Role Reversal

A quiet revolution is unfolding in households today — one that often goes unnoticed and uncelebrated. Youngsters parenting their parents. It’s happening in the small, seemingly mundane moments: planning weekends or anniversary getaways, giving WhatsApp tutorials, scheduling doctor appointments and being there – emotionally, mentally, and physically. It’s a reflection of a shifting social and technological landscape, where the roles of care and guidance are evolving.

Digi Birds & Bees

Several consumer research surveys show that adults above 55 often rely on their children for help with smartphones, online payments and social media navigation. Salwa Jumai, a teacher from Rizvi Springfield, Mumbai, says, “Young people (children) often become their parents’ first point of help during online transactions, telemedicine consultations, or even simple tasks like setting a new password or joining online meeting calls.”

Salwa notes that labels such as “reckless” or “careless” no longer reflect today’s youth. Many young people show a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to their families, often balancing demanding careers, personal goals, and family duties with remarkable maturity. Riddhi Doshi Patel, a Child Psychologist & Parenting Counsellor, often sees many youth (20-21 age group) training their parents with technology. Riddhi notes that these bonds aren’t limited by age. Rather, they are shaped by the depth of connection one shares with their parents.

Kid-Sponsored Vacays

Another noticeable trend is youngsters planning and sponsoring holidays for their parents. Travel companies report a steady uptick in the youth booking holidays for their parents. Aparna Verma, a Counselling Psychologist, opines that the current generation says, “The youth have often gone far beyond providing just financial or practical resources. Today they’re seen offering emotional safety, validation, and companionship.”

Aparna notes that today’s youth prioritise emotional presence, shared experiences, and improving their parents’ overall quality of life — whether through planning meaningful trips, guiding them through new technology, or creating intentional moments together. She sees this as a shift toward holistic well-being rather than traditional obligation.

Aparna says the youth are shifting from ‘role-based’ caregiving (I must do this because I am their child) to attachment-informed caregiving (I want to nurture them because our relationship matters).

Money Matters

Younger adults also seem to be steering the family’s financial ship—guiding parents through investments, online security, and even retirement planning. With digital fraud on the rise, households have become increasingly alert, and most families now have a tech-savvy child helping their elders with dos and don'ts. Deepanshu Onkar, a Senior Analyst at a Research Firm, regularly helps his parents with online medical reports, payment apps and travel bookings.” He says, “I’ve also taught them basic online safety, like avoiding suspicious links or OTP scams. It has certainly made them more confident in using their phones independently.”

Teenagers today often assist their parents with everyday digital tasks, from joining Zoom calls to navigating online portals, ordering groceries online etc. He also notes that adults in their 30s and 40s typically take on responsibilities like managing hospital visits and finances for their parents, creating a shared caregiving role across generations. Aparna explains that guiding her parents through new technologies, helping them navigate digital healthcare, and creating space for emotional conversations has shown her that caregiving doesn’t need to be grand. According to her, it’s the small, steady acts of presence and warmth that truly count — those micro-moments that often matter more than any big gesture.

Pillars of Strength

For many young adults today, caregiving is no longer a distant concept — it’s a daily reality. From scheduling hospital visits to managing medications, guiding parents through telehealth appointments, or simply sitting with them during difficult days. The youth are quietly assuming responsibilities once reserved for older generations.

Riddhi emphasizes that it’s more than just logistics — it’s about the emotional depth behind the actions. She notes, “Today’s youth value relationships built on genuine connection. They want to contribute to their parents’ lives wholeheartedly.”

Today’s youth are more open about their emotions and opinions. They have their own way of expression. They are rewriting what it means to support, guide and connect. All of this, with empathy, patience and purpose!