I consider myself fortunate to have a good relationship with our two grown children – Mr 24 and Miss 21.
We enjoy good times together and even seem to have lots in common (including a fairly whacky sense of humour, and a love of all things cats).
And while some things stay the same for the young people of any generation – trying to find a suitable career, hoping to find love and a suitable partner, earning money, paying bills – there are some things where, well, let’s just say the generation gap comes into play.
I’m firmly in Generation X territory, while my kids are millennials.
The funny thing is, the kidults don’t consider themselves to be millennials as they were born before the year 2000 – the “millennium”. But a quick browse online reveals that the millennial label is affixed to anybody born from approximately 1980 to 2000 – what some people call “Gen Y” – so I’m afraid they’re stuck with it.
Life: Millennial Style
1 – Ombre Hair
Not too long ago I was lamenting to Miss 21 that my blonde foils had grown out considerably, leaving me with darker regrowth of at least a couple of inches.
But I loved her take on it: “No way Mum, you’re rocking the ombre look!” (You know – that fashionable style where hair gradually lightens as it gets longer.) That little comment kept me happy for several weeks until I finally managed to get my hair coloured again 🙂 .
2 – Millennials “Do” Breakfast
To millennials, breakfast is a social occasion.
It’s a time when they hit the cafes and enjoy trendy dishes like smashed avo on toast or acai bowls, while they catch up with up with friends. Heck, in my day you were lucky if there was anything open before 8 in the morning – and for good reason, why would anybody get up that early if they didn’t have to?! Supper, yes. Breakfast? NO.
This is really hard for me (and probably most other members of Generation X) to get my head around – there will be no socialising until I’ve at least had a coffee, thanks very much!
3 – It’s All About the ‘Grams!
Everything is about the “Grams” – and I’m not talking about weight, or their grandparents.
Whether they are buying a car, going to the beach, choosing an outfit to wear, eating a meal, or visiting a friend – is it social media worthy, and in particular, Instagram-able? If it’s not for the ‘Grams, then just don’t bother!
There is one thing that I actually really like about this philosophy: millennials are always on the lookout for what is beautiful and noteworthy even on the most dreary days.
I reckon that’s a pretty good way to live life, don’t you?!