What NOT to do with Generation Z

Who is Generation Z? Dr. Tim Elmore, founder and CEO of Growing Leaders, visited Second Baptist School as we kicked off 2024. He presented sessions with faculty, staff and parents, sharing his vast knowledge of the rising generations. 

Generation Z is a generation marked by both high agency and high anxiety, explained Dr. Elmore. In his session, The Parents Guide to Generation Z, he shared practical perspectives on this generation of students as well as strategies for parents. Read on to discover three things NOT to do as parents of Generation Z.

What NOT to do with Generation Z:

1. Risk too little. 
   Tim Elmore revealed that one of the most common mistakes parents make leading their kids is to risk too little. We prepare the path for the child instead of the child for the path. Head of Upper School Jon Konzelman agrees, saying the biggest takeaway from Elmore’s sessions was the recommendation to shift from prescriptive parenting to descriptive parenting. He says, “Parents must position themselves with their children and Godly guides to equip our students for life and give them ownership of the gifts God has given them.” Risk-taking, not recklessness, allows students to grow in their ability to face obstacles on the path, rather than seeking the path of least resistance.
    
2. Rescue too quickly. 
   Are we getting our children ready for the future or causing them to overly depend on their parents? Students need parents and teachers who will equip them for adulthood. Rescuing our children leads to a lack of confidence, whereas empowering our students to solve their own problems, take responsibility and adapt in new situations will lead to adults who have strong autonomy, self-esteem and problem-solving skills. Dr. Elmore suggests leading with empathy and compassion and following through with empowerment. For example, when students encounter challenges, listen to their feelings and empower them to take the actions needed to face the difficult circumstances and overcome.
    
3. Rave too often. 
   In today’s age, many parents “rave” or praise their children too often. When we create a culture of constant praise, students begin to expect and crave external affirmation, rather than building intrinsic motivation and self-discipline. Dr. Elmore suggests that we be realistic in how we praise our children, not hyperbolic. This teaches our students that praise earned is praise deserved. 

Interested in learning about the youngest generation, Gen Alpha? 
Text SECONDBAPTIST to 75101 to receive access to a free copy of Dr. Elmore’s An Early Introduction to the Alpha Generation.