Originally Published: October 9, 2014
Updated: December 18, 2015
When I think back to my childhood, I realize my musical tastes were quite different from those of my parents. While my mom swooned over the emotional ballads of Dan Hill—yes, you might just find yourself humming along to “Sometimes When We Touch”—I was busy wearing out my 45s from the likes of Bread. Back in her day, the Beatles were considered “too intense!” Fast forward to 2014, and I find myself in a similar scenario with my kids, who are glued to their screens while I attempt to engage them in music discussions.
Me: Can you add “Shake It Off” to our playlist on Spotify?
Them: Sure, just let me finish this level.
Me: Five minutes have passed! Time to turn off the iPad.
Them: But I’m almost at my stripey next to my wrapped candy!
Me: What level are you on? Are you messing up my progress?! Hand over the iPad!
Them: Mom! It’s MY turn!
It’s amusing how my mother, my children, and I are all hooked on Candy Crush. Yes, even my 8- and 5-year-olds are addicted! Have you tried Tiny Thief? It’s an absolute blast. And while I won’t lie, I enjoy listening to Taylor Swift, I also find myself humming along to tracks from Beck, Arcade Fire, and even Bob Dylan. It’s fascinating to see the overlap in our interests; I can’t help but wonder: Are parents simply becoming younger, or are kids maturing faster?
Sometimes, I feel like we adults are fighting a losing battle to remain relevant in our kids’ lives. We’re like that grandmother in a mini skirt, desperately clinging to youth while thrusting our way into the spotlight. What will our tweens and teens even have left to rebel against if we’re all sharing the same playlists and attending concerts together? It’s a strange thought—what will they discuss in therapy decades from now? That Mom was better at Minecraft?
In my mother’s time, by the age I am now, she was free to indulge in her guilty pleasures without the pressure of keeping up with trends. She was viewed as responsible and mature, while I find myself compelled to maintain an image that balances parenting with being “cool.” The stakes are high—fashion choices can’t lean too much toward comfort, and I have to pretend to be indifferent to certain artists while secretly enjoying their music. It’s a delicate dance!
Parents and children are morphing into this new hybrid where kids are all-knowing, and we adults are trying to keep up with their rapidly changing world. There’s a sense of camaraderie, but also an air of competition. Are we just insecure about fitting in, or is this simply a remarkable time to be young?
You may think that I’m creating these problems myself. My kids probably shouldn’t be glued to iPads, and I don’t need to care about my clothes or music preferences. But I enjoy staying connected and sharing in pop culture with them. It’s smarter and more entertaining than ever, and why should I let them have all the fun? Plus, if I’m at level 400 in Candy Crush and they’re still at 296, they have no right to roll their eyes at me!
In summary, the generational lines are blurring—parents and kids share cultural touchpoints, leading to an unprecedented overlap in interests. As we navigate this shared landscape, we must ask ourselves: what does it mean for our identities and our kids’ opportunities to find their own paths?
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