Latest news with #GenerationC
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
"My Parents Didn't Really Want To Be Parents": People Are Sharing Why This Generation Of Grandparents 'Sucks,' And It's Pretty Nuanced If I'm Being Honest
Parenting styles have changed over time, but so have the ways that grandparents involve themselves in the lives of their grandchildren. This certainly isn't every grandparent —most would love to be part of their grandchildren's lives, yet it seems that there are a lot of grandparents these days who simply do not want to carry that responsibility. One person shared their feelings in the r/Parenting subreddit with a post titled, "This generation of grandparents sucks." In it, they pointed out how their own grandparents were so much more involved in their lives vs. how their parents seem to approach grandparenthood. The post reads: "You shouldn't expect anything from your parents in terms of babysitting (even in a pinch). They raised their kids. They owe you nothing. I've heard it all, and it doesn't sit well with me for one reason: In general, the previous generation of grandparents helped with their grandkids so much." The user continued, "Basically, our parents had lots of help, but they didn't have to help us at all. Generation A) helped Generation B) with their grandchildren whenever they could. Generation B became grandparents themselves, but tells Generation C) to go screw; they owe us nothing. They can be healthy and retired and spend all day watching The View. Can someone please explain to me how/when this cultural shift took place and why it's justified?" In another entirely different post, titled "Boomer Grandparents are Useless," another user spelled out their grievances with their parents. "I know people have ranted about this before, but I need to vent about my typical boomer parents. Growing up, I have so many memories with my grandmother (my grandfather died young). She taught me to sew, bake, garden, and spend endless hours in her yard playing. So many sleepovers. And my mom didn't work. She took me shopping and to visit her cottage. Now that I have my children, my parents don't even visit. They have visited probably 5 times in 3 years, and they live 20 minutes away. And it's just sitting on the couch, being bored. No help at all. They do not work and are retired. They claim this time is for them only, and they have already put their work in. I honestly despise the boomer generation." Both posts sparked plenty of dialogue between users. Some felt the sentiment and related heavily to the seemingly strained relationship that they and their kids have with their parents. But at the same time, many people didn't believe this was a "boomer vs. younger generations" conversation, but a case-by-case situation. I've rounded up 16 of the responses, and I must say, there's plenty of eye-opening commentary regarding what many feel is a generational difference: Note: these responses have been edited and condensed for clarity. 1."In my case, my parents didn't really want to be parents. They had kids because that's just what you did: graduated high school, got married, had kids — in that order. We were always at my grandparents' houses because they didn't wanna deal with us, so for parents that didn't want to be parents, they surely do not want to be grandparents." "On the other hand, my in-laws, who loved being parents, are always wanting to see their grandson. They always offer to take him for a few hours, bought a stroller because they love going on walks together, and eagerly talk about when he's old enough for sleepovers. They even check in on our son's fave foods so they have it on hand when he's going to come over (like fruits and veggies)." —u/there_but_not_then 2."Because in the past, the grandparents lived very near to their kids, and some even shared the same house. Now, many people move to bigger cities for opportunities. Also, a lot of grandparents still work." —u/Polite_user "This. I'm 53, and my daughter is turning 27 next month, so I could easily be a grandmother at this point. I have 13 more years of working a full-time job before I can retire. My husband and I are also doing a lot of traveling, which we put off for years until our kid was out of the house and living independently. I would be up for the occasional evening or overnight, but I can't provide anything resembling childcare until after 5 p.m." —u/formercotsachick 3."It seems to be a big divide. For example, my mother lives seven minutes away, and we never see her. My ex-husband's grandparents (who raised him) live close by too, and they have the kids at least one night a week unless they have a trip planned." "It seems to me that those who were good parents tend to be good grandparents, and those who were not good parents tend to be bad grandparents. We shouldn't expect different, but the child in us probably will always hope for better." —u/ThrowRAsleeplessmama 4."Also, our generation is having kids way later in life (30+). My grandmother raised me, but she was 50 when I was born. My parents are in their late 60s/early 70s, and having young toddlers is really tiring for them." —u/FrenchynNorthAmerica 5."Yeah, I came to say something similar. People are having kids later and later in age. My parents were in their mid/late 60s when I had my first, and now my dad is early 70s with my second. They can't be running around, bending over to pick up a 20lb baby. They nap more than the kids do! So partially, I blame myself for not having kids younger, but I needed to wait until I was ready. My parents probably would have been more willing and able to take care of the kids if they were younger. When you're talking about baking/sewing/sleepovers, etc., that would mean my youngest would be at least like 5, and my dad would be 78. Not gonna happen!" —u/177stuff 6."In my case, my mother is retired and lives close by. And people still say, 'Oh well, she owes you nothing." —u/ThinParamedic7859 7."It's a bigger cultural thing than just child-raising. I consider my parents and my in-laws an extension of my family. I am the highest earner in our extended family. I consider it my responsibility to take care of all of them. If anyone runs out of money in retirement, what's mine is theirs. I am prepared to buy a home with an in-law suite available in case someone needs to move in with us. When my father-in-law was sick and eventually passed, we took hours multiple times each week to help care for him and take care of the house. We help my mother-in-law at least once a week with chores, etc." "In return, our parents help us with our kids. We always have babysitting available. They stay with our kids if we want to take a vacation. They take the kids if we're sick and need a break. They have helped pay for extracurricular activities when we didn't have much money of our own." —u/kyamh 8."As much as it irritates me when everyone blames my generation (millennial) for all the world's worst, I find it irritating when all boomers are blamed for things too. Shifts in social expectations have occurred because of circumstances. Boomers tend to be older grandparents. They tend to still be working." "My in-laws were very hands-on when my stepdaughter was a baby, but not with my son. But they were 55-year-old grandparents the first time. They're 70 with their second. And my parents aren't yet retired, though they are pushing 70. That's very different than where my grandparents were when I was little. But I do agree with the comment that this isn't a generational thing, this is a situation with your particular parents." —u/lizardjustice 9."Yes, I agree! My parents are winter birds and they will be traveling back 'home' through my state in April, but it's the exact time we're on vacation. They keep complaining that they can't see us during that time. I have three kids, and this vacation has been planned for months and months (during spring break). When I asked them if they could just leave Florida the week before (they own a condo there) and come visit us, all they said was that they don't want to. *Eye roll*" —u/hungry_babypro 10."I don't know, my mom is a boomer and she would LOVE to have a closer relationship with her grandkids, but she's terrified of her daughters-in-law thinking she's being intrusive, so she waits to be asked." "Could it be that boomers are all individuals with their own thoughts and feelings, just like Gen X, millennials, and whatever other generations you could think of?" —u/whysweetpea 11."I mean, it's their time and is totally up to them what they do with it. My in-laws have visited maybe four or five times in two years, none of our kids have a relationship with them, and honestly, I doubt they'd recognise them on the street. But that's fine, because that's their choice. If they don't want to, they just don't want to." "I understand your frustration, it does feel like our parents had a ton more help than we do with our kids from family, hell, even friends. But I think we, as a generation, need to just kind of accept that things have changed now and figure out how to build our own communities with our friends." —u/Arugula-Current 12."We recently moved closer to my parents (a boomer and a Gen X stepmom), and we were told beforehand that my folks would help sometimes, but they would not be available to babysit all that much. Which, okay, they've got their own lives and stuff and we didn't use them for babysitting before we moved, either (we used to live 12+ hours apart)." "The kids and I see them a few times a week for 20-30 minutes to say hi and catch them up on school, but then we go home. My husband works quite a bit during the week, so he sees them less. My kids have a good relationship with their grandparents, and they enjoy spending time together, but the raising part is on us. My husband and I do not really ever go out on dates or out by ourselves, and this confuses them, because we could ask them to watch the kids so we could go out. But we were pretty explicitly told that the grandparents wouldn't be available, and they are surprised we believed them, I guess? It does make things a bit awkward, but they set the tone and we just followed what they said." —u/crknits 13."They can choose how to spend their time, but grandparents who choose not to have relationships with their grandchildren because they see them as 'work' and not as people they want to get to know are shitty grandparents." "Parents have a right to be hurt by this mentality. It's heartbreaking to have parents who put no effort in when it comes to their grandchildren. They also almost always get upset that their grandchildren treat them as strangers, when that's what they are. Blood doesn't create a relationship, time together does." —u/sierramist1011 14."I have kids who have never even met their grandparents. The only reason is that said grandparents are 100% capable of traveling to meet and visit, but refuse to do so. They expect my husband and me to bring the babies 5,500 miles to them. My sister-in-law and her husband have been visiting twice a year since the first one was born. Hell, even my friend who lives 3,000 miles away and isn't genetically related to my kids has come every year." "Only half my kids' grandparents are part of the boomer generation. My husband's mother was a teen mother and is only a few years older than me, and squarely Gen X. I don't think it's a generational issue. It's a shitty family members issue." —u/coyote_zs 15."Because our parents had so much help from our grandparents, our parents really struggle with the kid stuff/grandparenting/parenting in general, especially now that they're older. My guess is our generation (millennials) will be more like our grandparents when our kids have kids. At least I hope." "There was a reason why our grandparents were called upon to help our parents so much." —u/losmonroe1 "One time, I asked my mom if she could keep an eye on my toddler so I could shower. She laughed and told me it was my job, not hers." "The lady dropped me off at my grandma's several times for years at a time. I didn't really start living with her until I was 10. Maybe a couple of years in between that. I will never understand her." —u/Actuallygetsomesleep Where do you stand on this? Do you think grandparents should be more involved in other grandchildren's lives, or is it a matter of choice? Does age play a factor? Share all your thoughts in the comments. Solve the daily Crossword
Bangkok Post
23-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
AIS SIAM aims to harness Generation C
Advanced Info Service (AIS) has launched AIS SIAM, a new landmark under the "playhouse with purpose" concept, designed for Generation C (Gen C) or the so-called creative generation yet open to all. The move is aimed at providing a hub of opportunity, ready to ignite the creativity of the new generation in every dimension, according to AIS chief executive Somchai Lertsutiwong. Located in Siam Square Soi 7, the four-storey building is equipped with AIS 5G and the latest Wi-Fi 7 system which delivers rapid connectivity. AIS SIAM was developed in collaboration with partners, including Chulalongkorn University, Gulf Development and TADA Entertainment. Mr Somchai said AIS believes in the power of the creative generation -- filled with ideas, talent and the energy to shape society through creativity. "That's why we developed AIS SIAM as a space within Siam Square for community, creativity, social and self-expression -- seamlessly blending our advanced network with entertainment and lifestyle." He added that the return of investment and spending is not a concern regarding the development of AIS SIAM, as the place is aimed at being a venue where "passion can be transformed into goals". He added that AIS SIAM is open to all, regardless of age, gender, or profession to join in -- where everyone can try, taste, play and create things together in their own way. The first floor is a 'cafe & experience' space. Highlights include an exclusive AIS SIAM Blend -- a signature coffee crafted by BEANS Coffee Roaster. AIS customers can use AIS Points for food and drink discounts. This floor also features cutting-edge gadgets, digital products and exclusive AIS SIAM merchandise. The second floor features a 'co-playing space' concept, offering a lineup of hit games. Visitors can purchase them directly via AIS's online store. Board game lovers are in for a treat too, with a wide selection of popular Thai and international games. The third floor features a 'hype space' concept, specially curated for collaborative activities between AIS and its key music house partner -- designed to support skills-building and hands-on learning for dreamers ready to pursue their passions. The fourth floor houses AIS SIAM, a full-scale studio for creators, designed for those selected to craft professional-level content with AIS. This floor is equipped with state-of-the-art gear and cutting-edge technology, ready to support high-quality, creative production that's sure to make an impact on the scene.
IOL News
19-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Dad-to-be's one last wish to see his baby
SHAY Martin, 29, and Tanner Martin, 30, after the birth of their daughter, AmyLou, in a birth recovery room at Intermountain Health American Fork Hospital last month, in American Fork, Utah. Image: The Washington Post THE baby shower was a mash-up of imaginary worlds: the Mad Hatter's tea party, Neverland, Tatooine. Tanner Martin, the dad-to-be, sat off to the side, a sherpa blanket across his lap, a whip of plastic tubing around his face tethered to an oxygen tank. As he looked around the room filled with young parents and children, his greatest wish was that he would live long enough to meet his own daughter. Tanner was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in November 2020 at age 25, and since then, life has been a series of starts and stops. During a period of relative stability and hope in the fall of 2024, when a new treatment regimen appeared to be working, Tanner and his wife, Shay, decided to start a family. But the roughly 1,700 days they have been in this fight, the more than 100 ER visits, 30-plus hospitalisations and five surgeries have taken a toll. At the start of the year, Tanner's health took a sharp turn. The couple found themselves facing an unbearable duality: The joy of preparing for their daughter's arrival and the grief of bracing for her father's death. Just days before the baby shower in April, the call came: The last-resort IV chemo regimen that had been keeping Tanner alive had failed. The baby was due in 57 days. This year, more than 200,000 people ages 15 to 49 will be newly diagnosed with cancer, joining more than 2.1 million Americans who were also diagnosed as young adults and are living with the disease. Researchers call them 'Generation C,' or 'Generation Cancer.' Young people of Native American descent like Tanner have the highest rate of colorectal cancer of any racial and ethnic group, and the sharpest rate of recent increase. Tanner was always the kind of person who, his family and friends say, made the world feel friendlier. Shay fell in love with that bright spirit. They were engaged within seven months, married within a year. Tanner's symptoms began with stomach aches in 2020. Nothing terrible, just a persistent soreness that made him feel unwell. It took six months before a specialist suggested a colonoscopy. By that time, Tanner's cancer had spread from his colon to his liver. Stage 4. His doctors were reluctant to put a timeline on his survival, but they were clear that his condition was terminal. He was 25. The first few years of living scan-to-scan were a blur. Tanner was constantly in and out of the hospital. During one particularly brutal eight-month stretch, he developed sepsis, a life-threatening infection, and spent Christmas hooked up to IVs. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Tanner and Shay had always wanted a large family. He had banked his sperm shortly after his diagnosis, knowing that chemo can lead to infertility. During an appointment in October, Tanner's doctor said he was doing great - and it was possible he would live at least five more years (a key milestone in cancer survival). They decided it was time. Around the same time last fall, Shay saw on social media that one of her high school classmates had taken a job as a 'death doula" and Shay reached out. Tanner was not enthusiastic. But he said he soon realized that talking about death and looking at his future burial plot were empowering. So they went shopping for a casket, picked out a headstone with both their names and - with Tanner a devoted Star Wars fan - drafted a funeral plan that would feature a harpist playing its iconic theme. Shay posted a clip on TikTok for loved ones who could not attend. They were not prepared for the outpouring of good wishes from strangers all over the world: 2.6 million views for the headstone-shopping video, 3.5 million for the living funeral. As 2025 began, Shay passed the first trimester of her pregnancy. But with each passing day, their paths diverged. As the baby inside Shay grew, Tanner's health declined. Tanner and Shay had honeymooned in Hawaii in May 2019, and as Tanner's illness progressed, they longed to re-experience the joy of that time. So earlier this year, they booked their babymoon, optimizing Tanner's chemotherapy around it. Shortly after their return, that calm was shattered. Tanner and Shay sat side-by-side in the exam room at a suburban office park on April 15, not touching, their expressions grim as they faced his oncologist. He told them it was time to stop the current chemotherapy regimen - it was causing more harm than good now. But there was one more option: a daily pill called fruquintinib that might slow the cancer's growth. Normally, as pregnancy progresses, resistance in the placenta decreases, but in Shay's case, it had increased. The idea of delivering early - just so Tanner could meet their daughter - had been off the table. Medical guidelines are strict. But a scan had raised enough concern for doctors to reconsider. Shay chose the first date they would allow: May 15. Tanner's phone was filling up with video messages and letters to his future daughter: Stories of his travels. References to his favorite movies and video games. Advice about dating ('Wait until you're 30'). About religion. Reading bedtime stories like 'Guess How Much I Love You,' a picture book about a bunny who loves his dad and how much his dad loves him back. The sicker he got, the more Tanner thought of the future beyond his own life. On a quiet Sunday afternoon at home, he brought up the delicate subject of Shay remarrying. 'I would much rather you be with someone who can take care of you than you be alone. Or my daughter not having a father,' he said. AmyLou Kinyaa' Aanii Martin entered the world on May 15. A nurse immediately scooped up AmyLou, swaddled her and carefully placed her in Tanner's arms. 'I've been so excited to meet you … ' he said, his glasses misted over by tears. 'I love you so much. I've been waiting for this for so long.' Tanner had managed to stay at the hospital for over four hours – a remarkable feat, considering that in recent weeks he'd barely been able to stay awake for more than 20 or 30 minutes at a time. But later that day, after returning home to rest, his body gave out. His new medication had made him wildly ill for weeks. Shay had imagined a joyful home-coming that Saturday – the three of them leaving the hospital together as a new family. Instead, she and her mother brought AmyLou home to Tanner. Wanting to create a beautiful memory, Tanner invited his and Shay's parents over for a father-daughter dance. He wanted to film it as a gift for AmyLou to watch on her wedding day. He chose a cover of the Phil Collins song You'll Be in My Heart, from Disney's Tarzan. Tanner wasn't able to stand, let alone dance, so Shay placed AmyLou on his lap as he worried about holding her steady. 'I'm scared,' he said. 'It's okay,' Shay said, tucking AmyLou close to Tanner. The music played. Tanner leaned in, his arms encircling her tiny body. The Washington Post
