The Baby Boomers were raised in an environment where they had to have acquired hardiness long before the term became a cliché. Economic indecision, austerity in their parenting, restraint in their comforts, and society placing high demands on them during their childhood and early adulthood determined their lives. Without protesting, these experiences produced a generation of endurers, disciplined people and tough-hearted emotional men. Although the times have changed radically, the lessons they experienced were indelible which are reflected in the way most people tackle matters of work, responsibility and life challenges up to the present.
Work Was Not Optional
Most of the Baby Boomers have been brought up knowing that being a contributor to the household was just a way of life. It was a responsibility and not a choice whether it was assisting family businesses, doing chores before school or even early part time jobs.
Nothing Came Too Easy
Their upbringing was much less abundant in material comforts, so they had to be patient and work hard even to get the most basic incentives. Feeling, saving and striving towards something was a normal way of life and slowly determined and self disciplined.
Respect Was Always Expected
There was a defined authority in households and society that was granted to parents, teachers and elders. The need to challenge the rules was not often promoted, and the education to respect the boundaries influenced the way of how many Boomers dealt with the issues of leadership, responsibility, and social order.
Failure Was A Teacher
Errors were not often cushioned by encouraging words or repeated compliments. Rather, losses were interpreted as lessons to be learned, which made people learn to grow a stronger skin and be more personally responsible.
Life moved much more slowly
Patience and presence was the only thing needed in daily life without the use of technology or instant communication. Delays in receiving mail, thriftiness, and accomplishing tasks without computer assistance prompted perseverance and realism.
Money Had Real Value
Being a child in the economic uncertainties, one was economically careful. Saving, not wasting, and thinking of the real worth of each dollar earned were also stressed by many families.
Freedom was coming in very young
It was in some cases expected of children to take up responsibilities at an early age whether walking to school alone or doing personal chores without supervision. This premature self rule contributed to building up of confidence and self reliance.
Hard Times Were Normal
Their backgrounds included economic changes, political instability, and world insecurity. These realities led to the ability of many Boomers to improvise, withstand pressure and move on even in hard times.
Solving Complaints Minimally
Issues were usually addressed in a proactive manner instead of discussing them all the time and/or expressing emotions. It was usually concerned with finding practical solutions and moving on with the responsibilities.
Expectations of the family were high
Parental expectations of discipline, education and individual behavior were frequently high. It was perceived that, in order to become a responsible adult and be a productive member of society, you had to meet those expectations.
There was no Guarantee of Comfort
Life was seldom convenient or easy which implied that individuals learnt to live with discomfort as they sought to achieve the long term objectives. This fact contributed to the formation of the mentality of persistence, accountability, and silent determination.
