Generation Gap Interest in genealogy has skyrocketed. All of a sudden everyone wants to know who they are and where they came from. Surprisingly, you don’t have to go very far back to discover that you have some pretty interesting people in your life. Sure, it is fun to discover that there might have been a marauding Viking or a founding father on the top of your family tree, but why not look closer to home. For example; did you know that at least one of your parents went to school in a one room school houses, lived in a house without indoor plumbing, never knew how to drive a car, or that grandma traveled somewhere in a Conestoga Wagon? What in the world is keeping you from talking to some of these very interesting people in your life? Oh, I know. You think that the “generation gap” makes it impossible to connect. The COVID-19 crisis has played a signification role in narrowing the generation gap. People of all generations have spent more time speaking to each other. Youngsters are being reminded that their elders, who have come through tough times before, have an unbelievable capacity for wisdom and resilience. Elders have learned to appreciate the skills, especially technological abilities, that youngsters possess. So, where is that gap? It just boils down to the older generation trying to prevent their children and grandchildren from doing things that will harm them, while youngsters are just trying to prove that they are equipped to take control of their own lives. Does that sound familiar? What can you do to reduce that gap? • Communication is required • Much time should be spent together • Both need to admit that respect is a two-way process. By sharing everyday events a certain commonality will evolve; you are not as different from your parents and grandparents as you think. Start your quest by talking to people in your own family. Respect the generation gap; all it is, is a different way of thinking, based on things learned from experience, and yes, from past generations. Search for commonality instead of differences. Your own family history, is a great place to start.
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