Generation iY - 4 Points to Consider

I have just started reading the book Generation iY: Our Last Chance to Save Their Future by Tim Elmore and I am intrigued, curious, frustrated, and long for hope of this current generation. Tim defines the iY generation as those born between 1984 and 2002. Here are four quick points in the first 2 chapters and how Tim defines the current struggles of the iY generation.

Overwhelmed: This is a generation who feels pressure to perform in school, occupations, and stress about finding a "good" job. "Many of these pressures come from parents who put pressure on them to perform...for the trophy."

Overconnected: Hyper stimulation from all the various forms of social networking and playing of video games. "Technology with maturity can be hazardous."

Overprotecetd: Safety has been allowed, but has trumped growth and "America has become obsessed at protecting children at all cost and have suffered because of it." 

Overserved: Everything is about them iMac, iPod etc, the songs they listen to are about themselves and studies are revealing a higher trend in Narcissistic Personality Disorder. "Most of their life has been served instead of taught or challenged."

Now, I realize this sounds very negative and well frankly we all need a wake up call in raising this generation. I have already skipped to the end of the book to see what hope he offers and I like the picture he paints about how we can all play a part in saving their future. 

"That's not the whole picutre of course. Generation iY can also be energetic, confident, and capable. They dream big, they care about their friends, they thrive on activity. I can honestly say that some of my most meaningful relationships are with iYers."

I echo Tim's statement and this is why I love working with teens and their families because there is so much potential to change the world as long as we can embrace them and take hold of the future together.

I am thankful that Toni from NTCA for giving me this book a few weeks ago. I am excited about March 31st when Tim Elmore will be speaking at a dinner fundraiser on behalf of NTCA. I would encourage you to consider coming to the fundraiser dinner. I will continue to post a few blogs about this book because the information is valuable to all who work with children and teens.

Go here and read the first chapter it is only 5 pages: Generation iY: Our Last Chance to Save Their Future