Over the past several weeks, you’ve heard from several women writing about what they wish others knew about their generations. This week, you’ll hear from Carolyn Tomlin (Silent Generation)! Read Georgia Williams’ (Gen Z), Elizabeth Hyndman’s (Millennial), Carol Pipes’ (Gen X), and Kelly King’s (Baby Boomer) articles.
I grew up in a rural area where children were valued and loved. It was a perfect childhood. But like others, I didn’t appreciate it at the time. When I became older, I realized I lived in a utopia—well, almost. With only one sister, my mother and father would say, “We are so fortunate to have only girls.” I felt sorry for a family nearby with four boys—no girls. With this attitude, I was taught to be a Southern young lady. Manners were very important and were emphasized daily.
Highlighting the Strengths of the Silent Generation
- As a girl, my parents taught me to learn to depend on myself and God. Don’t expect someone else to support you.
- I was taught to treat others like I want to be treated (Luke 6:31).
- Learn to have a good life without spending a lot of money. My parents survived the Great Depression and had a good life. They taught me that money doesn’t buy happiness.
- My father said, “I thought I had taught you to think for yourself. Now, you ‘do’ what you think you should do.”
- Our family had a motto: “Use it up; substitute; do without.”
- Know how to raise a garden, grow your own food, and save for the winter months by canning, preserving, or freezing.
- Praise God for good health and a strong body. My mother told me, “We can’t give you a lot of money, but we can give you a healthy body.”
- I was taught, “I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).
How Older Generations Can Help the Younger Generation
Children are fortunate to have relatives and neighbors who take an interest in them and are supportive.
- I grew up in a community where I had numerous relatives and close friends. Our house was the meeting place in the community as mother’s women friends dropped by, unannounced, throughout the day.
- The older generation helped the younger generation by telling family history, why a strong work ethic was important, and your work was your bond. If you tell someone you are going to do something—do it.
- I was taught basic homemaking skills, including how to sew my own clothes. I started making paper dolls dresses, then doll clothes, and moved on to making my own clothing. My mother and my aunts encouraged me to enter 4-H sewing contests and the West Tennessee State Fair.
- The older generation taught me how to budget my money when buying groceries. They taught me how to cook a meal by gathering fresh vegetables from our family garden. “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people” (Col. 3:23).
- My father taught me to use simple homemade products for keeping insects off garden plants.
- Without a TV or modern technology, the older generation taught me to read the sky and clouds to predict the weather.
- I learned to depend on God during difficult times or hardships.
- Because of their experiences in life, this generation can encourage the younger by saying, “This too shall pass.”
How Younger Generations Can Help the Older Generation
- During my lifetime, the world has seen many changes. Perhaps the most basic is the use of technology. The younger generation grew up learning about computers and modern technology. Some of the older generations do not understand these skills. The younger generation can help and teach those who lack this knowledge.
- Today’s phone system is different from years ago. Most people have a personal cell phone which they keep with them most of the time. Teaching the older generation how to use their phones can be a way to share your God-given knowledge with those who are older.
- The younger generation is familiar with ordering products, groceries, and many other items online. The older generation may not be as adept as youngsters in this area.
- Regardless of “who” or “what help is needed,” never make the older generation feel they are less able to perform the task. They have not had the experience and training that was given to the younger generation. “And be kind and compassionate to one another” (Eph. 4:32).
6 ways in which we recognize our generation can grow
- The Silent Generation can be thankful for having someone from the younger generation to teach and be patient with us about the topic we need help with.
- The Silent Generation can share their knowledge about family history with the younger generation. In doing so, we may learn facts and stories that we didn’t know.
- We grow when we share our knowledge with others. Some of the crafts that The Silent Generation learned are almost a lost art. Can you teach someone to crochet, knit, or embroider?
- Can you teach basic carpentry or mechanic skills?
- The Silent Generation can have an open mind to learning new things and a new way of doing them.
- The Silent Generation needs friends of all ages. Not only do they keep us young, but we see things through another’s point of view.
Get a head start and sign up for our free You Lead Webinar in November 2025: Every Generation Asks: What Do I Have to Offer? Plus, listen to this episode of the MARKED Podcast to hear best practices for having a flourishing intergenerational women’s ministry.
ABOUT CAROLYN TOMLIN
Carolyn Tomlin, Jackson, Tennessee, has published over 7,000 magazine articles and seventeen books. She teaches the Jackson Christian Writers Fellowship. She is a graduate of Union University (B.A.) in Jackson and has an M.Ed. from the University of Memphis, a certification in early childhood education, and a certification in supervision and administration. Learn more about Carolyn on her website at carolyntomlin.com.
