We often chuckle at the habits of our Boomer parents, don’t we?

Their insistence on sticking to what they know, despite the rapid advancement of technology and modern ways of life, can seem baffling at best.

However, in her unwavering dedication to her ways, my mom might be onto something.

It’s easy to dismiss these ‘outdated’ habits, but taking a closer look, there’s wisdom hidden in them.

In this article, I’ll be sharing seven steadfast habits my Boomer mom refuses to part with.

And you know what? She might just be right not to let them go.

From her old-school approach to communication to her deep respect for proofreading before hitting send—these habits may seem a little old-fashioned in our fast-paced world but they continue to serve her well.

Maybe, just maybe, they could serve us well too.

1) Handwritten letters

In an era where instant messaging and emails are the norm, my Boomer mom steadfastly sticks to her habit of writing handwritten letters.

It’s a practice many of us have abandoned for the sake of convenience, but there’s something undeniably special about a handwritten note.

It demands more time and thought than a quick text or email; it shows you truly care about the person you’re writing to.

She often says, “There’s a warmth in these letters that technology can’t replicate.”

And you know what? She might be onto something.

Sure, it might seem outdated in our fast-paced world, but isn’t there something to be said for slowing down and taking the time to connect with others on a more personal level?

This habit of hers is a reminder that sometimes, the old ways have their charm and value.

2) Proofreading before hitting send

This habit of my Boomer mom initially seemed like an unnecessary delay in a world that thrives on immediacy.

I mean, who has the time to double-check every text or email before sending it?

Yet, there was this one time when her habit proved to be a lifesaver: I was about to send an important email to a client—it was late, and I was tired.

Mom insisted on giving it a once-over before I hit send.

Guess what? She found a couple of typos and a sentence that could have been misinterpreted—details that could have made me seem unprofessional.

That’s when it hit me: The practice of proofreading isn’t just about spelling and grammar.

It’s about maintaining the quality of your communication, showing respect for the recipient, and safeguarding your reputation.

As much as I hate to admit it, my Boomer mom might be right on this one.

Taking a moment to proofread could save us from future embarrassment or miscommunication.

3) Using cash over credit

My Boomer mom is a staunch believer in using cash for transactions, rather than credit cards or digital payments.

To many, this might seem like an outdated habit in our increasingly cashless society.

However, research has shown that people tend to spend less when they use cash instead of plastic.

The act of physically handing over money and seeing it diminish from your wallet can make the cost of purchases feel more real.

In contrast, swiping a card or tapping a phone doesn’t have that same psychological impact, making it easier to spend more than intended.

While her preference for cash may seem old-fashioned, it could be a smart strategy for keeping spending in check.

4) Cooking from scratch

Another habit my Boomer mom refuses to part with is cooking meals from scratch.

Fast food and pre-packaged meals? They’re a no-go in her kitchen.

She insists there’s nothing like a home-cooked meal, made with fresh ingredients and a whole lot of love.

Sure, it’s more time-consuming and involves more effort than ordering takeout or heating up a ready-made meal.

But, aside from the obvious health benefits, there’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a meal from start to finish.

Not to mention, the heavenly smell of home-cooked food wafting through the house is a comfort like no other.

This habit of hers is a gentle reminder that good things often take time and effort, but they are usually worth it in the end.

5) Regular family dinners

One of my Boomer mom’s non-negotiable habits is having regular family dinners.

No matter how busy or chaotic our schedules get, she insists we all sit down together for dinner at least a few times a week.

Growing up, I often found this to be an inconvenience.

With school, activities and friends, there were plenty of times when I would have preferred to grab something quick and retreat to my room.

But as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate these family dinners more and more.

They provide a chance for us to catch up, share stories, and stay connected in a way that wouldn’t be possible if we were all eating separately.

In times when I’ve felt overwhelmed or disconnected, these family dinners have been a source of comfort and grounding.

6) Reading a physical book

In the era of e-books and audiobooks, my Boomer mom remains loyal to her physical books.

She loves the feel of a book in her hands, the sound of flipping pages, and the smell of printed paper.

While I used to tease her about her antiquated reading habits, I’ve begun to see the appeal.

There’s a certain charm to reading a physical book that digital versions just can’t replicate.

Plus, studies suggest that reading from a physical book before bed can help improve sleep quality compared to reading on a screen.

This habit of hers serves as a reminder that sometimes, disconnecting from digital devices and enjoying life’s simple pleasures can be incredibly rewarding.

7) Listening more than speaking

One habit my Boomer mom holds dear is the art of listening.

In a world where everyone seems eager to share their opinions, she practices the often-forgotten skill of truly hearing others out.

She believes that listening more than speaking allows you to understand different perspectives, learn new things, and build stronger relationships.

The impact of this habit is profound.

It encourages empathy, fosters mutual respect, and often leads to meaningful conversations.

In an age of endless chatter, perhaps we could all benefit from embracing the power of listening.

After all, as my Boomer mom wisely reminds us, we have two ears and one mouth for a reason.

Final thoughts: The wisdom in the old ways

Our fast-paced world often pushes us towards the new, the quick, and the convenient.

In this race, we sometimes overlook the wisdom embedded in the old ways.

The habits of my Boomer mom, which I once considered outdated, have revealed deeper insights over time.

From handwritten letters to family dinners, these practices foster connection, mindfulness, and a sense of balance in our busy lives.

As the renowned philosopher Socrates once said, “Beware the barrenness of a busy life.”

Maybe we could all learn something from our Boomer parents about slowing down and cherishing what really matters.

The next time you find yourself rushing through life, take a moment to reflect on these old-school habits.

They might seem out of place in today’s world, but perhaps that’s exactly why they’re so valuable.