Raising generation next

 “Raising generation next”

Sun.Star Davao, June 2, 2018

When you are born with the proverbial silver spoon and belong to the millennial generation with easy access to technology and information, how do you avoid feeling entitled?

For Eleanore Lee Teo, author of the new book "Raising Heirs: Of the Spoiled and Entitled Second Generation---And Why We're Still Your Only Hope", she credits her grandparents for setting a good example by being two of the most humble people she knows.

“RAISING HEIRS: OF THE SPOILED AND ENTITLED SECOND GENERATION---AND WHY WE’RE STILL YOUR ONLY HOPE” is the first book of young author and mom Eleanore Lee Teo.  It attempts to answer the question, “How do you raise a selfless generation in a self-entitled world?”.

“They never felt that any task was beneath them or that anyone was in a lower position than them. As I grew older, I saw the great relationships they had formed with others and how well respected they were and I realized that was how I wanted to live my life as well”, she declares.

“Entitlement, by definition, is feeling that you deserve some kind of special treatment. I think I actually grew up feeling quite entitled until I was old enough to see that I had no right to be. I wish I had fixed myself earlier on, but I guess mistakes are necessary and they force us to grow up”, admits the only daughter and middle child of Edward Lee, the chairman and founder of COL Financial Group, Inc., the leading online stock brokerage firm in the Philippines.

DADDY’S GIRL. Eleanore is the only daughter and middle child of Edward Lee, the chairman and founder of COL Financial Group, Inc., the leading online stock brokerage firm in the Philippines.

Despite his dad’s mega success, Eleanore observed that he remained an extremely simple person in terms of his lifestyle. “So, there was nothing fancy or glamorous about how we were raised”. In fact, Mr. Lee always made it a point to spend time with his three children even with his packed schedule.

“I grew up sharing his love for the business because he never acted like family and work were mutually exclusive from one another. He was never ashamed to bring us along and patiently answered every single question we ever had when we were young, which was quite a feat given how busy he was”, intimates Eleanore.

Blessing and curse

Now, at thirty-three years old, the millennial (or Generation X, born between 1981-1994) mom feels that her generation is blessed to be able to have access to information and technology at their fingertips. “This has opened up so many possibilities including the option to now work from home, supplement our parenting methods, and travel more frequently”, the Ateneo de Manila University AB Communication graduate reveals.

However, Eleanore notices that the advancements in technology have both become a blessing and a curse because it breeds “impatience and lack of tolerance”.

THE MOTHER SHOW. Eleanore promotes her book on Magic 89.9’s “The Mother Show” with hosts Andi Manzano-Reyes, Riki Flores-Reyes and Delamar Arias

“We’ve been so used to instant gratification that we can’t stand to wait for anything nowadays. If we don’t get our answers or if we don’t get what we want now, we immediately consider the system faulty or defective and we use social media to magnify our complaints”, the former student disc jockey points out.

FQ MOM. Speaker, author and philstar.com contributor Rose Fres Fausto poses with Eleanore at the book launch

More so with Generation Z, or those born after 1994, who “thrive on acceleration and next, next, next”. But, wait, there’s a new “kid” in town. Enter, Generation Alpha or anyone born after 2010.

“Generation Alpha is supposedly the label for all children born in the 21st century and they have been characterized as the most technologically enhanced generation that is fully digital, mobile and used to instantaneous reactions. It is noted that the first babysitter of most Alphas will have been iPads”, relates the Kerygma contributing writer.

BRO. BO. With best-selling author, entrepreneur and Catholic lay preacher and minister Bo Sanchez during the “Raising Heirs” book launch at the Manila House Private Members Club

“Since I am still learning how to parent my six and three-year-old kids, I don't have the right to really give specific advice in terms of raising this new generation but do feel that proper communication with them is now more important than ever. They can become influenced by so many mediums now that we must make sure they are aware that if they ever have a question, they can always turn to their parents rather than their tablets”, underscores the young mom.

Leading by example

The main message of her debut book “Raising Heirs” is for parents “to take responsibility for our children”.

Eleanore details that the book speaks to three different audiences - the first deals with those who are still working their way to find their personal success. “I explain how it can sometimes become easy to neglect family in the process because we're so busy trying to build our businesses or our careers but nonetheless, as early as possible, we need to think about succession and how we can share the journey with our children”, explains the Marketing and Operations Managing Director of the Caylum Trading Institute.

“Eventually, it directs its message to the second generation as it talks about why we cannot constantly use our privileges to shortcut our way to success and why adversity is a necessity. The final part of the book then is a plea to parents to develop lasting, deep bonds with their children by giving the time, effort and understanding needed to strengthen them”, she describes.

Royce and Eleanore Teo with their adorable kids Eloise and Ramsey

“My husband Royce pretty much had to earn everything on his own the moment that he graduated from college. His parents raised all seven of their kids to become self-sufficient and independent because they weren't as well off as many of their other peers, but they were taught the value of hard work and the importance of family. Those are two of the major principles in life that I wanted our kids to grow up with and since I emphasize in the book the significance of leading by example, I knew that my kids would have their dad to serve as exactly that”, Eleanore beams with pride.

“My goal is to raise responsible, happy and morally upright individuals. They may not grow up to be part of the world's wealthiest but with the right attitude, habits, and values, I am confident that they'll get by well enough”, enthuses Eleanore.

“Raising Heirs: Of The Spoiled and Entitled Second Generation---And Why We’re Still Your Only Hope” is available at National Bookstore and online at www.kerygmabooks.com for an SRP of P350.00.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com/.