Millennial parents are grappling with the task of having their boomer parents look after their children without passing on the anxieties they experienced growing up. A recent TikTok video by Gaby Day, a millennial mom, sparked a conversation about the impact of boomer parenting styles on the mental well-being of the younger generation.

Understanding Boomer Anxiety

Day shared that her mother’s “love language” involved expressing anxiety, which, while well-intentioned, became exhausting for her and her sister during their childhood. As millennials, they now face the challenge of ensuring their children don’t absorb the same anxious energy from their boomer grandparents.

Impact on Millennial Parents

Viewers resonated with Day’s experience, with some expressing the exhaustion of parenting both their children and their boomer parents. The struggle lies in trying to be a supportive parent while managing their own parents’ anxieties, which, in some cases, are denied or downplayed.

Examples of Boomer Reactions

Instances of boomer grandparents overreacting to minor incidents, such as a child falling off the couch, were shared by viewers. The resulting trauma and stress caused by these reactions underscore the need for millennial parents to find a balance in managing intergenerational dynamics.

Social Media as a Platform for Discussion

The TikTok video garnered over 1.2 million views, indicating the widespread resonance of this issue among millennials. Social media serves as a space for parents to share experiences, seek advice, and discuss parenting techniques, reflecting the evolving landscape of parenting conversations.

Winding it up

As millennials navigate the complexities of raising children while managing the anxieties inherited from boomer parenting, open discussions and support networks on platforms like TikTok provide valuable insights. Finding a middle ground that respects generational differences while prioritizing children’s well-being is crucial for creating harmonious family dynamics.