Generations

On Tuesday of this week, March 28, I attended a District Meeting of the Texas Extension Education Agency. The program presented was on Generational Differences of our society. While listening to the presenter, questions and thoughts that I’ve had about the younger generations flooded my mind. “Why don’t my children do like we do? Why don’t my children think like I think? Why don’t my children demonstrate the same values as I do? After all, they’re my children and they’ve been taught differently"....or so I say. But as the presenter pointed out, each generation "sets up" the next generation by how they're taught and how they're treated.

At one time or another, we have all heard this information, but if you’re like me, the continuing changes cause me to forget. It doesn’t hurt to be reminded. Next time I catch myself being too critical of Generation X and the Millennials for their lack of “being like me”, I’ll think of this program…..until I forget again! Let’s be constant and dedicated to the different generations. God will bless each of them if we are faithful in seeking His guidance.

“Matures” — Born before 1946
Grew up with Mickey Mouse, Wheaties, Jukeboxes, “The Shadow,” Flash Gordon, Charlie McCarthy, Blondie and Dagwood, Babe Ruth, Golden Age of Radio, Tarzan, The Lone Ranger, Joe DiMaggio, WWII and the Great Depression
Tend to:
• Respect authority, even sometimes when it frustrates them.
• Place duty before pleasure.
• Believe patience is its own reward; are willing to wait for delayed gratification.
• Value honor and integrity.
• Avoid challenging the system.
• Maintain dedication to a job once they take it.

Baby Boomers — Born 1946–1964
Grew up with Captain Kangaroo, Fallout Shelters, “Laugh-In,” Peace Sign, Romper Room, Slinkys, Hula Hoops, Bell Bottoms, Ed Sullivan, TV Dinners, “Mod Squad,” Tie Dye
Tend to:
• Live to work.
• Maintain a general sense of optimism.
• Enjoy unprecedented influence on government policy and consumer products because of their numbers.
• Be willing to go into debt, betting on future income.
• Be team- and process-oriented, sometimes to detriment of results.
• Strive for convenience and personal gratification.

Generation X — Born 1965–1980
Grew up with Brady Bunch, Izod, Cabbage Patch Kids, Pet Rocks, “Jaws,” “The Simpsons,” Microwaves, MTV, Platforms, “E.T. The Extra Terrestrial,” “Sesame Street,” VCRs
Tend to:
• Work to live; not live to work.
• View jobs within context of a contract.
• Believe in clear, consistent expectations.
• Remain with a job longer if employer presents opportunities to grow.
• View money as only part of the larger equation; contribution to the whole is important.
• Desire versatility.

Millennials — Born 1981–1994
Grew up with Barney, Pogs, X Games, Cell Phones and Pagers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Virtual Pets, Jerry Springer, Pokemon, Britney Spears, Beanie Babies, Spice Girls, Internet, Mark McGwire/Sammy Sosa, Bill Gates
Tend to:
• Live in the moment.
• Rely on immediacy of technology.
• Demand clear and consistent expectations to ensure productivity.
• Believe that earning money translates into immediate consumption.
• Demonstrate respect only after they are treated with respect.
• Question everything; that’s how they grew up.
• Be more diverse demographically than other generations.

Until next posting...God Bless!