As the child of Baby Boomers, myself and my generation are known as Echo Boomers. Baby Boomers grew up during an economic boom. They were the healthiest and wealthiest generation to date and based on their sheer numbers and lives of privilege they considered themselves to be special. In many ways it was as if all of history was leading to that generation. It’s part of the reason that many Boomers refuse to retire…a problem I may tackle in the future. The radicalism of the 60’s was due in large part to this “special generation” becoming teenagers and young adults. The children of the Baby Boomers are also generally privileged, but with one distinct difference. The Baby Boomers were raised with the ideals of their parents. Many Boomers grew up feeling like they could change the world, but it was not because their parents or teachers told them they would. The Echo Boomers by contrast have grown up with their parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors telling them than they can and should change the world. They were told that they could be anything they dreamed of if they only worked hard and in pursuit of those goals they were overscheduled and overindulged. For the Echo generation an average life was simply unacceptable. Honestly, what kind of encouragement is that? You are not helping children to succeed by setting them up for disappointment. Sure, in every generation there will be those who are truly special. They will make great discoveries, be great leaders, create great works of art, accomplish great feats of athletic prowess, and create positive change for the world. But for the most part, children will grow up to lead average lives. The problem is that when you are told that you can achieve amazing feats if you try hard enough and dream big enough then clearly there is something wrong with your dreams or effort when you fail. To grow up with an education, maintain a career, and build and support a family should be the definition of success, but for many of the children of the “special generation” success is something unattainable.
Personally, as a new mom I can say with confidence that there is no greater accomplishment than establishing a true and strong bond of love with your baby. I know that sounds cheesy and trite, but it is also true. Most importantly, nothing could be more ordinary. Parents have been loving their children since the time when hunting or gathering were the only two career options and surviving past 40 was a real accomplishment.
To conclude this week of “un-specialness” I want the world, especially the children of the Echo Boom generation, to know that being special and being average are not competing adjectives. Live a life that will provide you with some happiness and you will have achieved something great. It’s that simple. It should be that simple. You do not need to pretend at fame. You do not need to publish your life. You do not need to act crazy for attention. You just need to try and be happy with whoever you are.
In order to achieve this new philosophy we need to stop poisoning our children with insurmountable great expectations.
Parents and schools must inspire children towards achievable goals and the pursuit of individual happiness.
To all of the Echo Boomers out there; you can’t all be Queen of the World, but you can all be happy.
As always I remain your all-powerful and benevolent Queen of the World,
Marisa
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