Generation Me & Productivity

Generation me or shall I say the I want it now group? We have a very challenging discussion here on a topic that a lot of parents are dealing with in ways that past generations never had to deal with. We are not portraying this generation as evil or completely lost and incapable of change. This particular group is a victim of societies push for self esteem at all cost. Give them their space, sounds a lot like the 70's if you ask me but this one appears more disciplined in their views.

Past generations always seemed to cycle out of what ever pocket or sphere they were in. Cleary social events defined each group or generation to a point we have seen War, Drugs and Freedom as isolating themes throughout history.

Generation Me is coming off as very self centered on what they believe is their right to recieve at littlle or no effort on their own part. Give me this or get me that is a common description from parents dealing with trying to understand what is going on socially within their families. Entitlement is perceived by this group to a very alarming level across the board.

No longer do we see kids in the 15 to 19 group interested in going to work to establish their own spend capability. This group is all about preparing a list of demands and is quite confident that their demands will be met. Cell phones is a great example and sadly one that is driven way too low age-wise within this group.

Today, parents don't think twice about buying that $9.95 additional phone to add to their family plan from Verizon for little Sally all of 6 years old. Its for security and safety. Sounds good but why the Text Messaging plan added for little Sally? There was a great device released by Verizon a couple of years ago and it was a special phone (at least we thought so) just for kids and this situation. It was special because it didn't have the traditional number pad. It had 4 buttons that the parents hard coded so only certain numbers could be called and absolutely no TEXT MESSAGES could be typed. Not a very popular phone sadly. Why was this?

Generation Me would never tolerate such an inhumane device. They would not fit in with the elite of their peer group and thus be outed to the exits of every discussion. Discussion as in verbal exchange or conversation? This generation? Not a chance. They type their thoughts in a code that only their siblings can decipher.

This group of kids has been harmed in such a way that as they mature their struggle for identity within the working class will be tremendous. They will find it difficult to conduct an interview for a job as an example because most of them probably have had few if any experiences from such an event as teenagers.

So, what can be done here? The good news is we can make a difference as parents going forward. It takes discipline with our teens and ourselves to say NO. But say it with explanation and purpose. Provide parental leadership and be part of the solution not the answer itself. These kids need to adjust to a world that has changed over the past 10 years and the balance of power is truly Global. No one country stands out as the number one platform for the future. It's up for grabs and the societies that have a focused and driven socialized attitude will dominat the next few decades like never before.