An incident at a Christmas and New Year party in Club 3 brought generational gaps into focus. A senior resident shared his anguish in a WhatsApp group after a child accidentally knocked over a barbeque stand, spilling burning coals near him.
While the physical danger was avoided, what hurt him more was the children’s unapologetic attitude and the parents’ indifference. The lack of accountability was concerning. Neither the children stopped to check if the senior was hurt, nor did the parents intervene to apologize.
This raised questions: Are such incidents isolated, or do they reflect a deeper societal change? Children, being impulsive, act without realizing the consequences. However, it is the parents’ responsibility to instil values like empathy in them.
Today, children are often shielded from criticism, making them less resilient to constructive feedback. This trend, coupled with reduced human interaction due to technology, has diminished tolerance. Elders feel undervalued, adults feel overburdened, and children struggle with expectations of discipline.
Gaps are further widened by changing family dynamics. Seniors feel alienated, lamenting a lack of mutual understanding. The solution lies in fostering communication and mutual respect. Elders must nurture forgiveness, parents should guide children without public reprimands, and children must learn to value their elders’ wisdom.
Bridging this divide requires balance. Only by cultivating respect and understanding can we create a society that values connections over conflicts.
