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- June 9, 2008
Graduation’s Impact on Baby Boomer Parents
Did you know public elementary and high school students today are more diverse than the baby boomer generation of students? According to a report by the US Census Bureau, in 1970, the student population was 79 percent non-Hispanic white, 14 percent black, 1 percent Asian and Pacific islander and other races and 6 percent Hispanic. In 2003, 60 percent were non-Hispanic white, 16 percent black, 4 percent Asian and 18 percent Hispanic. By the years 2015, I bet the number of minority students will outnumber whites. It already does in many urban cities across America.
Today I became the parent of a high school graduate. Just like most parents of my baby boomer generation, I always want the best for my daughter. I want her to be judged by the content of her character and her knowledge and not by the color of her skin. Unfortunately, racism is still alive and well and in some cases being perpetuated by the baby boomer generation. All you have to do is look inside the boardrooms in Corporate America and see who’s calling the shots and how many faces of color are in real decision-making positions.
Sadly, too many young people enter into adulthood without a clue as to how the world really is. Why? Good question. In today’s speech, the Valedictorian admitted he lived in a “bubble” for four years and, as a result, missed out on the opportunity to get to know and help some people along the way.
We, as baby boomer parents, must bear the responsibility for how our children have been raised. The future is in their hands. What you instill in them when they’re young will reveal itself when they become adults—good or bad. It will also be a reflection on you.
So the question is, are you happy with the way your children (and grandchildren) are turning out?
2 Responses to “Graduation’s Impact on Baby Boomer Parents”
I think it’s the same the world over. I would have loved to learn the things my kids can learn today, or in most recent years. The opportunities they have are amazing! But parents still need to drive how that is received. With so many choices in what they can do today, it’s no wonder our young people find it difficult to make choices for their lives and are often confused. We have 3 daughters who are making their way in life and 2 others still trying to work out what they want to do. They’re all in their 20s. But as for how they’ve turned out? Yes, we’re happy that they are well-adjusted young adults.
By Kathie M. Thomas on Jun 10, 2008
Congratulations on the graduation of your daughter, it seems a long time since my daughter graduated HS and son college. Both of my children were raised in the same home, same rules and guidelines, same serious times, same fun times, but both are so uniquely different. I can see the good in them that was passed on by us, and yes, there’s those little negative things as well.
We as parents did the very best we could with God’s leading, failed now and then, did great other times, and trust the outcome with the Lord. They are His.
Hugs, Claudia
By Claudia @ Memories & Nostalgia on Jun 10, 2008