Rising Twilight Parenting Due to Millennials Delaying Pregnancy and Childbirth
Analysis Suggests Baby Boomers Desire Independence for Themselves
In the United States, a generational conflict is emerging between the younger and older generations over 'twilight parenting.' While the elderly want to enjoy their retirement by traveling, the younger generation, who have just started raising children, feel disappointed that their parents are not helping to take care of their grandchildren.
According to reports from major foreign media on the 3rd (local time), 33-year-old Kristjana Hilberg shared her experience of generational clashes.
She recalled that during her childhood, it was common for her to stay at her grandparents' house whenever her parents were busy. Hilberg then said that now that she is married and has children, her parents, who have become grandparents, are not able to spend as much time taking care of their grandchildren.
Hilberg said, "When I was young, it was natural to stay at my grandmother's house if my parents were busy. But now, if I want to leave my children with my parents, I have to ask months in advance if they have any travel plans."
The situation became complicated due to several overlapping factors between the younger millennial generation and the older baby boomer generation.
The millennial generation has noticeably delayed pregnancy and childbirth compared to previous generations. As a result, the baby boomer generation, now entering old age, has become the oldest generation of grandparents in history.
Another factor contributing to the conflict is that the baby boomer generation has prepared thoroughly for retirement, unlike other generations. According to a survey by the U.S. Federal Reserve, as of last September, the total assets of the baby boomer generation (born 1946?1964) amounted to $78 trillion (approximately 10,179 trillion KRW), significantly more than other generations.
Breaking it down by generation, the oldest-old generation born before 1946 holds $18.7 trillion, Generation X born between 1965 and 1980 holds $46.1 trillion, and the millennial generation born after 1981 holds $13.3 trillion.
Additionally, a survey conducted by investment bank Bank of America revealed that the baby boomer generation tends to spend more on travel and dining out compared to other generations.
American psychologist Leslie Dobson analyzed, "This is a very common headache. Baby boomers feel at about three-quarters through life, 'My life is almost over,' and seek to enjoy their old age. However, millennials feel neglected by parents who are pursuing their own lives."
Average Age of Childbirth in the U.S. Rises from 21.4 to 27.2
The rising average age of childbirth in the U.S. is also cited as a major cause of the conflict.
According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average age of first-time mothers was 21.4 years in 1970 but increased to 27.2 years by 2000. In fact, millennial couples tend to have children mainly in their 30s or 40s, which means baby boomers are becoming older grandparents than before.
As a result, the millennial and baby boomer generations have developed differing views on parenting, and the experiences and advice of baby boomers may feel inappropriate to millennials.
Daniel Cox of the nonprofit organization 'American Life Survey Center' analyzed that while novice mothers and fathers used to seek wisdom and help from relatives, they now turn to Google and smartphone apps.
There is also an analysis that baby boomers now desire independence for themselves. Nella Hanson, 61 this year, devotedly cared for her eldest granddaughter since infancy, but after recently remarrying, she has not been able to spend as much time with her second and third grandchildren.
Hanson said, "It hurt my heart that I couldn't do as much as before," but she realized that she must now prioritize her life with her new husband.
Meanwhile, according to the OECD's '2022 Korea Economic Report,' the average age of first childbirth in Korea rose from 26.23 years in 1993 to 32.30 years in 2020, an increase of 6.07 years over 27 years.
In response, local governments have adopted grandparent caregiving allowances as part of measures to address low birth rates and aging populations. This system provides a monthly allowance of around 300,000 KRW per person when grandparents take care of young grandchildren.
The adoption of grandparent caregiving allowances by local governments signifies official recognition of grandparents' childcare, which was previously considered a private family matter, as labor with value. From the parents' perspective, entrusting their children to blood relatives rather than strangers alleviates anxiety, allowing them to work and engage in economic activities. Meanwhile, grandchildren receive care from their grandparents and can grow up in a emotionally stable environment.
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