Growing Up: Reflections Across Generations

Growing up in the 1970s and 80s, life felt relatively carefree. My days were filled with outdoor adventures, impromptu games in the yard, and navigating the social landscapes of the neighborhood. We knew who our neighbors were and which houses to avoid — every town seemed to have that one “scary house” near the school. If a ball went into a friendly backyard, we’d simply knock on the door, but some yards were off-limits, marking a silent understanding among kids.

Now, as a grandpa — “Papa-Bob” to my beloved grandkids — I look back at those simpler days with both nostalgia and concern. The world my kids are raising their children in feels fundamentally different. Evil seems to lurk in unexpected places, trust is harder to come by, and even schools — once seen as bastions of safety — can feel shaky.

Take video games, for example. When I was younger, Ms. Pac-Man was the pinnacle of gaming excitement. It was harmless, even wholesome, entertainment. Today, some games expose children to hyper-realistic violence or invite them into online environments where they’re vulnerable to predators. It’s not just the games themselves; it’s the entire digital world that children navigate now, often without the street smarts we naturally developed by playing outdoors and learning how to resolve conflicts face-to-face.

One of the greatest challenges this generation faces is the loss of some interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. So much of their social interaction happens online, behind screens, where words—often unkind ones—can be exchanged without the natural consequences of real-life interactions. This dynamic fosters a false sense of bravado, allowing harmful behavior to fester. For many young people, the skills to handle conflict, build trust, or even maintain a polite conversation are not as intuitive as they once were.

I don’t envy the pressures of today’s youth. Their challenges are unique and unprecedented. But I believe it is our responsibility as grandparents, parents, and community elders to step in—not as dictators of advice, but as vigilant watchdogs, wise advisors, and unwavering cheerleaders.

As an elder, I’ve learned that unsolicited advice often falls on deaf ears. The best guidance is the kind that’s asked for, but that doesn’t mean we should sit silently waiting for questions. We need to get creative in how we share our wisdom. Maybe it’s through storytelling, reflecting on our own childhoods, or even stepping into their world to better understand it. By fostering open conversations, we can bridge the generational gap and offer insights without judgment.

We also need to protect them, not just physically but emotionally and mentally. That means staying informed about the challenges they face, from the risks of social media to the pressures of academic and social performance. It’s a daunting task, but if we work together as a community, we can create a safer environment for our kids and grandkids to thrive.

The world may have changed, but one thing remains constant: the love and care we have for our families. That love is a powerful motivator, driving us to be present, vigilant, and engaged in the lives of the next generation. They may face a more complex world than we did, but with our guidance and support, they can navigate it successfully and come out stronger.

Growing up in the 70s and 80s taught me a lot about resilience and community. Now, as a grandparent, I hope to pass those lessons on, shaping a better, safer world for the ones I love.

Sources:

• "The Impact of Video Games on Children's Social Skills," American Psychological Association.

• "How Social Media Affects Child Development," Pew Research Center.

• Darkness to Light, Child Safety Training Resources: www.d2l.org.

By reflecting on the past and adapting to the present, we can be the guiding light this generation so desperately needs.