Lisa O
Boomers have lived through decades of change, with some of it fast and some of it hard. They’ve picked up lessons that only come from time and experience. But when it comes to their kids and grandkids, they often feel like their wisdom gets brushed off as “old-fashioned.” The truth is, behind their silence or sighs are things they wish younger generations understood. Here are 15 honest things Boomers wish they could say out loud.
We Weren’t Always This Tired and Serious
Boomers may seem quiet, routine-driven, or even grumpy at times, but they weren’t always that way. They once danced at concerts, stayed up too late, and made spontaneous decisions too. They wish their kids knew that growing older changes your energy, not your memories and that there’s still a fun-loving version of themselves tucked behind the wrinkles and routines.
We Didn’t Grow Up With Everything You Have Now
They didn’t have smartphones, streaming, or grocery deliveries. If they wanted to know something, they had to look it up in a book or ask someone face-to-face. Boomers wish younger people understood that their slower pace isn’t about being outdated—it’s about growing up in a time where patience, effort, and waiting were just normal parts of life.
We Made Mistakes, But We Tried Our Best
Boomers know they didn’t get everything right, especially when it comes to parenting or keeping up with changing times. Still, they wish their kids knew that everything they did, from long work hours to strict rules, came from a place of love and survival. They were doing what they thought was right with the tools they had, even if those tools look different now.
Saving Wasn’t Always This Hard for Us
They know the world is more expensive today, but Boomers grew up in a time when housing, education, and groceries weren’t crushing burdens. They sometimes struggle to understand modern financial stress, but deep down, they wish their kids knew they’re not judging—they’re just surprised by how much harder everything’s gotten and wish there was a way to help fix it.
We Worry About You More Than You Know
Even if they don’t say it, Boomers lie awake thinking about their grown kids’ stress, jobs, health, and future. They don’t always know how to offer help in today’s fast-paced world, but the concern never fades. They wish their kids knew that just because they don’t text often or ask a million questions doesn’t mean they’ve stopped caring, it just means they’re trying not to overstep.
We Miss the Days When You Needed Us More
Boomers spent years being the ones their kids turned to for rides, advice, or comfort after a bad day. Now that their kids are grown, they’re proud but also a little lost. They wish their kids knew that they still want to be needed, even if it’s just for a phone call, a shared recipe, or a question only mom or dad can answer.
We Had Dreams, Too. Some We Never Got To Chase
Before they were parents, Boomers had hopes and plans that didn’t always come true. Whether it was a job they gave up, a trip they never took, or a passion they set aside, they wish their kids knew that sacrificing those dreams didn’t feel like a failure—it felt like love. But part of them still wonders what life would’ve been like if they’d chased them.
We Don’t Understand Everything, But We’re Trying
Technology, social changes, and new ways of thinking are a lot to keep up with. Boomers know they don’t always get the right terms or fully understand every movement, but they’re not closed-minded. They wish their kids knew they’re open to learning, even if it takes longer, and that patience goes a long way when you’re trying to understand a world that moves faster than you do.
We’re Not Just Proud. We’re Amazed
Boomers don’t always gush or say how proud they are, but the truth is they’re constantly impressed. They see their kids managing jobs, parenting, and life in a way that often seems impossible. They may not show it with long speeches or constant praise, but they wish their kids knew that deep inside, they’re in awe of how much they’ve handled.
We Wish You’d Slow Down Once in a While
Life today feels like a race, and Boomers watch their kids rushing through days without rest. They wish they could say, “Take a breath, enjoy the moment,” without sounding preachy. They’ve learned, often the hard way, that you don’t get the time back, and they hope their kids find time to pause, reflect, and just be instead of always chasing the next thing.
We Know We’re Not Perfect Parents
Boomers may have come from strict or emotionally distant homes, and sometimes they passed that down without meaning to. They wish their kids knew that being a parent was full of guesswork, especially without therapy, podcasts, or support groups. They often carry guilt for not being more open or understanding, but they hope their love was always clear, even if their words didn’t always say it right.
We Don’t Want to Be a Burden Later On
As they age, Boomers think about the future more than they admit. They worry about getting sick, needing help, or being dependent. They wish their kids knew they’re not expecting to be taken care of out of obligation—but they do fear being forgotten or sidelined. They want to feel useful and loved, not like a problem someone has to solve.
We Still Like to Be Invited, Even If We Say No
Boomers might decline the invitation to a loud party or weekend trip, but they still want to be included. Being thought of means the world to them, even if their knees hurt or bedtime is earlier now. They wish their kids knew that those little invites, messages, or updates are more meaningful than they let on. They help them feel connected to a world that’s constantly changing.
We Wish You’d Ask Us About the Past
Boomers have stories—some funny, some hard, some filled with lessons, and they wish their kids were more curious about them. Talking about their youth, their parents, or what life used to be like helps them feel seen and valued. They don’t want to lecture; they just want to share a piece of history while they still can, especially with those they love most.
We Love You More Than We Say Out Loud
Boomers weren’t always raised to talk about feelings. Saying “I love you” didn’t come naturally to everyone, and emotions weren’t often shared freely. But the love is always there. It’s in the advice they give, the quiet worry they carry, and the way they light up when their kids walk through the door. They wish their kids knew that love has always been the one constant, even if the words didn’t come easily.