'Boomers Only Love Their Children, They Don't Like Them' — Gen Z TikToker Complains, 'How Am I Supposed To Have A Relationship With Them If All We Can Talk About Is The Weather?'

The generational gap between baby boomers and Generation Z is a widely discussed topic, spanning from differences in cultural tastes to financial outlooks. 

A notable instance comes from a Gen Z TikToker named Frankie, who aired grievances about the boomer approach to parenting. 

“Boomers only love their children, they don't like them,” Frankie said.

This critique arises from Frankie’s observations about the disconnect felt while growing up under boomer parents, especially noting a lack of shared interest in their hobbies.

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“I don’t think I’ve ever met a set of boomer parents, including my own, that when their kids were younger actually tried to enjoy their children’s interests alongside them,” Frankie said. This statement sheds light on what Frankie perceives as a fundamental misalignment and absence of connection over shared cultural experiences. 

Frankie recalled how their affection for shows like “Matilda” and “SpongeBob SquarePants” was met with parental disdain, summarizing their parents’ attitude as, “We hate that you watch that stuff. We don’t understand why you like it.” 

This lack of approval extended beyond mere TV show preferences, symbolizing a broader gap in communication and understanding, which persisted into adulthood. Frankie expressed longing for a relationship based on mutual respect and interests, wanting to be able to talk to their parents about more than "just the weather." 

Frankie highlights the irony in boomers feeling puzzled and disappointed when their grown children seldom communicate with them, pointing out it’s a consequence of their earlier disinterest in their children’s lives. “How am I supposed to have a relationship with them if all we can talk about is the f***ing weather?” Frankie asked, indicating the shallow nature of their conversations. 

“All I want is a parent who actually cares about my interests and doesn’t judge me for every small little thing. But I guess I just can’t have that with boomer parents,” Frankie said, expressing a deep yearning for a more meaningful and accepting relationship with their parents.

The discussion of generational divides also encompasses views on wealth and success. According to a survey by U.S. Bank, which included 3,000 active and 1,000 aspiring investors from the oldest and youngest adult demographics, perceptions of wealth significantly differ between generations. The survey found that a majority of baby boomers (61%) primarily view wealth as financial security, whereas Gen Z’s perspective is broader.

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Boomers associate wealth with good health (33%) and the ability to afford more than just necessities (28%). In contrast, Gen Z prioritizes a better quality of life (38%), with financial security (36%) and the freedom to “live life how I want” (28%) also highly valued. This reflects a shift toward a more holistic understanding of wealth among younger generations, emphasizing personal fulfillment and lifestyle freedom.

Social media’s impact on Gen Z’s expectations is noteworthy, with constant exposure to images of luxury and success driving comparisons and fostering a culture of envy and unrealistic goals. This phenomenon, more pronounced in the digital era, affects people across different socioeconomic backgrounds.

Frankie’s plea for a more profound and accepting connection with their boomer parents echoes a broader desire among younger generations for relationships that transcend superficial interactions. This narrative is paralleled by their differing views on wealth, with boomers focusing on financial security and Gen Z seeking a blend of financial stability, quality of life and personal freedom.

These divergent views on wealth underscore the importance of understanding and navigating financial planning across generations. As both boomers and Gen Z navigate their unique economic challenges and goals, the role of professional financial advice becomes increasingly relevant. 

Consulting with a financial advisor can help bridge the gap between these generational perspectives, offering tailored strategies that cater to the varied definitions of wealth and success. Whether it’s planning for retirement or investing in future aspirations, a financial adviser can provide the guidance needed to achieve both financial security and personal fulfillment. In doing so, people from both generations can work toward their financial goals, while also fostering deeper connections and mutual understanding beyond the weather or the latest TV show, enriching their relationships in the process.

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*This information is not financial advice, and personalized guidance from a financial adviser is recommended for making well-informed decisions.

Jeannine Mancini has written about personal finance and investment for the past 13 years in a variety of publications including Zacks, The Nest and eHow. She is not a licensed financial adviser, and the content herein is for information purposes only and is not, and does not constitute or intend to constitute, investment advice or any investment service. While Mancini believes the information contained herein is reliable and derived from reliable sources, there is no representation, warranty or undertaking, stated or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information.