12. The Generation Gap

论代沟

Nowadays, many young people are complaining that their parents can not understand them very well. They say that their parents take care of every aspect of their lives, leaving them unable to have their private space. Yet, parents are worried that their children don't show any respect to them and never give them any trust.

现在，许多年轻人抱怨他们的父母不太了解他们，他们认为父母对他们生活的各个方面干涉太多，使得他们没有自己的空间。然而，父母却担心孩子对他们不够尊重和信任。

Consequently, a household phrase is spreading. It is the "Generation Gap". By using this phrase, both the young and the old have found a good explanation for their misunderstanding of each other, yet they don't bother to take any measures to cover the distance between them.

这种现象的结果使得“代沟”一词广为流传。通过使用该词，年轻人和上了岁数的人都能对存在于他们中间的误解找到很好的借口。然而，他们却不去想办法消除彼此的距离。

In my opinion, I think we should first admit that there are indeed some differences between parents and children. Then, we should try to take some time to communicate with each other frequently. Not only the parents, but also the kids should be equal when exchanging their views. Only by their joint efforts, can the parents and children bridge the generation gap between them.

在我看来，首先我们应该承认父母与孩子之间的确存在着差异。然后，我们应该经常花时间去沟通。在交换彼此意见时，父母和孩子应该处于平等地位。只有通过他们的共同努力，父母和孩子才能拉近彼此的距离。