Millennial parents are expressing their frustration and feeling abandoned by their baby boomer parents who prioritize travel over taking care of their grandchildren. According to Business Insider, many millennials feel let down as they reminisce about being regularly babysat by their own grandparents when their parents traveled. However, they now find themselves having to schedule visits with their parents or in-laws months in advance. This feeling of abandonment has led to resentment among some millennial parents, who believe their parents have chosen their own lives over building relationships with their grandchildren.

Psychologist Leslie Dobson, herself a millennial mother, has observed this trend among her clients and describes it as a "three-fourth life crisis" that many boomers experience. Dobson explains that boomers view their retirement as an opportunity to live their best lives, often leading them to prioritize personal enjoyment over familial responsibilities. She recalls her own initial disappointment when her 71-year-old father decided to relocate to a luxury resort in Mexico, as she had hoped he would be more available to help raise her children. However, her father, Ted Dobson, refutes her assessment of his choices. He insists that he still makes an effort to see his grandkids but sometimes finds it difficult to fit into their busy schedules. He also points out the stark differences in lifestyle between generations, highlighting that millennials have access to luxuries such as nannies and expensive SUVs, which were not common during his own upbringing.

Interestingly, a recent study conducted by the University of Cambridge and others reveals that middle-class millennials have accumulated significantly more wealth than their boomer counterparts did by their mid-30s. However, a Fortune poll from earlier this year indicates that 35% of millennials in the United States still rely on their parents to help pay their bills. This discrepancy suggests that while millennials may have accumulated more wealth, they still face financial challenges and rely on their parents for support.

The clash between generations extends beyond finances and lifestyle choices. Dobson notes that millennials and boomers often disagree on parenting approaches. Millennials perceive boomers as overly harsh and not adept at parenting younger children, while they strive for gentle and trauma-free parenting methods. To navigate this divide, millennials seek guidance from the internet rather than their parents, according to Daniel Cox, director of the nonprofit Survey Center on American Life. Cox argues that while millennials may not always arrive at the same conclusions as their parents, they still desire consistent emotional support and reliable childcare, especially given the high costs and demanding nature of the modern workplace.

In conclusion, the issue of boomer grandparents prioritizing travel over helping raise their grandchildren has left many millennial parents feeling abandoned and resentful. This intergenerational divide is fueled by differences in lifestyle, financial support, and parenting approaches. While millennials have accumulated more wealth than their boomer counterparts did at the same age, they still rely on their parents for financial assistance. Moreover, they often turn to the internet for parenting advice, seeking trusted individuals who can offer regular emotional support and affordable childcare.