Boomers have gotten something of a bad rap in recent years. Perhaps it's just the natural order of things—they're now parents and grandparents, and therefore "so uncool." Or maybe it's the stereotype that they are so set in their ways that they're hard to converse with (it's always good to be proven wrong on that one). Plus, the viral social media meme "OK, Boomer" from a few years ago definitely didn't help, either.Despite all of that, psychologists say that many Boomer parents boast high emotional intelligence—and that's nothing to roll your eyes at."In adult child-parent relationships, emotional intelligence helps the child feel more seen, respected and understood," says Dr. Holly Schiff, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist. "Emotionally intelligent parents do not default to authority or control. They communicate with empathy and curiosity. This promotes open dialogue, supports mutual respect and reduces defensiveness. It also allows the parent and child to repair emotional ruptures more easily."Despite that aforementioned stereotype about crotchety older people—which, let's be honest, every generation gets after a certain age—all of that wisdom they've stored over the years actually translates into high emotional intelligence (EI, EQ or EIQ). And the following 13 psychologist-backed signs that a Boomer parent has high emotional intelligence really hone in on why that is. Plus, they share the biggest sign that a Boomer (or anyone, really) has low emotional intelligence. Related: 13 Things People With High Social Intelligence Often Say, According to Psychologists
2. Emotional regulation during difficult conversations
High EI Boomer parents don't just have tough conversations. They handle themselves during them."Instead of reacting defensively or with anger, they take time to reflect and respond thoughtfully," notes Dr. Ernesto Lira de la Rosa, Ph.D., a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor. "This ability to regulate emotions demonstrates maturity and awareness of how their behavior affects others."
4. Asks questions to understand rather than to challenge
When Boomers do speak, those with high EIs often start with thoughtful questions."Curiosity and openness allow for deeper understanding," Dr. Lira de la Rosa shares. "When a parent seeks to understand their child’s perspective truly, it shows they have emotional flexibility and empathy."
6. Willingness to apologize and take accountability
Boomer parents with strong emotional intelligence don't just know that their ancestors were imperfect. They know that they, too, have made and continue to make mistakes, and they don't just keep these truths inside."They can apologize sincerely and take accountability," Dr. Schiff reports. "They were raised in a culture where admitting fault was equated with weakness. If they can apologize and take accountability, it reflects strong emotional maturity and that they value repair over ego."Related: 8 Things Most Boomers Experienced as Kids That Made Them More Resilient Than Other Generations, Psychologists Say
8. Flexibility with communication styles
A next-level sign that a Boomer parent has high emotional intelligence is the ability to adapt their communication style to the person they're speaking with. For instance, they may have two children and understand that one prefers a parent who listens without offering advice, while the other appreciates their insights."The flexibility to tailor their tone and words to maintain connection shows self-awareness and empathy; both core traits of EI," Dr. Schiff explains.
10. Openness to therapy
Older generations were raised to believe asking for mental health help was weak and to find other ways to "figure it out.""Some Boomers were raised to seek religion and not therapy," Dr. Leno reports. "Those who are emotionally aware accept that therapy has its benefits."Related: 6 Ways To Raise Emotionally Intelligent Children or Grandchildren
12. Traditions are no pressure
Boomer parents with high emotional intelligence may have cherished certain traditions with their now-adult kids back in the day. However, they know their child may do things differently, such as wearing PJs and staying home on New Year's Eve rather than attending the family's large, formal party at a venue. "Boomers with high emotional intelligence trust their children to do what's best for them—or not," Dr. Leno explains. "While tradition is valuable and worthy of honor, it should not compromise happiness and well-being."
13. Boundaries aren't dirty words
The #1 Sign of Low Emotional Intelligence in Boomer Parents
"A common sign of low emotional intelligence is dismissing or minimizing someone else’s feelings," Dr. Lira de la Rosa says. Common phrases associated with this sign include invalidating ones like "You're too sensitive" and "That's not a big deal."He encourages Boomers to be mindful of their higher propensity to use these phrases."For some Boomers, this may be a blind spot because they grew up during a time when emotional expression was often viewed as weakness and resilience was equated with suppressing emotions," he shares. "This way of coping may have been adaptive in the past, but it can create challenges in relationships today."Dr. Schiff agrees, adding that making a habit of minimizing someone's feelings can come across as emotionally avoidant parenting. She also reports that, for Boomers, emotional avoidance is often a product of “a culture that prized self-reliance and viewed emotional expression as weakness.” "The risk is that this avoidance can lead to unresolved tension and emotional distance, even when love and good intentions are present," she shares. "If Boomers can recognize and address these moments of avoidance, it can help them bridge that gap and foster deeper and more emotionally attuned relationships."Up Next:
Related: 7 Things Emotionally Intelligent Women Do When Someone Tries to Gaslight Them
Sources:
Dr. Holly Schiff, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist.Dr. Michele Leno, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and host of Mind Matters with Dr. Michele.Dr. Ernesto Lira de la Rosa, Ph.D., is a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor.Hence then, the article about 13 signs a boomer parent has high emotional intelligence according to psychologists was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( 13 Signs a Boomer Parent Has High Emotional Intelligence, According to Psychologists )
Also on site :