Let’s be real. If we got a dollar every time our parents said, “Back in my day…”, we’d be flying first class to Bali right now. But here we are, living in a world where Wi-Fi is oxygen, therapy is self-care, and ‘just be happy’ isn’t the cure for anxiety.
If you’ve ever wanted to scream “UGH, MOM, YOU DON’T GET IT!”, then this is for you. Here are 10 things you WISH your parents knew (but they probably never will).
1. Mental Health Is Real, Not a ‘Phase’
Parents love calling everything a “phase”, like it’s some kind of teenage werewolf transformation. Anxiety? A phase. Depression? A phase. Wanting to stay in bed and ignore the world? Definitely a phase.
No, mom. Mental health matters. Therapy isn’t just for “people with real problems.” It’s for anyone who wants to function like a semi-stable human being.
2. College Doesn’t Guarantee Success Anymore
Back in their day, a degree = job security. But in our economy? A degree = debt, LinkedIn job-hunting marathons, and praying that a recruiter actually reads your resume.
Skills > Degrees. And no, we don’t want to be doctors, engineers, or lawyers.
3. Not Getting Married by 25 Is NOT a Tragedy
“Beta, when will you settle down?” When I feel like it, Susan.
Not everyone dreams of a white picket fence and two kids by 30. Some of us want to build businesses, travel the world, or just vibe without societal pressure. Let us live.
4. ‘Side Hustles’ Are Real Jobs
Selling digital art? Monetizing a YouTube channel? Running an Etsy store? Yes, it’s a real job, dad. Just because it doesn’t come with a 401(k) doesn’t mean it’s not valid.
5. We Can’t Just ‘Put Our Phones Down’
“Just put your phone away!” LOL, okay and miss my group chat’s meltdown over an accidental like on an ex’s post?
Our phones = work, social life, therapy, and entertainment. It’s not an addiction, it’s survival.
6. Social Media Is Not Just ‘For Fun’
To parents, TikTok is just an app. To us, it’s news, trends, marketing, friendships, and sometimes, our entire career.
Also, please stop asking us to teach you how to use Instagram. Just… no.
7. ‘Because I Said So’ Is Not a Real Answer
If they want us to be independent thinkers, why do they hate when we ask why?
We need logic, reasoning, and actual conversations. “Because I said so” is not an argument.
8. We’re Not Lazy, We’re Just Burnt Out
They think we have no work ethic because we’re not pulling 16-hour shifts and smiling about it. Reality check: We’re juggling side hustles, anxiety, inflation, and climate change.
We’re not lazy. We’re tired.
9. Self-Care Isn’t ‘Selfish’
No, it’s not just bubble baths and scented candles. It’s setting boundaries, cutting off toxic people, and sometimes ignoring their calls when we need a mental break.
10. We Actually Need Help, But Won’t Always Ask
We don’t always know how to say, “Hey, I’m struggling.” Sometimes we just need a safe space where we’re not judged for feeling lost.
Struggling to Explain This to Your Parents? Try This!
If communicating with your parents feels like trying to teach a boomer how to use emojis, you’re not alone.
That’s why ‘TalkEasy’ exists, a game-changing communication tool that helps bridge the generation gap. With conversation prompts, real-life scenarios, and psychology-backed strategies, TalkEasy makes it easier to have real conversations with your parents (without the screaming match).
Don’t let another awkward dinner turn into a life lecture. Get your copy of TalkEasy here before they start another “back in my day” speech.
So, What’s the One Thing Your Parents Just Don’t Get?
Drop it in the comments and let’s vent together.