There is a generation gap; but Kes is not exhibiting petulance in this conversation, and he doesn't treat her like she is. I was impressed that he let her have her say and didn't try to prevent her defying their traditions; she walked away with him looking after, mulling over what she'd said.It always gave me the impression that he's speaking to her like a young teen, not full adult.
He's speaking down to her as if her generation doesn't understand tradtion.
Isn't that the sign of a generation gap?
That just tells me that Kes was raised properly, not that she's an adult.
If she's already an adult coming onboard Voyager, then what's the point of watching her grow up and eventually die? Why make her live 9 years, if she's already considered a grown adult when we meet her?
We've already missed the important lessons that shaped her personality by then.