Psychologist Peter Gray's statement

Psychologist Peter Gray states people born in the 1960s and 1970s experienced childhoods that later generations have almost never known.

“Le psychologue Peter Gray est formel : les personnes nées dans les années 1960 et 1970 ont connu une enfance que les générations suivantes n’ont presque plus connue”

Childhood experiences

People over 60 experienced childhoods that shaped their mental strength, resilience, and ability to face difficulties.

Autonomy building habits

Baby boomers developed autonomy through childhood experiences in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s when children were left alone to work early and stay bored for long periods.

Free play and unmonitored activities

Free play and unmonitored activities typical of baby boomers' childhoods strengthened autonomy and resilience, according to psychology research.

Real responsibilities early on

Baby boomers learned to manage responsibilities early, including chores, moving around independently, and small jobs, building internal control.

Tolerance for discomfort

Walking long distances on foot or cycling to school built mental endurance and tolerance for discomfort that is now rare in modern childhoods.

Tolerance for boredom

Without smartphones or streaming platforms, baby boomers learned to tolerate boredom and creativity through long periods of unstructured play.