misunderstanding between parents and children. (genaration gap) any ideas?
435960
Develop a friendly relationship. If you are a parents don’t react in front of your children. If you are children be polite and ask for explanation if your idea or thoughts don’t match with your parents.\n\nIf two people start walking form two side of a road at some point they will meet. This parents and children relationship is a mutual factor. As a parent if you can develop a friendly relation so that your children know you are the person they can go to and as a children you have to know no matter what happen your parents will be always there for you.
24639
CALMLY talk to your parents. LISTEN to what their concerns are. I am a son, parent, and soon to be grand parent ... Although I rarely took my parents' advice and changed my life because of it, when I did LISTEN, it made my life easier. My parents realize (and I realize as a parent) that kids will NOT do what they want them to do, but if the parents are HEARD, it makes life easier for you, your parents, and the "mate" you are talking about. Think about what they are saying to you, DON'T ARGUE or MAKE THEM THINK like you think - that ain't happening - You allready know your opinion, now PLEASE take 10 minutes and hear the opinion of your parents.
665924
My father is 84 and my mother is 61.  What's the problem?  It was never a problem with my parents even though every one around them disagreed.  If you love the person the age difference shouldn't matter.  It didn't to my parents and they have five children.  Tell everyone else to mind their own business and you do what you think is best for you and your partner and not everyone else.
54726
what? if it's just a matter of thier own opinion, i'd just ignore it or explain the situation so they may understand your relationship. if you and the kids are happy then whats the big deal? everyone has diffrent types of relationships with thier families.
1174915
Provided both are good at parenting, I agree 100%, especially when parents divorce and put differences aside. Unfortunately people lie for one reason or another  That doesn't benefit the child.  A grandchild is caught in the middle right now.  One parent  lies to the child. As the child  matures, lies bring anger and hostility.
402822
I think so. Unfortunately not all adults are mature and I don't think you should depend on one parent to give you a fair assessment of the other parent.  It's quite apparent that the two didn't get along, other wise they would still be together or at least be friends for the sake of both being productively in their child's life.
489973
Your parents want the closness you want to, believe me.  You're so young, you have all the things in life to look forward to, with your parents at your side!  Marriage, children, a lot of fun at holidays.........be honest about your feelings.  I am not a mushy, touchy-feely mom, but my kids never said they missed that.  It's not like I don't love my kids, I don't realize what they really want deep inside!  I know that, although we parents are close to perfection, we are not able to read our child's minds.  The fight is over, right?  You don't mention how serious it is, but forget about it, you can't change what was said.  Please talk to them.  Good luck. And try and pray about it!
51102
I believe that parents get wrapped up in their jobs and trying to provide for their family.  They also, sometimes, get wrapped up in their own lives.  Im afraid that I know of too many families that parents are too wrapped up in their selves to even pay attention to their children.  I dont think its right.  Parents should spend quality time getting to know their children.
413820
Sorry that you had to endure that. The truth is that not only Americans, but some amount of people from all cultures have these prejudices. And they even have these prejudices against people who have no say-so in who they are, for example if your parents happen to be of different races, these prejudiced people often are rude to the child who had nothing to do with their parents' decision to have children. The best thing to do is ignore them without being rude--you don't want to engage them in any fights. And remember that prejudice is based on ignorance, so you will more than likely not be able to reason with them. Ignore them and live your life. And best of luck to you and your wife.
851679
two different men, two different stories. your parents did the right thing, no one wants to see their child hurt. sometimes it isn't possibble to talk to someone, and sometimes depending on the man he straightens up. can't really compare the two. u should be happy your parents were there for u, and u had a way out of a bad situation. perhaps your in laws daughter didn't have the same kind of man as u did. some people can take critisism and learn from it, some can't.
596575
there'll always be differences...just don't let the wrong message get across, or no one will talk forever\n\nno one splits families...it's just that words tear apart
665312
Both\nAs a parent you don`t know how to get throught to them,and make them understand you know what you are talking about,as you have lived and breated life a lot longer than they have.\n\nAs a teen,you havent`t the foggiest what the hell parents are on about,how the hell can they know what your going through,as they never are in your head,and dont know how you feel,nor can you communicate in their language as you don`t know how to put it so that they do understand.
1118874
Sadly Liz there is not much you can do except keep a cool head when around you is craziness and encourage both parents to talk, not yell or use spiteful abuse towards each other. Maybe then there is a chance if they can listen to each other, but always remember it's never the kids fault, the problem lies in their relationship. Goodluck I feel for u!
1117787
Yes..definitely there is something called 'Generation Gap'.But it is a term given by humans only.The idea is to define the difference in opinion and views that emerges between an elder person & an offspring.This might be because of the reason that as the time changes, world get advanced day by day.Thus, the environment n circumstances which might be different at the time of elders, changes by the time of our next generation.But it can surely be overcome if we try for it.The only thing is to maintain an understanding level with the elder or youngster, so that the outlook of both starts matching.The understanding of facts is a must here.This might require compromises & adjustments and adaptations can take place gradually.Since the elder has experience of life,hence, his point shall be heard well.But as the situation gets different with time, therefore the elders must also try to get a little open minded, broaden their thinking spectrum and get adapted to the current environment.\nOn the whole, in order to cut-out this generation gap, both belonging to different generations, ought to give space to each other!
688401
My parents separated when I was 13 and it was one of the best things that happened in my life as well as the worst.\nWhen 2 people are not happy together anymore it is important for them to go their separate ways.  Keeping in mind what is best for the children.
283274
The parents need to work that out together.  They should still be a team when it comes to parenting even if they are no longer married.  That is part of being grown ups and parents.
300487
no my parents are 20 years apart. I am 13 an i went out with a 6th grader. but lets not get into that. but no defintly no 2 years difference? NO not at all lol