11 Signs You Were Raised By A Boomer Dad (And It Shows)
Boomer dads instilled in their kids a love of the simple things in life.
AlessandroBiascioli | Shutterstock Each generation of parents have their own set of unique ideas and traits that they inevitably passed down to their children. For boomer parents, who raised children in the late 20th century, they are no exception. Boomer fathers, in particular, are often known for their distinctive parenting style shaped by the societal norms and values of their time.
If you are a now-adult child of this age group, there are specific signs you were raised by a boomer dad and it shows. These signs reflect the values and parenting styles common to many boomer fathers, who were influenced by the cultural norms and societal expectations of their time.
Here are 11 signs you were raised by a boomer dad (and it shows)
1. You have respect for authority
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Many boomer parents strived to instill respect into their children, especially for authority figures. One of the signs you were raised by a boomer dad is evident if you demonstrate the utmost respect to your teachers, bosses and elders.
This respect can translate into better professional relationships and a strong understanding of social structures. Trust between individuals and leadership is crucial for long-term success, and having respect for authority figures contributes to building and maintaining that trust.
According to keynote speaker and HR consultant Steve Albrecht, "That doesn't mean you must sacrifice your personality, suck up to people you hate, or abandon your values, morals, or ethics. It does mean you will have to respect those above you for what they have achieved, even if you don't always agree with their approaches."
2. You have a DIY mentality
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If you were raised by a boomer dad, he was likely adamant on fixing things around the house himself, whether it was carpentry, plumbing, or vehicle maintenance. Hiring a professional was an absolute last resort, and this likely instilled a DIY mentality in you, where you want to repair and fix everything yourself, rather than pay large sums of money for someone else to do it.
And this is not such a bad mindset to have as, according to psychologist Dr. Laura Geige, having a DIY mentality brings out your inner creative gifts and reduces stress.
"As we immerse ourselves in the process of creation, we tap into a state of flow where time seems to stand still, and our minds are fully absorbed in the present moment," she explained. "This meditative state not only reduces stress and anxiety but also promotes feelings of relaxation and inner peace."
3. You have a deep love for classic rock and sports
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If you have a knack for sports and love classic rock bands and music, it's one of the most obvious signs you were raised by a boomer dad. He introduced you to classic rock bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones or The Who. Your dad likely had their albums on repeat when you were growing up, and never changed the channel on the radio when one of their songs played.
Your boomer dad also may have taken you to baseball and sports games, igniting a lifetime love of sports. He may have taken you to sporting events over the years or signed you up for sports leagues on the weekends.
Even if you may be a genuine fan of these things at heart, they also likely bring you a feeling of nostalgia and some of the best memories with your boomer dad who introduced you to them.
4. You have a strong work ethic
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A survey conducted by Talker Research found that 71% of boomers think their generation is the most valuable in the workplace, and 30% of Americans would call baby boomers the most reliable workers.
Boomer dads were taught that hard work was the key to success, and there was little tolerance for slacking off and not pulling your own weight. They taught their children the same idea, and they grew up to be dedicated individuals with a strong work ethic.
"If you want something, you have to work for it" is a common mantra that many people with boomer dads are familiar with. It is highly likely that if you are a hustler who prides themselves on working hard, your boomer dad is to thank for that.
5. You have a no-nonsense approach to life
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Some boomer dads carried the idea of a "no nonsense" approach to life. This meant cutting through distractions, staying focused, and being direct in their actions and decisions. They may have passed this mindset down to their children, who actively choose to live authentically, and not waste any time on things that won't contribute to their goals and well-being.
Boomers are known for prioritizing efficiency, clarity, and getting things done. Their children take note of their behavior, and often apply it to their own lives. There's a good chance you were raised by a boomer dad, and it shows, if you have this same mindset as him.
6. You use technology minimally
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Boomers grew up in a time when technology wasn't as pervasive, so their habits, preferences, and lifestyles didn't revolve around tech. In fact, many of the things they had in their homes are mostly obsolete today, including the technology they had access to, like television and console stereos.
If you grew up with a boomer dad, you likely remember him getting frustrated at the computer since he wasn't tech savvy. He may have owned a flip phone, a computer for work, and a television to watch sports, but other than that he stayed away from technology.
As an adult now, you may be unfamiliar with a lot of the latest technical advancements yourself, and don't rely on it unless you absolutely have to. Your dislike of technology speaks to how much influence your boomer father had on your life and perspectives.
7. You love the outdoors
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Many boomers were raised with a strong emphasis for outdoor activities, physical play, and exploration, since there weren't any iPads or video game consoles around when they were kids. Boomer children would play outside for hours until dark, and had growing up experiences based around outdoor activities. And now that they are parents to grown adults, boomer dads likely instilled this love of the outdoors into them.
If you enjoy being out in nature and prefer to do activities outdoors, it's one of the signs you were raised by a boomer dad and it shows. You may have memories of quality time spent with your dad when he would bring you along on hikes and fishing trips. It was often easier to connect with him outdoors where distractions from modern life were far less present.
8. You've always been independent
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Unlike modern day parenting, in the early years of their children's lives many boomer parents placed emphasis on fostering reliance and self-resilience. They urged their kids to solve problems on their own, take responsibility for their actions, and to be self-sufficient.
If you were raised with this "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality, you likely had boomer parents that you credit for your high sense of independence. Although they offered a helping hand when needed, your parents' encouragement of independence ultimately shaped you into a strong-willed individual.
Research from a Mott Poll Report shows that persuading your children to have independence fosters a child's self-confidence, resilience, problem-solving ability, and mental health.
These qualities will allow you to prosper well into adulthood, and are evident if you were raised by a boomer dad.
9. You budget wisely
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Your boomer dad likely taught you the value of a dollar. He lived through an era where credit cards and loans were becoming more widely available, making boomers more hyperaware of falling into debt.
Boomer dads may have emphasized budgeting wisely to avoid living beyond one's means and getting trapped in debt cycles. This molded their children into people who are economically intelligent as adults, understanding the value of money, careful spending and saving. Research presented by Rutgers University shows that budgeting wisely increases a person's chances of financial success, a virtue that many boomers also held near and dear to them.
If you find yourself being very careful with your money and making it a point to budget well, you may hear your boomer dad's voice echoing through your head emphasizing the fundamental role of smart saving and spending.
10. You respect heard-earned success
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Rather than taking shortcuts or expecting things to come easily, many boomers put in years of dedication, hard work, and sacrifice to make their goals a reality. You may have viewed your boomer parents' perseverance as a sign of their strength, admiring the process of achieving hard-earned success.
According to experts at Hire and Fire Your Kids, teaching your children the value of hard work equips them with the necessary tools to be self-motivated and take initiative. "Parents are a child's first teacher, and as such, they can significantly influence a child's work ethic simply by leading by example. Parents who work hard, persevere through challenges, and showcase dedication to their pursuits show children the meaning of hard work," they wrote.
You may seek a certain job where you encounter challenges and setbacks along the way. However, these obstacles have only pushed you forward, and once you hit your ultimate goal, you recognize the effort it took and demonstrate gratitude for the opportunity. You may credit your mindset to your boomer dad, who you witnessed working tirelessly toward his own dream job.
11. You appreciate the simple things
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One of the most obvious signs you were raised by a boomer dad and it shows is your appreciation for the smaller things in life. Boomers experienced a time of economic humility, pre-digital simplicity, and less consumerism. These experiences shaped their appreciation for the simple things in life, like a warm breeze, a good night's sleep, or the sound of laughter from a loved one.
Some boomer parents instilled this appreciation in their children, who also find great joy in the simplest things in life. Even if they are having a bad day, people with boomer dads who took note of the simple things are able to turn it around with something simple like a sweet treat or a walk in nature.
Megan Quinn is a staff writer with a bachelor's degree in English and a minor in Creative Writing. She covers news and lifestyle topics that focus on justice in the workplace, personal relationships, parenting debates, and the human experience.