Family life has changed a lot over the past 50 years.
Firstly, nuclear families have replaced extended ones. In the past, there were usually three generations living together in a household. Now, there are often two: parents and children. The generation gap has become less obvious.
Secondly, Vietnamese people are traditionally family-oriented. Holidays in the past mostly meant gathering, cooking and eating. Now, more families go out, visit places, play and eat. Overall, holidays have become more relaxing and less tiring.
Lastly, families in the past spent more time talking and doing things together. Children came to their elders to share their experiences and look for answers to their questions. Today’s children have more opportunities to learn from other sources. They do not depend all on their elders. While they listen to their parents, they want their parents to listen to them, too. The relation between parents and children is more democratic. Parents have learned to respect their children’s independence and privacy.