Are you the parent of a pre-schooler and wondering who this strange being is that you have been tasked with parenting?
Children in South Africa who have been born post the turn of the Century are now being recognised as the beginning of a new generation. Each generation is marked by clear common characteristics in their life experience at a point in time according to Howe and Strauss, considered the leading specialists in generational theory in the USA each generation is shaped by a “crisis” period.
So what was the crisis period that has shaped this new generation ? There have been 2 major events that have happened firstly, 11 September 2001 and the “Twin Tower” disaster and secondly “The Global recession”. We have the birth of Generation Z or Generation I
So who are these Generation Z’ers you may ask.
The Key characteristics are
• They are the first generation to be born into a digital world, from womb (3d and 4d Scans) to everyday life (TV’s, Computers, cell phones and the Internet)
• They are technologically savvy with a preference for communicating electronically.
• The average age of parents has increased to 33+ at birth with more and more mothers who have decided to build a career and then have children.
• Both Parents work, which means parents are often busy and tired. The Gen X parents of Gen Z are more likely to push for flexibility in their work to be present for their children at school sports etc .
• There is less smacking for discipline and more experimenting with techniques such as time out and reward
• Parents are spending a lot of time and money on reading books and attending courses on parenting.
• Parents often give in to the demands of these children out of guilt or trying to give every possible opportunity.
• Parents are “bubble wrapping” their children ie. Extremely cautious not allowing children to do things which “could be dangerous”. This can result in children who are afraid to try new things or create an opposite reaction of trying everything when the parents are not around.
• Parents engage children in many structured after school activities resulting in children who have very little free time and do not know how to play by themselves.
So what are the implications of this new generation
As parents:
We have a challenge to make sure that our children are brought up in a balanced way. We need to see that our children are taught to respect their world and the people around them while having the freedom to explore and grow. These children are hungry for technology, as parents we need to help them find balance between the real world and the virtual world while preparing them for adulthood. We also have a responsibility to not stifle the creative thinking behind the children that can see the world as we know it today become something from “Sci-fi” movies of our youth
As teachers:
We have inquisitive minds that need to be encouraged and shown how to look for and find answers to questions we may never even have considered. We have a responsibility to help these children learn the skills that will enable them to communicate and become adults that can function in a multi-generational environment.
As pastors:
We need to encourage these young people to engage in the one relationship that is above all others, a relationship with Jesus that cannot be lived in the virtual or real world only. This will happen by harnessing the power of technology and combining it with the power of relationship and mentoring. Social networking to the extreme.
We are looking ahead to an exciting journey into the unknown as we discover a new generation of young people given to us as a gift from God.
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Hayley Walker from All That’s Kids (Pty) Ltd. Hayley is a mom of 2 beautiful children age 3&4, married to Graeme and runs a business that focuses on “Providing a safe environment for children to grow to their full potential”. All That’s Kids runs parenting courses, youth and children’s ministry training courses and has set up a youth and children’s ministry academy with the view of helping children and families to know Jesus. See www.atk.co.za or find us on facebook. Tel 012 661 3300