I think what people need to realize is that we're all just winging it. I have seen a lot of people say how their parents seemed like they had everything figured out when they were young, and they are lost now. Are they showing their lost side to their children? I would think they did the same things as their parents. Grit their teeth, and do their best. Learn from one's mistakes and ask help from others.
I think there is something to this, but I also think there was actually more stability then - so without all the options on the table, they were forced to be grownups. Lucky, because the late 80s and early 90s were tough.