Boomers. There are all sorts of connotations with that word today (and most are negative).
Boomers are usually defined as being born between 1946 – 1964, during the years that followed World War II. Many of us love our boomers dearly, though we may be prone to the occasional “Okay, boomer” spice of rebellion. They are our parents, in-laws, aunties, and uncles. They are our children’s grandparents.
As generational gaps have grown, many of our relationships have become awkward and distant, relying on small talk and joint tasks.
So here are 5 simple ways you can connect TODAY with your beloved Boomers.
- SKILL SHARING
What is something that you wish you knew how to do? Crochet? Make bread? Keep a vegetable garden? Get those stains off your toilet bowl? Ask your favorite boomer.
Trust me – they will love it! Although we do have access to all of human intelligence in our pockets, there is something beautiful about using that phone to call a human instead. They may not have the answers, but they’ll probably have an idea, and I bet they’ll be delighted to help.
This can go both ways too. If they mention a struggle with their wifi connection, or not being sure how to recognise a scam, offer to help them out. Sharing our generational advantages is a great way to build bridges and honour our differences.
- WRITE A LETTER
Because who DOESN’T love recieving letters from loved ones in the mail?! It can be an actual letter or you can send some kind of photo or craft or picture that the kids drew with a small note from you.
We don’t live close to any of my family members and we regularly send things by post. It has even been the breakthrough we needed when my daughter didn’t want to practise handwriting – she decided she would practise so that Nanny could read her letters more easily! It is such a joyful, humanising process and even more fun when you get a letter back.
- CONDUCT AN INTERVIEW
Yes, a proper interview, with a time and date booked, set questions, and maybe even a way to record the conversation. This can be done in person, over the phone, or via video call. It sounds awkward and mechanical, but I can say from experience that it is a most beautiful way to connect with loved ones who are further up the generational chain.
I recently read a book called “The Essential Questions” by Elizabeth Keating and I was nothing short of inspired. In the book she shares the joy of getting to know members of your family who have lived through times so beyond our experience. She coaches the reader through the process, including how to set up the interview, what questions to ask, and options for recording the conversation.
I have a wonderful relationship with my Nana, but since we began these interviews I have felt like I actually know her as a person. I have connected with Nana as a child, full of mischief, Nana as a young woman, fancy free, Nana as a young mum – she could have been one of my own friends, Nana dealing with teens and then as an empty nester and then having grandchildren for the first time.
I am so excited to do the same with my own parents, my in-laws and to coach my children in having these same conversations with us and their grandparents. No matter how well you may think you know your boomers, interview them. Trust me.
- HOST A DINNER PARTY
As if they were your pals. Make a date and pick a fun cuisine; a firm favorite here is Chinese Hot Pot – it is delicious and an experience of its own. Set the table for company and be ready with your best chat.
There are few things better suited to create opportunities for connection than good, interesting food in a happy environment.
- REVISIT FAMILY MEMORIES
We haven’t done this much, but whenever we have it has been a great time! The old home videos come out, the baby albums and family trees and best stories resurface. The room fills with laughter and good-natured teasing and old rivalries. Mum and dad argue about which way a tomato should be sliced and my baby (twenty-something year old) brother relives the delight of leaving lizards on my pillow.
How do you connect with your Boomers? Let me know in the comments! Share your ideas. Together we can learn how to build multigenerational community.
Until next time,
Danyell
