Grumpy Kids, despite so much choice?
“I can’t believe you are bored again. You have a play station, DS, so many toys, books and TV channels. When we were your age, we didn't have as much choice but we never complained.”
If you grew up in the 60s, 70s or early 80s in Asia, you can visualise what life with limited choices was like. Fewer toys, no gadgets, no multifunctional phone, limited number of shows for children on TV, rare and far away amusement parks, fewer malls and restaurants. And hence, it may be difficult to imagine why your children today, with access to practically everything – more than you can imagine – are still complaining. About what?
‘We had such limited choice as a child, yet we never complained. We accepted the reality and stayed happy with what we got. Today, our children have so much, things we could not even imagine. Yet they are bored most of the time and complaining. What is with this generation of ‘smart’ kids? They are grumpy despite so much choice.’ A couple quipped at a seminar and the question resonated with a large number in the audience.
Research shows that children are grumpy today, NOT despite but BECAUSE OF too much choice.
Yes, they have access to more. And have much more than their parents had as children. But, Read on...
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