How to Deal with Generation Gap?

Now- a- days, generational gap are the common and major challenges that are seen in the society.

Older and younger generations have tough relationships, both seen to be standing on their own terms. Among these, who suffers the most and gets affected? They are children. 

Children go through hard times and suffer the most in such generational gap issues. Not only families, generational gaps are to be seen in workplaces and societies as well. 

This blog describes you clearly about what are the generational gaps with examples and why such generational gaps take place. 

It also explains its major key aspects and various different strategies to deal with generational gaps. Go through it and get yourself informed about how to get with the generational gap and others about it. 

What is the Generational Gap?

Generation gap is the difference between different generations based on their values, beliefs, attitude, behaviour and communication.

Each generation grows up with distinct experiences, be it social, cultural or technological advancement. 

Though the generational gap created differences, it is a natural part that occurs in society.

Apart from differences, it also creates space for technological advancements, new learning and a more inclusive environment. 

How to Deal with the Generation Gap Effectively?

1. Effective Communication

Older generation would use direct communication methods while the younger generation would go for messaging and social media conversation. In order to communicate effectively, find a common ground. 

Read on to learn more about eye contact communication skills from here.

#Try to keep your points clear with an explanation of your preferences.

2. Know the Root Cause

Understand the real concerns and problems behind the situations. Fix the root cause with clear and effective communication. Rather than blaming or overreacting, build solutions and relationships. 

#Avoid conflicts happening repeatedly for the same situations.

3. Active Listening

Practice active listening. Listening opens the door to respect and understanding. While communicating, you can avoid interruption, and questioning, in order to listen to what people are saying. 

#Follow active listening techniques while communicating.

4. Be Adaptable

Adaptability brings flexibility to face new challenges, people and their ideas. With change in technology, people and time, adjust to different situations without breaking down. 

#Staying adaptable and flexible, helps in fighting new challenges.

5. Respect and Empathy

In relationships or communication, respect and empathy play a crucial role. Understand other people’s feelings and emotions. Trust is important to keep any relationships sustainable.

Also read: how you develop empathy in a child.

#Respect and empathy would build bridges and break generational walls.

6. Find Common Ground for Each Other

Finding common ground would ask for clear communication and resolving conflicts. Share dialogues that would show effective communication, without judgement. Interpretation of stories and feelings would build emotional touch.

Read more on top problem- solving techniques which would help you in resolving conflicts among family members.

#Respect generational differences and celebrate similarities. 

7. Patience

Different generations have different life experiences. With this, it demands to have patience and understanding and have clear communication.

Instead of shutting down conversation and getting frustrated, have patience.

#Patience would help in bridging generational gaps and understanding their perspective. 

Why does the Generation Gap Happen?

Generation gap occurs due to differences in belief, values, communication and experience between people belonging to different age groups.

Generation gap usually happens between older generations and younger generations.

However, here are some key points explained below in detail about why it takes place.

1. Cultural Change

Generation gap usually happens due to change in culture over the period of time. With change in time, attitude, behaviour, belief of each generation tends to change.

Shifts in social norms, exposure and style also vary, leading to cultural generation gap.

2. Technological change 

Technological change brings innovation and advancement of technology over time. It includes development of new technology, systems and digital transformation. 

3. Access to education

Older generation has limited access to information and its sources. With modernization, the education system has changed with internet democratization.

4. Values and belief system

Values and belief systems have changed, in terms of authority, tradition and conformity. Large shifts in values, culture and belief systems have brought changes and gaps between the two generations.

5. Communication gap:

Communication styles differ on face- to- face meetings, and landline phone systems. Older generations would prefer meeting physically, rather than virtually.

Younger generation have preferred communication through messages, social media and video calls.

Here you can read about importance of communication skills.

Key Aspects of Generation Gap

Here are certain key aspects of the generation gap, explaining differences with the basis of aspects. 

S.No	Aspects	Description
1.	Values and belief system	Each generation possesses its own values and belief system.
2.	Attitude	Older generation seeks stability while the younger generation seeks flexibility.
3.	Communication	Older generations are seen going for face- to- face meet or phone calls while the younger generation goes for text messages/ whatsapp.
4.	Technology	Technology advancement is much more in the younger generation, leading to misunderstandings.

Examples of Generation Gap

Older and younger generations have different thought processes and behavioural acts, which are seen to be varied. Here are a few examples based on real- life scenarios which are seen now- a- days among different generations.

• Sending messages: Older generations would choose to go for a phone call rather than a whatsapp message or whatsapp call. On the other hand, the younger generations would prefer a whatsapp message/ text instead of calling. 

• Way of living: Older generations would prefer honesty and stability rather than greed and selfishness. While younger generations, would go for materialic achievements and unpredictability. 

Key Takeaways- The Generational Gap is Real 

Dealing with generational gaps could mean understanding them and finding connections.

Generations come up with different values, beliefs, communication, education and styles. Instead of having conflicts, a generational gap could be celebrated. 

Generational gap fronts out both opportunities and challenges. Encouraging clear and effective dialogue, understanding and feelings, and active listening would help bridge generational gaps. 

Empathy and patience with them could create a strong generation, families and communities together.

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