically

Millennials are also bringing more racial and

All photos via Getty Images

Generation Gap – Definition And Meaning

Some studies have shown

Generation gap – many generations

The Silent Generation

Generation gap and the Brexit vote

Video – Technology generation gap

Get an international trademark.

Learn more at bonamark.com

Gabriel Weinberg, CEO & Founder at DuckDuckGo.com (2008-present)

Avirup Mukherjee, Student, inquisitive, movie buff.

Main solution to the problem lies in:

7.8k views · View 10 Upvoters

Esmee Elvira Vijfschaft, artist

sometimes you will have to keep your foot down.

1.6k views · View 2 Upvoters · Answer requested by Jinal Lalan

I would find myself stuck in an argument every time I opened my

Because of generation gap we lost communication between us. I had Zero

AS a result, what used to be arguments earlier, now became discussions - meaningful,

8.8k views · View 34 Upvoters

Xinchun Li, A free spirit.

You can’t major in literature. You won’t find a job!

Why don’t you try to sign up for a public servant examination?

You want to learn Spanish? How’s your English now?

Better live near us when you work so we can rest assured.

3.4k views · View 25 Upvoters

Sailaja Kumar, Save a Girl child

1. Communicate openly with each other.

2. It is necessary to understand that there is a reason for your children’s behaviour

5.5k views · View 12 Upvoters

Bilal Khan, Founder and CEO at Ziapy

Their importance in our life

How To handle generation gap between parents and children?

Ganesh Krishnamoorthy, Supervisor

Generation Gap Quotes

“You waste everything because you’ve always had everything.”

“What would you do, if you weren’t afraid to die?

August 06, 2018

Generation Gap Definition

What are the biggest challenges in working across generations?

Generation gap challenges include the following:

Varying Communication Styles

Different characteristics and work ethics

 work best in teams

 enjoy challenges (“why should we do this your way?”)

 want opportunities to learn and grow

Different feedback expectations

Different understanding of work/life balance

Different ways to resolve conflict

How to Accommodate all Generations

Here’s how to accommodate all generations in the workplace:

Open communication and transparency

Adjust communication methods

When it comes to communication, a blend of methods could be instituted to enable all

Tips for younger bosses working with senior employees

SET UP A TIME TO CHAT

Millennials: A generation of firsts