A generation gap comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. With the increase in average life expectancy, children can have their grandparents until they grow up. When the child is young, having a grandparent is extremely convenient because he receives more attention, love and guidance. Grandparents are also more experienced in parenting because they have been there and done it. However, the idea of giving time, love and attention could continue as long as the grandchildren are around, the same qualities tend to fail once these children enter adolescence.
Parents who know their children tend to adapt more to the growing demands of the new generation, but grandparents find it more difficult to accept them. This could cause a rift between the two generations.
Today the family ideal is more nuclear and children are not used to living with their grandparents in the same house. Also, grandparents are seen as someone to spend their vacations with and are also considered wise and old. The idea of getting along or fitting in with grandparents does not appeal to the new generation because it is often taken for granted. However, some people have managed to break the stereotype of the image of grandparents and play an active role in the lives of their grandchildren. Instead of being bossy and overbearing, many grandparents are more accommodating and friendly. So children today, even if they don’t find stability in their own homes, can still depend on grandparents for emotional stability.