[Flash] Harrison Ford, Candice Bergen, and the Generational Advice Gap

In an early scene, Grandma, played by Candice Bergen, encouraged her grandson’s entrepreneurial passion, in direct contrast to the boy’s doting mom, Liz, who downplayed his fluky hobby.

When the boy left the room, charged and excited by Grandma’s validation, Liz seethed, “I have one rule. Do not tell me how to parent.”

As Liz stormed out of the room, Harrison Ford’s character, Paul, entered, finding Grandma deflated.

• Grandma: I gave her some parenting advice.
• Paul responded sarcastically: Looks like she took it well.
• Grandma pouted: I’ve lived a long, full life. You’d think she’d want to learn from it.
• Paul: Unfortunately, the younger people in our lives just don’t seem to want what we have to offer.

Wait! Do they not want what we have to offer, or are they simply distracted, navigating their insecurities, proving their independence, and oblivious to the power of thought partners?

When I was in my twenties and the recipient of blindsiding advice from elders, I took it as a personal affront. Why didn’t they just shower me with praise for my brave but imperfect effort? I was young and unconfident.

Decades later, I was surprised when the tables turned. A young person in my life wrote a book but never reached out for support or advice, even though I have authored five books.

Was I hurt that my experience wasn’t called upon, or was I just feeling left out?

Later in the Shrinking episode, Grandma and Liz reconciled.

• Grandma apologized: No one likes being told what to do by their mother-in-law.
• Liz conceded: I’m sorry, too. You gave Matthew good advice. I haven’t seen him light up like that in a while.
• Then Grandma confessed: I’ve been there before. My son struggled as a child. I probably should have been more involved.
• Liz vulnerably: So, you’re saying my way is right?

And that’s how unacknowledged bravery bumps into thankless advice.

So, how can we prevent our stubborn pride from blocking the thought partnership that could strengthen our relationships?

• If we want young people to invite us to participate, seek our counsel, and value our wisdom, we need to start by recognizing and appreciating their courageous endeavors.
• If we want older people to appreciate our independence and tenacity, we must intentionally include them in our journey, seek their counsel, and listen to their war stories.

Regardless of generation, people are desperate to feel valued, respected, and relevant.

© 2026. Ann Tardy and MentorLead. www.mentorlead.com. All Rights Reserved.