Many sources refer to Baby Boomers as those born between 1946 and 1965, but in fact the Baby Boom generation can be broken into two distinct groups. The Early Boomers, born 1946-1955, are sometimes called the Leading Edge Boomers, because they came of age during the 60s, a time of conflict and social change. The Late Baby Boomers, born 1955-1965, sometimes called the Trailing Edge Boomers, share many of the values of the early Boomers, but came of age in a less turbulent environment that was, however, also less favorable economically.
Although they grew up in an era when the populace was divided over the Vietnam War and when several public figures were publicly assassinated, Early Baby Boomers tend to be optimistic. They are also individualists who seek a life that is personally fulfilling, but believe that it is up to them to create that life. Late Boomers tend to be less idealistic and optimistic. They have been described as practical, pragmatic and realistic. Whether Early or Late, however, Boomers are overturning ideas about aging by living more active and adventurous lives. Many of them have been divorced and remarried, which means that many of them are stepgrandparents.
Boomers can be fabulous grandparents, in part because they are typically well-educated, well-traveled and tech-savvy. One of the grandparenting roles they may play, however, is that of the Migratory Grandparent, swooping in for a little loving before taking off on another quest. On the other hand, many boomer grandparents step in when their families need them, raising grandchildren, providing child care or creating multigenerational homes for their children and grandchildren.
Occasionally such super-involved grandparents have difficulty observing boundaries between parenting and grandparenting.
Boomer grandparents should be encouraged to take the grandchildren on all kinds of adventures. If parents are nervous about the grandparents being in charge, they can always tag along. Boomer grandparents usually love supporting their grandchildren in sports and in their artistic and cultural endeavors. Many of them can even be counted upon for an occasional financial contribution toward special lessons or activities for the grands. In addition, Boomers are active in volunteer work, a passion that they can share with grandchildren.
Learn more about generational differences in grandparenting styles.
Some information in this article was taken from "Baby Boomers: All You Ever Needed to Know" on the Discovery website and from "Capturing Experience" by the Intergenerational Center of Temple University.
Although they grew up in an era when the populace was divided over the Vietnam War and when several public figures were publicly assassinated, Early Baby Boomers tend to be optimistic. They are also individualists who seek a life that is personally fulfilling, but believe that it is up to them to create that life. Late Boomers tend to be less idealistic and optimistic. They have been described as practical, pragmatic and realistic. Whether Early or Late, however, Boomers are overturning ideas about aging by living more active and adventurous lives. Many of them have been divorced and remarried, which means that many of them are stepgrandparents.
Boomers can be fabulous grandparents, in part because they are typically well-educated, well-traveled and tech-savvy. One of the grandparenting roles they may play, however, is that of the Migratory Grandparent, swooping in for a little loving before taking off on another quest. On the other hand, many boomer grandparents step in when their families need them, raising grandchildren, providing child care or creating multigenerational homes for their children and grandchildren.
Occasionally such super-involved grandparents have difficulty observing boundaries between parenting and grandparenting.
Boomer grandparents should be encouraged to take the grandchildren on all kinds of adventures. If parents are nervous about the grandparents being in charge, they can always tag along. Boomer grandparents usually love supporting their grandchildren in sports and in their artistic and cultural endeavors. Many of them can even be counted upon for an occasional financial contribution toward special lessons or activities for the grands. In addition, Boomers are active in volunteer work, a passion that they can share with grandchildren.
Learn more about generational differences in grandparenting styles.
Some information in this article was taken from "Baby Boomers: All You Ever Needed to Know" on the Discovery website and from "Capturing Experience" by the Intergenerational Center of Temple University.
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