Have you ever been in a situation like this:  “Dad/mom, you just don’t get it!”  Or, “Why can’t today’s young people…?!”

No matter our culture, we all have living parents and perhaps other older-generation relatives at one time. Then, there’s all those other authority figures we get to encounter—teachers, professors, bosses, etc.

As we age, some of us have kids, nieces, nephews, even grandkids.  Those of us that don’t, will still have to relate to younger-generation colleagues, organization members, clients and customers, service professionals, etc. 

Then, we often have neighbors from different generations. 

So how can we actually communicate with these “strange” people who think, talk, and act differently than we do, because they were born and “shaped” at a different time than we were? 

• Realize that true communication means receiving, understanding, and processing each other’s messages. Like the old farmer who thought his grandson wanted more heat in the fireplace when he told him to “log on”—the mom had to teach her dad (the grandpa) how to use the internet! 

• A different generation is really a different subculture—“culture” being defined as the worldview, values, customs, etc., of a group of people.  That’s how sociologists decide and put labels on generations. Learn how to adapt to each, so we can “become all things to all people” (1 Cor. 9:22)

• As with any culture, there are the general truths, and then there are individuals who sometimes vary from that.  So, depending on personality, background, and upbringing, we’ll find Millennials acting like Baby Boomers, Gen Xers thinking like Gen Zers, and no one will quite know “Y”! 

• Apply the “golden mindset” of cross-cultural relationships– Different isn’t necessarily wrong (unless it violates a universal moral standard). “Christ accepted you, accept one another also.” (Rom. 15:7)

• Respect and be willing to learn from each other—Those differences mean strengths, skills, and insights each generation can glean from the other.

This reminds me of my son, who’s fond of saying “My generation…”, and then teaching us something about how his generation thinks and does things.  Instead of creating a gap from it, he’s reaching out by offering insight.  We, in turn, by receiving that insight, reach back. It builds bridges, where he’s more willing to receive our insights.

• Enjoy each other!– Parents, don’t treat your grown children as “kids” anymore—treat them as your young-adult friends.  Teens and young adults— befriend your parents and older adults—they like to have fun too, and they’re not irrelevant or “out of it”!  Do fun stuff together that you all enjoy– games, sports, etc. 

• We don’t have to BE each other to like each other— Bridging the “generation gap” doesn’t mean getting rid of the territory on either side of the bridge!

• Build bridges through what we have in common— Everyone, every age, yearns for belonging and impact, security and significance. Different age groups can also enjoy the same activities and even styles of music. Just look at a symphony orchestra, or a bunch of old guys still rocking out!

Believe it or not, we even have some common lingo—terms like “dude”, “far out”, “cool”, etc., have been around since the 1960s-‘70s. 

• Learn their language– I realize that some terms are opposite of what they used to mean—like now we’re “down” for something instead of “up”, or “beat” describing a face full of make-up instead of someone getting hurt or defeated. But, as mentioned above, we can learn the new language and communicate!

Cross-generational communication can happen. Cool, huh? Actually, SWEEET! (easier to be sweet than cool)

So… (Starting with “so” is so millennial 🙂 ), who do you plan to put these tips in action with today?