Generations have always had their unique quirks and disagreements, but the gap between Boomers and Gen Z can feel especially wide. From technology to parenting styles, many things about the way Gen Z was raised seem baffling to Boomers.
This blog post explores 16 aspects that often leave Boomers scratching their heads, blending humor and insight to highlight the growing differences in values, expectations, and daily life.
1. Getting trophies for just showing up
Boomers often reminisce about the days when trophies were the ultimate reward for hard work and victory. For Generation Z, however, participation trophies are as common as pencils in school. To Boomers, the concept of being rewarded simply for showing up is both baffling and amusing. It’s not just about the object itself, but what it represents—a shift from recognizing achievement to celebrating presence.
This phenomenon is seen as a symptom of a broader cultural change, where effort is prioritized over results. For many Boomers, this idea feels counterintuitive, as they were raised to believe that merit and success should be hard-earned. Yet, for Gen Z, the emphasis on inclusion and encouragement is a natural part of their upbringing.
2. Having screen time limits—and not sneaking around them
In the Boomer era, rules were made to be bent, especially when it came to sneaking an extra hour of TV or radio time. Today’s kids, however, seem to accept screen time limits with almost uncanny obedience. To a Boomer, the idea of voluntarily sticking to these limits is nothing short of astonishing.
This speaks to the highly structured environment Gen Z has grown up in, where digital consumption is closely monitored. For Boomers, who grew up with far fewer technological distractions, the concept feels unnecessarily strict. Yet, for Gen Z, these boundaries are seen as a way to balance online and offline life, fostering a sense of responsibility in their digital interactions.
3. Never learning how to answer a landline
For Boomers, the landline was a household staple, a constant presence that required proper etiquette and skills. Today’s youth, however, may never have faced the challenge of answering a ringing landline. The decline of these phones is unimaginable to many Boomers, who fondly recall their central role in daily communication.
The absence of landlines marks a significant shift in how connections are made and maintained. For Gen Z, mobile phones and instant messaging are the new norm, leaving landlines as relics of a bygone era. This change symbolizes the rapid technological evolution that defines Gen Z’s world, often leaving Boomers feeling nostalgic for simpler times.
4. Growing up without neighborhood freedom
Boomers often reminisce about the unfettered freedom they enjoyed as kids, roaming neighborhoods until dusk. In stark contrast, Gen Z’s childhoods are frequently more contained, with playdates and fenced-in yards. The idea of unrestricted exploration is a foreign concept to many Gen Zers, who grew up with scheduled, supervised activities.
This shift reflects broader societal changes in perception of safety and community. While Boomers may see this as a loss of independence, for Gen Z, it’s simply the norm. Their world is one of structure and safety, where spontaneous adventures are often replaced by organized events, reflecting the evolving attitudes towards childhood and parenting.
5. Calling adults by their first names
In the Boomer era, respect was synonymous with formal titles like “Mr.” and “Mrs.” Gen Z, however, often addresses adults by their first names, a practice that can startle Boomers. This shift signifies a movement towards a more egalitarian approach in family and social relationships.
For Boomers, this change can feel like a breach of decorum, as they were raised with a strong emphasis on hierarchy and respect. Gen Z, on the other hand, views it as fostering closeness and removing barriers. This difference highlights the evolving dynamics of respect and authority, where traditional titles are often replaced by a sense of mutual appreciation and understanding.
6. Having meltdowns over the wrong chicken nugget shape
For Boomers, food was often a matter of sustenance rather than preference, making the idea of chicken nugget meltdowns peculiar. Yet, for Gen Z, preferences are taken seriously, and the shape of a nugget can be surprisingly significant. Such incidents highlight the shift towards accommodating individual preferences from a young age.
Boomers might view these meltdowns as trivial, yet they underscore a broader cultural change. For Gen Z, expressing dissatisfaction is encouraged, leading to a sense of empowerment even in minor matters. The nugget debacle is a metaphor for the freedom Gen Z has to voice their opinions, a contrast to the more stoic approach of previous generations.
7. Getting timeouts instead of consequences
The concept of timeouts, a gentle form of discipline, is a departure from the harsher consequences Boomers may remember. To them, discipline often meant more direct, sometimes physical, repercussions. Timeouts represent a shift towards understanding and correcting behavior through reflection rather than punishment.
Boomers might find this method overly lenient, reflecting broader changes in parenting philosophies. For Gen Z, timeouts symbolize a move towards emotional intelligence and positive reinforcement. This change underscores the evolving approach to nurturing behavior and understanding the child’s perspective, a marked departure from the more authoritarian methods of the past.
8. Never being told “because I said so”
“Because I said so” was the ultimate authority in a Boomer household. Fast forward to today, and Gen Z is often encouraged to question and understand rules, rather than accept them blindly. This shift can leave Boomers perplexed, as they were raised in a more authoritarian environment.
For Gen Z, explanations foster critical thinking and independence, albeit at the expense of parental authority. Boomers might see this as a loss of respect, while Gen Z views it as promoting intelligent discourse. This change highlights the generational shift towards valuing understanding and reasoning, a significant departure from the more rigid norms of the past.
9. Consulting kids on major family decisions
In the days of Boomers, children were seen and not heard, especially regarding major family decisions. Today, Gen Z kids often have a say in choices like vacation spots or family dinners. This inclusion can be bewildering to Boomers, who were raised in a more hierarchical family structure.
This practice reflects a shift towards valuing every family member’s opinion, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility. Boomers might see this as undermining parental authority, while Gen Z views it as promoting inclusivity and cooperation. It’s a testament to the evolving dynamics of family roles, where traditional hierarchies are increasingly blurred.
10. Earning praise for trying—no results needed
For Boomers, effort was important, but results were paramount. Gen Z, however, often receives praise merely for trying, a concept that can seem alien to those who grew up with stricter standards. This shift reflects a cultural move towards encouragement and self-esteem.
Boomers might view this as lowering the bar, yet for Gen Z, it’s about recognizing effort and building confidence. The emphasis on trying over succeeding reflects broader changes in educational and parental approaches, where nurturing growth and resilience takes precedence over achieving perfection.
11. Talking about “big feelings” constantly
In a Boomer household, emotions were often kept in check, with little room for expressing “big feelings.” Gen Z, however, is encouraged to articulate their emotions openly, a change that can leave Boomers bewildered. This shift reflects a broader acceptance of emotional expression as vital to mental health.
Boomers might see this as oversharing, yet for Gen Z, it’s about understanding and processing emotions. The emphasis on emotional literacy represents a cultural shift towards empathy and mental wellness, starkly contrasting the more reserved emotional landscape of past generations.
12. Getting to negotiate bedtime
Bedtime was non-negotiable for Boomers, a strict rule set in stone. Gen Z kids, on the other hand, often engage in negotiations over bedtime, a concept that can astonish their elders. This change reflects a shift towards collaborative parenting and respecting children’s autonomy.
Boomers might view this as lack of discipline, while Gen Z sees it as fostering independence and mutual respect. Negotiating bedtime highlights the evolving dynamics in parenting, where open communication and flexibility are key components, a significant departure from the rigid schedules of the past.
13. Wearing pajamas in public as a trend
For Boomers, pajamas were confined to the home, a private comfort never meant for public display. Gen Z, however, has embraced wearing pajamas in public as a fashion statement. This trend is both baffling and entertaining to Boomers, who see it as a blurring of public and private boundaries.
Boomers might view this as a decline in social decorum, while for Gen Z, it’s about comfort and self-expression. The pajama trend symbolizes a shift towards casual fashion and the rejection of traditional norms, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of style and identity.
14. Watching unboxing videos instead of playing
Playing with toys was a hands-on experience for Boomers, a tactile joy that defined childhood. Gen Z, however, finds equal delight in watching others play through unboxing videos. This trend can leave Boomers perplexed, as they struggle to understand the appeal of passive observation over active play.
Boomers might see this as a loss of imagination, while for Gen Z, it’s about shared experiences and digital engagement. Unboxing videos represent a new form of entertainment, reflecting the digital transformation that has redefined what it means to play and learn.
15. Using phones at the dinner table
Dinner was a sacred time for Boomers, a moment free from distractions. Gen Z, however, often brings phones to the table, a practice that can baffle older generations. This shift highlights the changing role of technology in daily life, where digital connections often intertwine with traditional family time.
Boomers might see this as a threat to interpersonal communication, while Gen Z views it as blending digital and real-world interactions. The presence of phones at the table reflects the integration of technology into every aspect of life, redefining how families connect and communicate.
16. Having school counselors for hurt feelings
In the Boomer era, school counselors were reserved for academic guidance and crisis management. Gen Z, however, has access to counselors for emotional support, even for minor hurts. This trend can astonish Boomers, who view it as an expansion of roles.
Boomers might see this as coddling, while Gen Z experiences it as a commitment to mental wellness. The role of counselors reflects a broader recognition of emotional well-being as integral to education, marking a significant shift from the past’s more rigid approach to student support.