The generational divide is a tale as old as time. Boomers and Millennials (and now Gen Z) often find themselves at odds, especially when it comes to parenting styles. It’s as if Boomers have a sixth sense for pointing out what they see as the parenting faux pas of today’s generation. So, while we love our Boomer parents and grandparents, let’s dive into some not-so-subtle ways they judge today’s parents. Grab a cup of coffee and settle in for some classic Boomer observations that might sound all too familiar.
1. Overindulgence in Technology
Today’s kids are growing up in a world dominated by screens, and Boomers are quick to raise an eyebrow at this digital upbringing. They often reminisce about their own childhoods spent climbing trees and playing outside until the streetlights came on. When they see toddlers with tablets in their strollers or kids glued to smartphones in restaurants, they can’t help but wonder if modern parents are using technology as a babysitter. “Back in my day,” they’ll say, “we used our imagination for entertainment,” as if a cardboard box was the ultimate toy. According to Pew Research Center, 71% of parents are concerned about the amount of time their children spend in front of screens.
Boomers often suggest that children are missing out on developing social skills due to this digital overload. They worry that screen time is replacing face-to-face interaction and that the art of conversation is becoming a lost skill. While today’s parents argue that tech is an unavoidable part of the future, Boomers fear it’s creating a generation that can swipe before it can speak. They might even roll their eyes when you mention educational apps, as if learning could really happen on a screen. It’s a classic case of old-school meets new-school, with Boomers often taking the side of traditional play.
2. Lack of Discipline

Boomers tend to view today’s parenting as a bit too lenient when it comes to discipline. They often bring up the stern but loving approach of “tough love” and how it taught them respect and boundaries. In their eyes, the modern emphasis on negotiating with children or using gentle parenting techniques seems like pandering to whims. They’ll tell stories of how one stern look from their parents was enough to correct any misbehavior, leaving them baffled when they see kids having public meltdowns with little consequence. Research from the University of Cambridge indicates that harsh disciplinary practices can elevate the risk of children developing lasting mental health issues.
The Boomer philosophy often centers on the idea that rules and consequences build character. They worry that today’s parents are setting their kids up for failure by avoiding discipline and letting them “run the household.” While younger parents might discuss emotional intelligence and understanding why a child is acting out, Boomers are more likely to suggest that the solution is a firmer hand. It’s not that they don’t understand the idea of positive reinforcement; they just believe in the tried-and-true methods that they grew up with. In their eyes, discipline isn’t just about punishment—it’s about preparing children for the real world.
3. Helicopter Parenting
On the flip side of the perceived leniency is the concept of helicopter parenting—a phenomenon that Boomers find both fascinating and bewildering. They recall a time when children had more freedom to roam and learn from their own mistakes. Boomers often marvel at the current trend of micromanaging a child’s every move, from organizing “playdates” to meticulously planning every hour of their day. To them, this constant supervision is an overreaction that stifles independence and resilience.
A study highlighted by The Sun reveals that strict parenting approaches, such as assigning chores from a young age and limiting screen time, are believed to foster resilience and self-sufficiency in children.
Boomers may argue that micromanagement prevents kids from experiencing the natural consequences of their actions. They fondly remember a childhood where parents trusted them to make their own decisions, even if it meant learning the hard way. Today’s parents, however, might view this approach as neglectful, emphasizing safety and structured environments. Boomers are concerned that this new style of parenting limits a child’s ability to problem-solve and navigate the world independently. They often reminisce about their own free-range childhoods, seeing them as a quintessential part of growing up.
4. Over-scheduling Children
If there’s one thing Boomers can’t wrap their heads around, it’s the jam-packed schedules that children seem to have these days. From music lessons to soccer practice, today’s kids often have itineraries that rival those of busy executives. Boomers might recall a childhood where the afternoons were spent exploring, rather than shuttling from one activity to the next. They question whether today’s parents are pushing their kids too hard in the pursuit of success, wondering if the kids are ever allowed to just be kids.
Boomers often see this over-scheduling as a reflection of competitive parenting, where every child must excel in multiple areas. They worry that the pressure to perform and achieve can lead to burnout before a child even hits their teens. While modern parents may argue that these activities build skills and future opportunities, Boomers champion the value of downtime and self-directed play. They speculate that constant scheduling might hinder creativity and spontaneity. To Boomers, it’s important to let children experience the joy of unstructured play, free from the constraints of a ticking clock.
5. Over-Praising Children
Boomers often raise an eyebrow at what they perceive as an overabundance of praise in today’s parenting. They chuckle at the idea of participation trophies, remembering a time when awards were reserved for truly exceptional achievements. While they understand the intention behind positive reinforcement, they worry that excessive praise might lead to entitlement or an inflated sense of self. Boomers will tell you that in their day, praise was something earned, not a given for every effort, big or small. According to Medical News Today, excessive praise can inflate self-esteem in ways that make children less resilient to criticism and failure.
This approach stems from a belief that a little humility does a world of good. Boomers worry that constant adulation can make real-world feedback sting more when it doesn’t come with a gold star. They fear that children who are always told they’re amazing might struggle with perseverance and handling criticism later in life. According to Boomers, learning from failure and striving for improvement are essential life skills. They argue that a bit of constructive criticism never hurt anyone and often led to greater achievements down the line.
6. Overprotectiveness
Boomers often shake their heads at what they perceive as an overly cautious approach to parenting these days. From padded playgrounds to constant supervision, they view today’s world as bubble-wrapped and risk-averse. They’ll share stories of wild adventures, like riding bikes without helmets or playing in the woods until dinner time, as badges of honor from their childhood. In their minds, such freedom to explore taught them valuable lessons about assessing risk and building resilience.
They worry that today’s kids aren’t given the same opportunities to grow through exploration and calculated risk-taking. Boomers might see the modern parental instinct to shield children from every potential harm as limiting their development. They argue that being overly protective might hinder kids from developing confidence and self-reliance. Today’s parents, meanwhile, emphasize safety and security, believing that the world is a more dangerous place than it once was. Boomers, however, maintain that while caution is necessary, a little adventure never hurt anyone.
7. Lack of Family Meals
Boomers fondly recall the days when family dinners were a sacred ritual, a time for connection and conversation. They view the decline of this tradition with a tinge of sadness, seeing it as a missed opportunity for families to bond and communicate. Boomers often express concern over how today’s busy lifestyles and reliance on takeout have disrupted the practice of gathering around the dinner table. They argue that family meals are vital for building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, regular family meals provide critical opportunities for families to connect, fostering better communication and emotional well-being.
There’s a nostalgic element to their critique, as they reminisce about the importance of these shared moments. Boomers worry that without these regular gatherings, families are missing out on valuable opportunities to teach manners, discuss important topics, and share stories. In their eyes, family meals offer a sense of stability and routine that benefits everyone involved. While modern parents might struggle with scheduling conflicts and differing priorities, Boomers remain staunch advocates for keeping the tradition alive. To them, a shared meal is more than just food; it’s a chance to connect.
8. Allowing Kids to Negotiate
Boomers are often perplexed by the modern trend of allowing children to negotiate rules and boundaries. They come from an era when parents’ words were considered final and questioning them was simply not an option. Boomers worry that today’s parents are giving kids too much say in household decisions, potentially undermining authority and leading to a lack of respect. They remember a time when “because I said so” was a perfectly acceptable explanation, believing that it taught children discipline and hierarchy.
This Boomer perspective often critiques the idea that children should be treated as equals in discussions about rules. They worry that allowing negotiations might lead to a sense of entitlement and an inability to accept “no” as an answer. While modern parents might argue that open dialogue fosters understanding and mutual respect, Boomers maintain that some boundaries shouldn’t be up for debate. They argue that parental authority is necessary for establishing clear expectations and keeping order. In their view, teaching children to accept limits without question prepares them for real-world scenarios where negotiation isn’t always possible.
9. Prioritizing Friendships with Children
Boomers often view the idea of parents being friends with their children as a puzzling shift in dynamics. To them, parenting is about guidance and leadership, roles that don’t always mesh with friendship. They recall a clear distinction between adults and children, where respect and authority were paramount. Boomers worry that blurring these lines might make it difficult for parents to enforce rules and expectations effectively.
This perspective is rooted in their belief that parents should provide structure and stability, rather than seeking validation or approval from their children. While today’s parents might argue that being approachable and relatable leads to open communication, Boomers fear it could undermine a child’s respect for authority. They suggest that parents need to maintain their role as mentors, not peers. In their eyes, friendship can come later, once children have matured and established their own independence. For Boomers, the parent-child relationship is about preparing them for life, not being their best friend.
10. Over-Emphasis on Self-Esteem
Boomers often question the modern focus on building self-esteem at all costs, fearing it might lead to an inflated sense of self-worth. They compare it to their own upbringing, where achievements were celebrated, but failures were accepted as part of life. Boomers worry that constantly affirming a child’s sense of self might lead to unrealistic expectations and difficulty handling criticism. They recall a time when self-esteem was earned through accomplishment and perseverance, not unconditional praise.
Boomers argue that resilience is built through facing challenges and learning from mistakes, not by being shielded from failure. They worry that an overemphasis on self-esteem might create a generation that struggles to cope with setbacks. While modern parents might focus on nurturing confidence and individual expression, Boomers advocate for a balanced approach that includes constructive feedback. They suggest that a healthy sense of self is grounded in reality and tempered by humility. In their view, true self-esteem comes from overcoming obstacles and achieving meaningful goals.
11. Over-Reliance on Experts
Boomers often raise an eyebrow at the plethora of parenting experts that today’s parents turn to for advice. They remember a time when parenting was instinctual, guided by community wisdom and family traditions, rather than books and online forums. Boomers might question whether today’s parents are overcomplicating the process by constantly seeking expert opinions on every aspect of child-rearing. They’ve seen generations grow up just fine without the constant input of “gurus” and “specialists.”
This skepticism stems from a belief in the innate wisdom that comes with lived experience. Boomers worry that relying too heavily on experts might cause parents to doubt their own instincts and capabilities. While modern parents value information and research-based approaches, Boomers advocate for trusting intuition and learning through trial and error. They might argue that parenting is more art than science, and sometimes the best answers come from within. For Boomers, parenting is about developing a personal connection and trust with one’s children, not following a prescribed set of rules.
12. Allowing Kids Too Much Freedom of Expression
Boomers often find themselves perplexed by the modern encouragement for kids to express themselves freely in all aspects of life. They hail from a time when conformity was the norm and standing out was not always encouraged. Boomers might be wary of what they perceive as a lack of boundaries in fashion choices, hairstyles, or even opinions that children today are allowed to have. They argue that while self-expression is important, it should be balanced with respect for tradition and norms.
This perspective is shaped by a belief in structure and guidelines that help children navigate social expectations. Boomers worry that too much freedom might lead to a disregard for authority or societal rules. While modern parents might celebrate individuality and creativity, Boomers caution that it could result in a lack of discipline or understanding of consequences. They suggest that teaching children to balance personal expression with appropriate behavior is key to their success. For Boomers, it’s about finding a middle ground where self-expression doesn’t overshadow essential life skills.
13. Overemphasis on Emotional Intelligence
Boomers often view the focus on emotional intelligence and feelings in today’s parenting as a bit excessive. They remember a time when emotions were acknowledged but not necessarily a major part of day-to-day decision-making. Boomers worry that an overemphasis on feelings might lead to emotional fragility and an inability to handle criticism. They argue that while understanding emotions is important, it shouldn’t overshadow the development of resilience and practical skills.
This viewpoint is rooted in a belief that learning to control and manage emotions is an essential part of growing up. Boomers feel that today’s parents might be overindulging children’s emotions at the expense of teaching them how to cope with adversity. While modern parents focus on nurturing emotional awareness and empathy, Boomers stress the importance of grit and determination. They suggest that preparing kids for the ups and downs of life requires a balance of emotional intelligence and fortitude. In their eyes, it’s about teaching children to feel and think, rather than just feel.
14. Allowing Kids to Question Authority
Boomers often find it difficult to understand the modern trend of encouraging children to question authority. They grew up in a time when respect for elders and deference to authority were considered non-negotiable. Boomers worry that questioning authority might lead to a breakdown in discipline and respect, which they see as crucial for societal structure. They argue that while critical thinking is important, it should be balanced with an understanding of when to follow rules and accept guidance.
This perspective is influenced by their belief in hierarchy and the idea that some rules are in place for a reason. Boomers fear that today’s encouragement of questioning authority might foster a sense of entitlement or lack of accountability. While modern parents might argue that it promotes independent thinking and self-advocacy, Boomers stress the importance of knowing when to listen and comply. They suggest that learning to respect authority is an important life skill that helps children navigate societal expectations. For Boomers, it’s about teaching kids when to question and when to respect.
15. Lack of Emphasis on Hard Work
Boomers often express concern over what they perceive as a diminishing emphasis on hard work and perseverance in today’s parenting. They recall a time when diligence and effort were paramount, regardless of the task at hand. Boomers believe that hard work builds character and is a crucial component of success, worrying that the modern focus on convenience might undermine these values. They argue that teaching children the value of hard work prepares them for real-life challenges and instills a sense of accomplishment.
This perspective is shaped by their own experiences of working hard to achieve their goals and the satisfaction that came with it. Boomers worry that today’s emphasis on instant gratification and shortcuts might lead to a lack of resilience and perseverance. While modern parents might focus on efficiency and work-life balance, Boomers champion the idea of pushing through difficulties and earning rewards. They suggest that instilling a strong work ethic is vital for developing responsible and capable adults. In their eyes, hard work isn’t just about achievement—it’s about character and integrity.