Millennials Talk About Things Their Parents Should Make Peace With

Millennials face challenges today and most of them exist because of the difference of opinions between millennials and their parents. Both sides are often critical of each other because of the generation gap which results in conflicts. To understand how things stand from the millenials point of view, SheThePeople.TV spoke to some of them about things they think their parents have to make peace with.

Here’s what millennials have to say:

To loosen up a bit and to support mental wellbeing

Elizabeth, a BCA student from Kerala, spoke about her parents being critical of even the most common millennial practices. “My father believes that one should wake up early and sleep early at night. He scolds me if I don’t wake up at 6:30 am in the morning even on holidays,” she said.

"Most importantly, parents should see their children as adults who can have different opinions. I think families should sit and have healthy discussions peacefully amongst themselves without anyone getting offended.”

In addition, Elizabeth also highlighted an important issue of mental wellbeing which is often overlooked by parents. “I want my parents to understand that mental health is as important as physical health and that taking your child to a therapist/counsellor is completely okay, and not a taboo. Taking your child for mental help doesn’t make her/him pagal or crazy.”

Shamindri, a student of Jesus and Mary College spoke about various factors that she finds pretty normal yet her mother has a problem with it. “My mom was very sceptical about me getting a septum piercing, and dislikes the idea of me getting tattoos.”

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LGBTQ community and sex before marriage

Shamindri further added that her mom was against same-sex marriages and relationships because she views them as unnatural but she finds them normal.

Maria, an 18-year-old law student too emphasised on her parents’ need to be more understanding and accepting of the community. “In the past few decades, we have witnessed the rise of growth and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community. I feel that parents form a huge part of the society and also, shape the child’s thinking process. So, it is crucial for them to acknowledge, accept and normalise the concept of same-sex relations, transgender and gender fluidity.”

Aradhita a mass communication student spoke about the taboo of premarital sex in Indian society. “My parents need to make peace with the fact that it is completely normal for a woman to be sexually active before marriage. Moreover, I feel that parents should discuss safe-consensual sex and birth control with their children. Talking about sex shouldn’t be such a hush-hush topic in society.”

“I want my parents to understand that mental health is as important as physical health and that taking your child to a therapist/counsellor is completely okay, and not a taboo. Taking your child for mental help doesn’t make her/him pagal or crazy.”

To treat them as adults

Deepti, a social sciences student from Delhi said that she and her parents have a different set of opinions on almost every topic. “I feel that parents need to be more accommodative of my views on politics and religion. I think they shouldn't impose their views on their children. Most importantly, see their children as adults who can have different opinions. I think families should sit and have healthy discussions peacefully amongst themselves without anyone getting offended.”

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Gaurika  Taneja is an with SheThePeople.TV