Check out all the Generations

The generation gap stretches more and more throughout the years. Baby boomers were born from 1946 through approximately 1964. The name baby boomer originated from babies born after World War 11. There was a boom of births from men coming home from war and starting their own families.Though the generation of baby boomers officially extended to 1964 we tend to think of the baby boomer generation people more in the age range of late fifties to sixties as of 2012.

Today baby boomers make up a large percentage of our population; many have retired and others will be retiring in the next decade. Many baby boomers are experiencing financial challenges and are looking for work or attempting to start small businesses for extra money. During the work years of this generation the economy was fairly prosperous. Many baby boomers have made excellent investment decisions and can survive with prosperity in today's landscape.

Baby boomers do not remember World War 11, and they may have a slight recollection of post war living. Many of these people were brought up in affluent homes and did not suffer during economic downturns. Many baby boomers were taught a good work ethic and were happy to work after school for special things they wanted; and even worked during college years to help pay their tuition. I know this from personal experience as I always worked. I knew if I wanted something extra I had to figure out how to get it. I wanted to have more clothes, so I saved up and bought a sewing machine. And I am forever grateful for growing up in a peaceful and easy time.

Generation X births started around 1965 through the early 1980s. The term was coined from the changing attitudes and family structure during this time. Kids from generation X were often born from babyboomer parents. This generation saw the beginning of computers for home use and were taught in school how to operate these new devices. However, the computer and other new technological devices were not their main interest in life. Kids enjoyed sports, learning new things and getting together with friends without the benefits of computer games, cell phones and texting.

This was a period in history with new recreational drug use, new freedoms and the onset of the dreaded disease of Aids. Movies became more graphic and sexually exploiting. During this generation there were fewer births than in past generations. Many people felt that this generation rebelled against the idealism of the baby boomer era and broke away from families. This generation often did not feel same obligation, respect and concern towards parents and grandparents. These kids faced an upswing in divorce and often experienced living in a one parent home. If families stayed together often both parents worked to help make ends meet in order to give the kids all the things they felt they did not have growing up.There were more and more women in the workplace holding responsible jobs and seeking careers.

The dates for generation Z are a little more nebulous than the other generations, with a variety of opinions for the actual start date. Some people claimed that this generation started around 1996, but others claim it started back to the middle 80's. These generation Z kids are born from very late baby boomers or early generation X families. This generation is growing up in the heart of all that is technologically dear and present today. Whereas parents of generation Z may well be savvy with new technology, it does not control their daily lives. Generation X still talks on home phones, and does not go into panic mode if they forget to take their cell phone when leaving home. they do texting but only when necessary and not as a means of general communication. They have a value for real life experiences with friends and family. They even turn off their phones when out socially or at least put them in pockets and purses.

Generation X still can walk through a park and smell the flowers and enjoy nature. Generation Z walks through the park, looks at the flowers and starts texting with their well developed thumbs. It is amazing to me how fast they can text with their thumbs on the tiny screen.

Generation Z is a savvy generation and fully aware of what is going on in the world politically, all the natural disasters and continuing economic challenges. It would be difficult for them to miss anything going on all over the world with the constant up to minute communications from many sources.Though a good many of generation Z may want to put their heads in the sand, the internet and other forms of communication bring everything to the dinner table. It is possible that this generation is going to suffer from the turmoil in the world today when facing their future. Our growing debt and other world problems could very well totally change their lives both personally and on a more global level.

This is a generation of the big and active thumb. I am always amazed to see people texting in the car, walking and even when they are with other people in restaurants and other places. Why not pick up the phone to share a conversation? The texters are often making plans to meet someone and then they meet that someone and start texting again.

I love my cell phone and don't feel safe leaving home without it. To me these technological goodies are suitable for making plans, emergencies and changes in plans. I have to admit I don't text as I hate those little tiny letters. Leaving a voice mail is just fine with me.

Generation Z has amazing potential with so many advantages that past generations did not have. They are growing up in a changing world; though.which sometimes can feel pretty scary and even threatening. This generation mostly stay in touch with each other through social networking and always know what their friends are doing on an hourly basis. Maybe that is why they don't have to talk with each other. However, there are predators on the internet to have some concern about which is another thing to be concerned about.

Parents have a tough job today while raising kids and dealing with all the new fears. Parents have to worry about helmets, seat belts, and also their kid's safety away from home. I am still happy that I grew up during a time of peace, social ease and family closeness, even if I did have to use a payphone.

Observations of my grandchildren who are living in this generation Z, are amazing, and things have changed a lot. Parents give explanations for everything instead of just saying NO. Kids coming from affluent parents get almost everything they want and get to do everything they want. Many of the kids are on sensory overload and their days are filled with constant activity. After school becomes a time of rushing to this activity or that one. It seems that kids rarely come home from school, have a snack and go outside and play. However, parents are in fear these days of predators and other outside negative influences. The old picket fence has grown about two feet higher. However, what these kids experience today is all that they know. Being from an older generation is an awareness of how much life is changing.

What does the future hold? I do wonder what life will be like for young people of today. We luckily only worried about school grades, teachers, friends, romantic interests and who we were going to play with. And what is going to happen with the new generations throughout the coming years?