The habits that once seemed normal now feel outdated.
The pandemic didn’t just change the way we work and socialize; it reshaped how we see the world. For millennials, this shift brought a fresh perspective on habits that used to go unquestioned. Things that once felt like minor inconveniences or social norms are now glaringly outdated. As life returns to something resembling normal, it’s hard not to cringe at certain pre-pandemic practices.
This isn’t about nitpicking every little thing. It’s about realizing how much our priorities have changed. Some habits now seem unnecessarily stressful, while others feel downright unhygienic. What was once tolerated for the sake of tradition or social expectations is now being questioned—and often rejected. These post-pandemic realizations offer a glimpse into how millennials are redefining what matters.
1. Thinking independence means cutting family ties.
Every generation struggles with finding the right balance between independence and family, but Gen Z often leans hard toward distance when seeking freedom. In the quest to build their own lives, they sometimes forget that independence doesn’t have to mean shutting their parents out, as stated by Dr. Kathy McCoy. It can be heartbreaking for parents when calls go unanswered or updates are few and far between.
Parents understand the need for space, but they also crave a sense of connection. Small gestures, like a quick text or sharing a moment from their day, remind parents that they still matter. It’s not about controlling their kids’ lives; it’s about feeling included enough to know they’re okay.
2. Assuming parents will always understand changing values.
Gen Z is known for challenging norms and embracing new perspectives, according to Marcie Merriman at EY, which can leave their parents struggling to keep up. It’s not that parents are unwilling to grow; they just need time to process shifts in beliefs that can feel sudden or overwhelming. When values evolve without conversation, parents may feel left behind or even judged for not changing at the same pace.
Talking openly about why certain values matter can help bridge the gap. When parents understand the reasoning behind these shifts, they’re more likely to engage in meaningful conversations rather than feel defensive or hurt.
3. Believing social media is enough for family connection.
Scrolling through posts and liking photos might seem like an easy way to stay in touch, but parents often crave more than curated highlights, as reported by Laurence Dhaleine at Hello Future. Seeing a post is not the same as hearing their child’s voice or having a real conversation. Relying too heavily on social media can make parents feel like they only get the surface-level version of their kids’ lives.
Parents want to be part of the deeper story, the one that doesn’t always make it to Instagram. Taking the time to call or visit shows that the relationship goes beyond a highlight reel, making parents feel valued and genuinely included.
4. Thinking financial help is a given.
Many Gen Zers grew up with parents who made sacrifices to provide a comfortable life, but assuming that financial support will always be available can be hurtful. Parents may be happy to help when they can, but constantly dipping into their resources without acknowledgment or appreciation can feel like being taken for granted.
A little gratitude goes a long way. Recognizing the effort behind financial support or even having a conversation about it shows respect. It reminds parents that their hard work is noticed, not just expected.
5. Dismissing life advice as outdated.
Gen Z is growing up in a world that looks very different from the one their parents knew, but that doesn’t mean the wisdom of past experiences is worthless. When advice is brushed off as irrelevant, it can feel like a rejection of the person giving it. Parents want to help, even if their perspective isn’t perfectly tailored to modern problems.
Acknowledging the intention behind the advice can make a difference. Even if it doesn’t fit the situation, listening and showing appreciation makes parents feel heard instead of pushed aside.
6. Prioritizing friends over family too often.
Friendships are essential, especially during young adulthood, but constantly choosing friends over family can sting. When parents feel like they’re always second-best, it creates a sense of emotional distance that can be hard to bridge.
Balancing both worlds doesn’t mean giving up a social life. It’s about showing that family matters too, even if it’s just making time for dinner or a quick call. Small moments of intentional connection can remind parents that they still hold an important place.
7. Assuming parents don’t have feelings.
It’s easy to forget that parents have their own emotional world beyond their role as caregivers. When their feelings are overlooked or minimized, it can be deeply hurtful. Comments made in frustration or casual disregard can linger longer than expected.
Treating parents like real people with emotions isn’t about walking on eggshells. It’s about being mindful of how words land and recognizing that parents hurt too, even if they don’t always show it.
8. Expecting forgiveness without accountability.
Mistakes happen, but assuming that parents will always forgive without genuine accountability can strain relationships. When apologies feel half-hearted or when actions don’t change, parents may feel disrespected or taken advantage of.
Owning up to mistakes and showing a willingness to make things right means more than words. It shows parents that the relationship is valued enough to put in the effort to improve it.
9. Downplaying the importance of family traditions.
Traditions often hold sentimental value that goes beyond the ritual itself. When Gen Z shrugs off family customs as outdated or inconvenient, it can feel like a rejection of family history and identity.
Keeping some traditions alive or creating new ones together can honor the past while reflecting the present. It shows parents that their roots still matter, even in a changing world.
10. Overlooking the impact of constant digital distraction.
Technology is a huge part of Gen Z’s life, but when screens take priority over face-to-face interaction, it sends an unintended message. Parents may feel like they’re competing with a phone for attention, which can be hurtful when they just want quality time.
Being fully present, even for short periods, can make a big difference. Putting the phone down during a conversation shows that the moment matters and that parents are worth undivided attention.
11. Assuming parents don’t need reassurance.
Confidence is great, but sometimes parents need to hear that they’re doing okay too. When their efforts go unnoticed or unappreciated, it can create a sense of doubt or feeling taken for granted.
A simple thank you or a genuine compliment can reassure parents that their hard work is seen and valued. It doesn’t take much to let them know they’re still doing a good job.
12. Treating parents as a safety net rather than a relationship.
Relying on parents only when things go wrong can make the relationship feel transactional. While parents want to help, they also want to be part of their kids’ lives beyond crises.
Building a relationship based on more than just needs means sharing good moments too. Calling to share a win or just to chat shows parents that they matter outside of emergencies.
13. Forgetting that growing up is hard for parents too.
Growing up isn’t just a transition for Gen Z; it’s a shift for parents as well. Watching their kids become independent can be bittersweet, filled with pride and a sense of loss. When that journey is overlooked, parents may feel left behind.
Acknowledging that change is hard on both sides can make the transition easier. Letting parents know that their support is appreciated helps keep the relationship strong, even as life evolves.