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Intergenerational Bonding
Our Contributors' Advice on
Intergenerational Bonding
Probably the best technique that works for me is to
remember who I am talking with. If it is someone older–
they are full of wisdom and experiences that I need to
learn about. I love talking with older people. Teens I
adore-they are so full of life and enthusiasm for so
much. Most teens have not yet developed the "worry
technique," so they are a joy to be around, and I let
them ·know it. I hate the "back in my day" stories.
Things are different today. I love to hear about the
differences. Young children I adore. I could talk to
young children forever. Their total innocence and love
of life and people is a "pick-me-up" on any day.
Children are beautiful and great teachers about what is
important in life. Bonding with my own age is great!
We have so much to talk about, we don't know it all, but
we're maturing and so willing to teach each other. The
main key to generational bonding is an open mind, a
willingness to learn from everyone, and just a love for
people of all ages!
--
Clara Hinton, Sharksvil/e, Pennsylvania
The first rule for intergenerational bonding is to be
our age and allow the other person to be his or her age.
Teenagers don't need a parent who is another teenage
pal, they need one who is a good, understanding,
helpful parent. Rule 2, look for the good, commend it.
When you see something bad, pray for it. Children and
teenagers need and want discipline. One reason they
rebel is that they are trying to .find out where the
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