Relational Gap between Parents and their Children

If we are to look at one of the factors that cause disunity and separation in families today, then relational gap could be one of those factors that is attributed to it. It is obvious that there is a generational gap between parents and their children. If we are to compare the two generations of parents and their children, we would observe there are many considerate differences in the lifestyles, habits, likes and dislikes of both generations due to age gap. It's no secret that these days, these gaps are widening by width and bounds. This lack of understanding of social, moral, political, religious opinion leads to lack of acceptance which is the primary reason families break.

Many things could be the causes of relational gap between parents and children. Such could be;

1. DYNAMIC NATURE OF CULTURE.

Culture shift can be a reason for relational gap between parents and their children. During the generation of the parents when they were still youths, there might be a conventional way with which things were done during their time but has lost relevance in the contemporary times. If such parents are not understanding enough to blend with the present times, they might find themselves in constant conflicts with their children.

For instance, one particular way of life such as dressing has been modified contemporarily through innovation, invention or discovery. By implication, parents may challenge in terms of cultural modification their children over their cultural lifestyles as opposed to what they have already experienced in their days.

2. NEED FOR SPACE.

Another cause of relational gap between parents and their children is the need for space. While many children in their teen age feels they need a space for discovering themselves and experimenting with new things, it may cause some kind of gap between both parties. Parents often feel protective about their children and they like to be involved and be informed about the things that are happening in their children's life. If a child appreciates secrecy and less of being over protective over him, he or she may dislike his or her parents if they still don't give him a breathing space. Many parents unintentionally create gap between themselves and their children through this. Know the nature of your children and be sure to relate with them based on their differences.

3. LITTLE OR NO ATTENTION OR SUPPORT.

Even though it is explained in the number two about the need for space, nevertheless this doesn't guarantee that you as a parent shun or abandon your wards totally with no attention or support whatsoever. The busy schedule of many parents as a result of their jobs, career or other reasons, has severed the relationship they have with their children. A child who longs for the attention of his or her parents without any support from them will feel lonely and may even develop hatred for his or her parents over time. This may create a relational gap between them. Children suffering from little or no attention from parents usually suffer from emotional or psychological damage or trauma.

4. DIFFERENCES IN THOUGHT-FLOW OR OPINIONS.

Parents' morals and their views of life may be very different from their children's. If they cannot come into understanding how each of them reasons in distinctive views and opinions, a gap may be created. It can lead to either imposition of ideas especially from parents on the children. Such may result to anguish and not accepting those ideas.