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No one would dispute that parents want the best for their children. Boomers were noted for wanting that so much, they often over indulged their children--Gen Y. Some experts believe that indulgence played a primary role in Gen Y’s propensity for ingratitude.
But, this isn’t necessarily so. The generosity of our parents may actually teach us gratitude and humility.
Gina Valo, a 26 year-old from Ann Arbor, Mich., is the perfect example. She says she has learned immense lessons in gratitude because of the things her parents gave her.
“I do not come from a particularly wealthy or well-educated lineage, but growing up I always knew I would go to an excellent college and my parents would foot the bill. They both worked extremely hard to save for my education and except a few chores, my sole responsibility was to focus on school.
I'm embarrassed to admit this, but at the time I thought this was the norm and felt that earning straight As entitled me to a free ride to the school of my choice. I feel sick to my stomach when I do the math, because what it really adds up to is several years of my parents’ lives spent slaving away at their jobs while trying to run a household and grappling with their failing marriage. It's truly humbling to imagine the personal sacrifices they made so that I would have every opportunity to be successful.”
Valo is now not only grateful for the sacrifice her parents made, but for what the sacrifice brought her.
“The older I get, the more I appreciate my education, not only for what it cost but for what it bought me: freedom to learn without distraction, freedom from stress, freedom from debt, and most importantly freedom to dream big.”
Valo still uses that freedom. She dreams of “writing her own paychecks one day” as a writer and works now as the Market Development Manager for AnnArbor.com. Read more of Valo's thoughts on her blog, The Second Fiddle.
For more on “Gen Y Gives Thanks”: Click here to read all “Gen Y Gives Thanks” related articles. Join the #GenYGivesThanks conversation on Twitter and check out what the participants in the series are tweeting about with my GenYGivesThanks Twitter list.
Love this post, Sharalyn. I'm another child of extremely generous parents, and I'm constantly wrestling with guilt because of all that they do for me and continue to do for me. I definitely wouldn't say that I have a problem with gratitude. :)
Recently, my parents gave me a no-interest loan so that I could earn my career coaching certification. It actually makes me emotional thinking of how strongly they believe in me and my ability to succeed. Like Gina Valo, I dream of the day when I can repay them for their generosity. Or at least pay it forward to my own children.
Love the concept of Gen Y Gives Thanks and that you've integrated with Twitter - I will definitely be following along all month.
Like Gina and Steph, I received (and continue to receive) a lot of support from my parents. I can't wait for the day when I can begin repaying them and doing the same for my own kids! I am so gracious for the opportunities I've had because of my parents' sacrifices, and I think it has definitely shaped how I intend to provide opportunities for my own kids one day.
Down with the negative stereotypes of Gen Y!
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