Facing The Generation Gap!

What is the generation gap?  
Generation gap is a gap of communication that leads to misunderstanding and disharmony. It refers to the gap between young and old. It is about mindsets and methods and it is not one-sided. Youth is full of passion and drive and is risk-friendly. The old have wisdom and experience and they are risk-averse. So, work together.
 
Just passion and risk-taking are not enough; neither are experience and wisdom because we live in a dynamic world. Strategies have to change and for this we need understanding and flexibility. The older and younger generations need to communicate, synergize and draw the best from each other. A healthy conversation and dialogue is essential to bridge the gap.
 
How can parents guide children on the right path without discounting the youth perspective?
 
There are no rules here. Use both your head and heart. Harmonise both male and female energies in you and that integration will guide you to deal with situations. Don’t become a victim of experience. Advise children without seeming to be interfering. Present your viewpoint in a friendly manner without being autocratic.
 
Also make sure that children are receptive so that they listen when you advise them. Otherwise, whatever you say will not make an impression on them. Parents should understand that more than the words they utter, it is their being and intention which get communicated.
 
Sometimes adults behave like children and even need to be taken care of. Sometimestheywanttopampertheirchildren; at other times they expect children to behave like adults. Isn’t this confusing?
 
Use the power of love and then you will know how to deal with old people. Yes, as they get old they behave like children. Give them love and understanding. Learn to enjoy dealing with them. They are also going through transition. Be committed and compassionate then you will get the right mode to help them. “He gives not the best, who gives the most but he gives the most who gives the best”. Learn to give your best. Be the giver and then that giving itself enhances the quality of life. What is wrong if you pamper your parents? After all it is their second childhood. Don’t you pamper your children? Don’t use too much of logic but just shower love.
 
Should parents be friendly with children or should they impose discipline? Children seem to be more influenced by the world outside; but the world is not always right.  
One has to be friendly but also fair, frank and flexible. Employ the Four Fs in relationships. Educate each other about discipline. Discipline is not against freedom; it harnesses freedom. Just like the banks of the river help the river to flow towards the ocean. Young people may feel discipline is snatching their freedom. This is not true. Bringing up children involves education. Don’t think that they will immediately understand. It takes time but you should be an empowering parent.
 
The world has both the right and wrong modes operating. Good parenting is teaching them to take the good and leave the bad. All parents are not right all the time; their intention may be good but possibly parents may do more harm to children if they encourage division; that would create conflict and hence pain. So, parents’ intention may be good but they also have to inwardly cleanse themselves.

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