10 Reasons Millennials Think Boomers Make Terrible Grandparents

There Are Valid Reasons Why Millennials Think Boomers Make Terrible Grandparents

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Millennials love their grandparents—but sometimes, that love comes with a side of eye rolls and exasperated sighs. Sure, Boomers have lived through decades of history, wisdom, and amazing stories, but when it comes to babysitting, tech help, or even understanding today’s slang, things get… interesting. From outdated parenting advice to a complete lack of TikTok knowledge, the generation gap sometimes makes for hilarious—and slightly stressful—interactions.

Millennials are quick to point out that while Boomers have good intentions, their style of grandparenting can leave everyone scratching their heads.

1. They Think Every Problem Can Be Solved With Candy

Boomers have a sweet tooth for solutions that involve sugar, whether it’s a cookie for a meltdown or a piece of chocolate for a scraped knee. Millennials notice that this “treat first, explain later” approach doesn’t really work in the age of allergy awareness and balanced diets. Kids today often need more than a sugar fix to calm down or learn from a mistake. The intention is sweet, literally, but it can feel outdated and a little chaotic. Modern parents worry that too many treats create short-term happiness and long-term energy spikes.

2. They Refuse To Understand Screen Time

To many Boomers, screens are “bad” or “time wasted,” and they can’t understand why a kid can’t just put down the iPad and go outside. Millennials, on the other hand, know screens are an integral part of learning, socializing, and entertainment today. This disconnect often leads to frustration when grandparents insist kids “play with the neighbors” or “read a real book” instead. Millennials see this as more than just a preference—it’s a clash of parenting philosophies. Kids end up confused, wondering why a simple game is suddenly forbidden.

3. They Offer Advice Nobody Asked For

Boomers are experts—at least in their own minds—on everything from discipline to home remedies. Millennials notice that this often turns into unsolicited lectures or “back in my day” speeches. While meant to be helpful, it can come off as judgmental or out of touch. Advice about naps, feeding schedules, or playtime often contradicts what parents are currently practicing. The result is a mix of confusion for the kids and slight irritation for the parents.

4. They Have Zero Concept Of Modern Slang

When a grandparent calls something “groovy” or “far out,” Millennials can’t help but cringe a little. Kids today communicate with emojis, memes, and words that didn’t exist twenty years ago. Boomers’ attempts to stay relevant with slang often come across as awkward or hilariously wrong. Millennials think it’s cute but also mildly embarrassing. At best, it creates laughter; at worst, it makes children question the credibility of their grandparents.

5. They Take Over Playtime In Weird Ways

Boomers love interacting with their grandkids, but sometimes it looks like they’re running the show. From over-organized board games to structured “learning activities,” they often forget that kids just want free-form play. Millennials notice that the enthusiasm of Boomers can turn fun into a pseudo-classroom experience. It’s an expression of love, but it’s not always what kids actually enjoy. Millennials secretly wish grandparents could let go and embrace chaos a little more.

6. They Misinterpret Modern Safety Standards

Boomers grew up in an era where kids ran barefoot, climbed trees without helmets, and learned resilience through minor scrapes. Millennials are hyper-aware of car seats, sunblock, and emergency contact apps. When Boomers take liberties like letting kids ride bikes without helmets or skipping sunscreen, parents panic. Millennials see this as risky, irresponsible, or at least very nerve-wracking. Safety standards have evolved, and grandparents sometimes struggle to keep up.

7. They Forget Or Ignore Dietary Restrictions

Peanut allergies, gluten-free diets, and dairy-free preferences often leave Millennials panicked when visiting grandparents. Boomers tend to think food should be indulgent and “a little bit of everything won’t hurt.” This clashes with modern dietary necessities, and kids can sometimes end up with allergic reactions or upset stomachs. Millennials view this as a mix of ignorance and stubbornness, not malice. Mealtimes can turn into stressful negotiations instead of relaxed family bonding.

8. They Underestimate Energy Levels

Boomers love spending time with their grandkids, but the pace can be exhausting. Kids today have nonstop energy, bouncing from activities to games to learning sessions in rapid succession. Millennials notice that grandparents often run out of steam before playtime is over. This can leave kids disappointed or parents hovering to help keep the fun going. Energy mismatch is a silent but major stressor in the grandparenting dynamic.

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9. They Struggle With Technology

Smartphones, tablets, and streaming services are second nature to Millennials, but not so much to Boomers. Whether it’s figuring out parental control settings or streaming a favorite show for the kids, the learning curve is real. Millennials find themselves acting as tech support instead of enjoying family time. Frustration builds, and the experience can feel less relaxing and more like troubleshooting duty. Kids notice too—they want to watch their favorite cartoon, not watch a grandparent wrestle with Wi-Fi settings.

10. They Take Nostalgia Way Too Far

Boomers love reminiscing about their own childhoods—and they often assume kids will enjoy the exact same activities. While sharing stories is wonderful, Millennials notice that nostalgia-heavy play often misses the mark. Classic games or outdated toys might not capture a child’s interest in the same way. Kids want modern experiences, new stories, and interactive play, not a lecture about roller skates from the ’70s. Millennials sometimes have to gently redirect grandparents to more age-appropriate entertainment.

Share Your Grandparent Stories

Boomers may have good intentions, but Millennials see a lot of quirks, outdated habits, and amusing missteps when it comes to modern grandparenting. It’s not about disrespect or lack of love; it’s about adapting to a generation with different rules, technologies, and expectations. Grandparenting in 2025 requires humor, patience, and a willingness to learn—skills Millennials sometimes find in short supply among Boomers.

Have you had a funny, frustrating, or downright wild experience with your grandparents? Share your thoughts, stories, or comments in the comments section below.