How to talk to teenagers from Generation Z?

They are different. On the Internet, they feel like fish out of water. Here they can spend their free time, study and work. They don't know a world without the Internet. Older generations describe Generation Z - young people born between 1995 and 2010 - as " demanding ". This is because they have a different approach to work - they want to work to live , not the other way around. They are ready to change jobs often, collect experience , and try their hand at various fields. These are not people who dream of working in a corporation. They want more.

Generation Z, "centennials", generation C - what are they like?

According to writer Bruce Horovitz, Generation Z begins in 1995, and Futures Company calls people born after 1997 "Centennials". They are also called the "silent generation", "multitasking generation" or "generation C". They know the Internet like the back of their hands, after all, they largely grew up here. They treat the Internet as the first source of information, which they are as willing to share as they are to share their private life. They are open here, although when it comes to relationships, they are picky - they usually have fewer of them than older generations. They attach importance to quality. It's the same at work - even though they are just entering the labor market, it is already known that working with them is very different from sharing an office with representatives of older generations. At work, they not only want to earn money and fulfill themselves, but also feel good . They are enterprising and want to change the world, and they want to make these changes using new technologies.

Why don't parents understand their Generation Z children?

The parents are surprised. They don't really know how to talk to their children, because the world they grew up in is a completely different place. In addition, kids clearly have different preferences . What was important to parents is second, third or even further to them. Example? Driving skills . For my parents, obtaining a driving license was an extremely important step into adulthood and independence. Generation Z - according to research published in the "Child Development" magazine - does not want to rule the streets. They drive less and less frequently . They also work less often, rarely full-time, often on a part-time basis , and they lead their social lives rather from the comfort of their homes. However, therapist Steve Robertson says parents shouldn't worry about it. He explains that this "rebellion" of young people opens many doors for them rather than closing them. Their behaviors are conservative , which can be seen in their beliefs and lifestyle choices - e.g. less tendency to engage in risky behaviors related to alcohol, drugs or sex. "Their choices are mature and thoughtful, " writes the therapist. And he reveals ways to understand children and enter their world:

Encourage people to go offline.

Agreed – sounds trivial. After all, what could be so difficult about making an appointment with a doctor or calling a restaurant? It may not be a challenge, but every representative of Generation Z will probably think about sending a message or using an application first . And ok, there's nothing wrong with that. However, even trivial interactions with people who are not hidden behind monitors or smartphone screens are valuable. Show them your work, your co-workers, tell your child about your days - you can also take them to work . Children will feel important, appreciated and valued if you show that their opinion and presence are important.

Involve family activities.

Every parent knows this - persuading a teenager to take part in a family project/trip/activity is often a miracle. It's clear - children of all ages are usually completely absorbed in what they are doing, regardless of what it is - reading, playing or talking with a friend. This must be respected, but at the same time you can include the child in family activities, giving him a sign that he is important and his presence is priceless . Also try to be interested in what your child is doing - play a game, watch a video on Tik Tok, check out a new cool app. Don't be afraid of the Internet - and if you don't know something, ask your child . Really – he is an expert. Use it in a conversation, appreciate it.

Respect and be there.

What else? This is crucial in every relationship, especially one with a child - whether a two-year-old or a 17-year-old. Respect, openness, taking emotions, feelings, joys and sorrows seriously. This is the basis. Don't criticize - listen . Follow. And above all – be.

Bibliography:

1. Twenge, J.M. and Park, H. (2019), The Decline in Adult Activities Among US Adolescents, 1976–2016. Child Dev, 90: 638-654
2. Steve Robertson, “How to Raise a Gen Z Kid,” February 1, 2018