The Access and Excess Generation

A teenage boy goes shopping on the Internet, sees something he likes, immediately reaches his mother via cellphone, and in a few short keystrokes, types in her credit card number and gets a shiny new iPod. Elsewhere, a conscientious eighth-grader researches her homework online, but despite her best intentions, the barrage of Instant Messages sent by her friends (from around the world) leaves her unable to finish her assignment in time...and gets her grounded for the weekend. Today's children, due to technological advances including computers, the Internet, cell phones, and satellites, are faced with a world markedly more complex - and often more distracting - than any other preceding generation.Parents who want to ensure that their children successfully develop key social skills, a healthy identity, and a strong work ethic, need to make the right choices every step of the way. In "The Access and Excess Generation", clinical psychologist Dr. Michael Osit draws on his professional, as well as personal, experiences working with children and teens who have been challenged by unprecedented access to information, possessions, and temptation. Using case studies and examples, the book provides pragmatic and sensible strategies readers can use to address the unique issues faced by children surrounded by infinite choices...and very few limits.