Family

KATE

She is optimistic

Frankly speaking, I can hardly understand what people mean when they say «generation gap». What is a generation gap? I know that it means misunderstanding between parents and children, adults and teenagers. But I cannot see what could be the problem. Parents love their children: they grow them up, care for them and support them. And children should pay them the same coin.

I love my parents, because they take care of me, they are kind and sympathetic; they are always ready to help me. I’m sure that they love me too. And where there is love there should be understanding. My parents never ignore me; they always support me and understand all my problems. I can’t live without their help and respect, and I know that they also need my attention. So, these are the only relations that are possible between parents and children, I think.

JANE

There is such a thing as a generation gap. And I know it for sure. I experience it every day. My parents never understand me. Whatever I do or say they always think that I am wrong. They keep saying that I am not grown-up enough to do what I want. That’s why they always tell me what to do or and what people to make friends with. They don’t like my friends, my hobby and me and it is very annoying.

My friends laugh at me very often and say that I am “mother’s darling”. They say that I depend on my parents and that I won’t be able to live on my own. I really wish I had more freedom.

I know that my parents love me and care for me, but I want them to treat me not as a child but as an adult person. I need more liberty, and I don’t want to depend on them. I am 16 and I am grown-up enough to make my own decisions. I just want them to respect my personality.

ANDREW

Many people say that only their relatives’ help and support make them feel comfortable and cosy. I understand them and I wish I felt the same about my family. But unfortunately I can’t.

I love my parents very much, but I don’t think that they feel the same. My parents never pay attention to me and they don’t understand my soul. It hurts very much when my parents ignore me. I never feel desirable at home. That’s why very often I feel about leaving them. I know that many children leave their homes because of some terrible problems in their families - a stepparent, parent with alcohol problems or a violent parent. In comparison with them I should be a lucky person, because we don’t have such problems in my family.

My parents let me do whatever I want. I’m free and I should be happy. But I don’t feel my parents’ love and care the things that I long for.