This term is so much in use by this generation and having heard it from my own folks i couldn't resist trying to get underneath the lingo.
On my recent trip abroad we met a lot of families from different parts of India and the USA,They had different accents, had traveled the globe and were accompanied by their children of varying age groups from 6-21 years of age.They initially were hesitant to get to know each other but with some ice breaking they gelled so well that the true spirits started emerging.They were on twitter and FB, they were on Ipods and I pads,skype and face time and keeping track of the changing GMT world times with the time difference between the place we visited and the time back home or various places across the globe where their friends and relations resided.
I was enjoying the company of my wife and the new found friends and parents of all these young ones.As intrigued as i am always, couldn't resist the temptations to befriend this Gen-X.I always feel, its good to share thoughts and ideas, learn their ways and try and understand the inside story behind why they like to do a certain thing or what challenges they face.But, to do so its important to get in their inner circle.Doing that in a matter of a day or two , required immense skills and experience of all these years I have been in Sales and Marketing as well as I give credit to my daughters , who treat both of us as friends than parents and teach us the intricacies of their generation .The fascinations with "FRIENDS","BIG BANG THEORY " and their characters, the latest numbers , be it english or Hindi movies,the trendy games on the I Pad( even if one doesn't play, knowing about them can always help to start a conversation and build on it.Then I used my palm reading skills which took off like wild fire and seeing them being convinced with what ever I told them,showed me how gullible they could be in the hands of some one who could exploit them.What fascinated me was their quest for learning, earning and being successful with variable definitions that they perceived was success.We had Rich parents, splurging on clothes( Branded only!!!!!), ready to give trendy clothes, throw parties and take admissions for studying abroad in canada or USA ,which remained at the top of the agenda.
End of the trip what I consider, success for myself was, making new friends who connect with me on all social networking sites,who missed us and became emotional when it was time for us to leave for home and I could hear the chorus" Bipin Uncle" please come over and sit with us at the back of the coach".It was touching indeed.Felt years younger and also liked the fact that ,traveling the world over helped me improve my personality and character and relate to the latest in life that is very important in my opinion for every parent so that they can bridge the gaps pretty quick and learn while they teach their young ones the secrets of life.Keep a look out for whats happening around you in the world of the next generation as much as you would like to police them.I think , creating that trust and engaging your self with the changing times will make you 'Their cool dude" for sure.
I got my self and my wife certified as COOL DUDES and keep getting that compliment every trip of ours which just makes us feel......WOW!!!!!!!.All we do is create the ambiance and live through what they consider as FUN.While doing that , show them what reality could be and how life takes turns as we cruise through .Teach them how not to stress out, not to take peer pressures and keep life as simple and enjoy every moment, but understand the value of money that is hard earned .
On my recent trip abroad we met a lot of families from different parts of India and the USA,They had different accents, had traveled the globe and were accompanied by their children of varying age groups from 6-21 years of age.They initially were hesitant to get to know each other but with some ice breaking they gelled so well that the true spirits started emerging.They were on twitter and FB, they were on Ipods and I pads,skype and face time and keeping track of the changing GMT world times with the time difference between the place we visited and the time back home or various places across the globe where their friends and relations resided.
I was enjoying the company of my wife and the new found friends and parents of all these young ones.As intrigued as i am always, couldn't resist the temptations to befriend this Gen-X.I always feel, its good to share thoughts and ideas, learn their ways and try and understand the inside story behind why they like to do a certain thing or what challenges they face.But, to do so its important to get in their inner circle.Doing that in a matter of a day or two , required immense skills and experience of all these years I have been in Sales and Marketing as well as I give credit to my daughters , who treat both of us as friends than parents and teach us the intricacies of their generation .The fascinations with "FRIENDS","BIG BANG THEORY " and their characters, the latest numbers , be it english or Hindi movies,the trendy games on the I Pad( even if one doesn't play, knowing about them can always help to start a conversation and build on it.Then I used my palm reading skills which took off like wild fire and seeing them being convinced with what ever I told them,showed me how gullible they could be in the hands of some one who could exploit them.What fascinated me was their quest for learning, earning and being successful with variable definitions that they perceived was success.We had Rich parents, splurging on clothes( Branded only!!!!!), ready to give trendy clothes, throw parties and take admissions for studying abroad in canada or USA ,which remained at the top of the agenda.
End of the trip what I consider, success for myself was, making new friends who connect with me on all social networking sites,who missed us and became emotional when it was time for us to leave for home and I could hear the chorus" Bipin Uncle" please come over and sit with us at the back of the coach".It was touching indeed.Felt years younger and also liked the fact that ,traveling the world over helped me improve my personality and character and relate to the latest in life that is very important in my opinion for every parent so that they can bridge the gaps pretty quick and learn while they teach their young ones the secrets of life.Keep a look out for whats happening around you in the world of the next generation as much as you would like to police them.I think , creating that trust and engaging your self with the changing times will make you 'Their cool dude" for sure.
I got my self and my wife certified as COOL DUDES and keep getting that compliment every trip of ours which just makes us feel......WOW!!!!!!!.All we do is create the ambiance and live through what they consider as FUN.While doing that , show them what reality could be and how life takes turns as we cruise through .Teach them how not to stress out, not to take peer pressures and keep life as simple and enjoy every moment, but understand the value of money that is hard earned .
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