Week 1
Activity: “Bridging Expectations: Then vs Now”
Purpose:
To help parents:
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Recognize the shift in generational values, opportunities, and challenges between their own early adulthood and their child’s.
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Understand the psychological, social, and cultural complexities of emerging adulthood.
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Reduce conflict and increase supportive communication with their 19–24-year-old children.
Activity Description:
Part 1: Then vs Now – Generational Gap Exercise (30 minutes)
Parents are given two columns:
| “When I was 20…” | “My child at 20…” |
|---|---|
| My career choices were… | My child’s choices are… |
| I was expected to marry by… | My child is expected to… |
| I handled money by… | My child handles money by… |
| I spoke to my parents about… | My child speaks to me about… |
| My biggest fear was… | My child’s biggest fear is… |
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Parents (if alone) fill in each side and research/review changing cultural norms, economic pressures, mental health awareness, digital influences, and increased autonomy in today’s youth. in small groups what they observe.
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If in a group, a facilitator guides discussion around same topics above.
Part 2: Video + Reflection (15 minutes)
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Parents watch a 3–5 min video of real youth (or actors) speaking honestly about:
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Pressures from parents
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Fear of failure
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Desire for independence with support
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Parents reflect individually:
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What surprised me in the video?
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What do I need to unlearn?
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What can I do differently as a parent?
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Part 3: Commitment Card (10 minutes)
Parents write down:
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One assumption they will let go of.
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One new way they will listen to or support their child.
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One small action they will take this week (e.g., asking a question without judgment, giving space in decision-making, etc.).