All millennials are struggling as parents. It is obvious why! So much has changed in the past four decades, and along with coping with fast-paced technology, we must also cope with fast-paced children.
NOTE: Millennials refers to Gen Y born between 1980-1994
Gen Z between 1995-2012 and
Alphas between 2013-2025
Please note, Gen Z and Alphas have been used interchangeably throughout the article.
Why is it a struggle for Gen Y?
Gen Z and Alphas are very different from Millennials, not just in terms of generation but also because there is a huge difference in the way the two are brought up.
The latter have first seen scarcity and prosperity later in life. It was expected to be flexible, adjusting, responsible, hardworking, and sincere.
With Gen Y, the expectations have changed. They have begun their life with prosperity. They need to be street-smart in dealing with people, be smart workers, stay updated, be more technologically aligned, compete with AI for survival, fight more tech distractions and so on.
With a quickly changing world and newer challenges, Alphas are finding it difficult to cope with their environment. And so are the millennials who find it difficult to guide their offspring. Let us shed some light on how things are.
Exposure to the Internet and social media
It is not just apps where we can share our life stories or day-to-day life - for children, it has become a window to the world and the scale to measure the 'perfectness' of their lives. Since we belong to a generation that was only affected by our immediate environment and Doordarshan or cable TV, it is slightly difficult for us to understand the obsession with social media. Mounting peer pressure and the need to update every moment of your life on social media is making life difficult for the alphas.
Mental Health Challenges
The constant exposure to curated lives on social media has impacted Gen Z and Alphas' mental health. Unlike Millennials, who had limited external comparisons, today's kids are flooded with unrealistic standards of beauty, success, and happiness. The fear of missing out (FOMO) and the pressure to conform to viral trends have contributed to increased anxiety and stress among youngsters. This mental burden often manifests as low self-esteem, difficulty in forming genuine connections, and an over-reliance on virtual validation.
Embracing Failures as Stepping Stones
One of the biggest challenges for millennial parents is teaching their children that failure is a part of life. Growing up in an age where every achievement is shared and celebrated online, Alphas may struggle with the concept of not being perfect. It is crucial to normalize setbacks and emphasize that failures provide valuable learning experiences. Sharing personal stories of struggles, setbacks, and eventual successes can help children understand that every stumble is a step toward growth.
The Skill of Adjustment and Flexibility
Life is rarely predictable, and being adaptable is a critical skill. However, many millennial parents, in their quest to offer a better life, often shield their children from discomfort. This overprotectiveness can hinder the development of resilience and flexibility. While it is natural to want to provide a safe and nurturing environment, children must also learn to cope with disappointments, adapt to changing situations, and manage expectations. Encouraging small, manageable challenges—like handling responsibilities at home or resolving minor conflicts independently—can help build these skills over time.
Managing Anger and Tantrums
The ease with which children can access what they want—whether it’s information, toys, or instant entertainment—has led to heightened frustration when things do not go their way. Anger issues and tantrums are not uncommon as a way for children to express dissatisfaction. Parents need to model healthy ways of dealing with anger and frustration. Instead of reacting with anger, using calm and constructive communication can teach children to express their feelings without resorting to tantrums. Techniques such as deep breathing, counting, or taking a break can also help manage intense emotions.
Sailing Through Social Pressures
Both millennials and their children are navigating a world filled with societal pressures. From career achievements to lifestyle standards, everyone seems to be on a never-ending treadmill. Parents need to show their children that everyone faces struggles—social media often masks the real story. Having open discussions about societal expectations and sharing real-life examples of perseverance can help children understand that struggling is a part of everyone's journey.
Balancing Emotions and Communication
Many children today swing between over-anxiety and complete emotional shutdown. They may not always be vocal about their feelings, which can lead to bottled-up emotions and stress. Parents need to create an environment where expressing feelings is safe and encouraged. Asking open-ended questions, practicing active listening, and validating their feelings without immediate judgment can foster open communication. Sometimes, just being a patient listener can be more powerful than offering solutions.
Managing Over-Demanding Behavior
In a world where instant gratification is the norm, Gen Z and Alphas often exhibit over-demanding behavior—whether it is attention, material things, or approval from peers. Parents can set healthy boundaries and avoid giving in to every demand. Teaching children the value of patience and the difference between needs and wants can help reduce this behavior. Involving them in decision-making processes, like budgeting or planning family activities, can also help them understand the limitations and the importance of balanced desires.
The Need for Parental Compassion and Patience
Patience and compassion are not just qualities to be taught but to be modeled. Children learn by observing, and when parents demonstrate empathy, kindness, and patience, it reflects in their behavior. However, with millennial parents juggling work, household responsibilities, and their children's needs, maintaining these virtues can be challenging. Parents need to take care of their mental and emotional well-being first, as a calm and grounded parent is better equipped to raise a balanced child.
Simplifying the Overload of Information
The abundance of information available to Gen Z and Alphas, primarily through social media, can complicate even simple matters. Whether it’s a minor school issue or a life choice, the multitude of opinions and 'expert' advice online can lead to confusion. Parents can guide their children on how to evaluate information critically, differentiate between credible sources and noise, and make informed decisions. Encouraging offline activities, hobbies, and real-world experiences can also help ground them in reality.
Handling Strong-Headed and Opinionated Nature
Today's kids are more vocal about their opinions and often hold firm to their beliefs. While having strong opinions is a positive trait, it is also important for children to learn the value of perspective and empathy. Instead of dismissing their views, parents can engage in healthy debates, present different viewpoints, and encourage critical thinking. When children feel heard, they are more likely to reciprocate and consider others' perspectives as well.
So, what can millennial parents do to bridge the gap?
The answer lies in empathy and adaptability. Parents need to create an environment of open communication where children feel safe discussing their thoughts and concerns. It is crucial to listen without judgment and offer guidance rooted in understanding rather than control. Additionally, millennial parents must continue learning—whether it’s about technology, new education systems, or evolving social norms—to stay relevant and supportive.
Embracing the Challenge
Raising Gen Alpha may seem like an uphill battle, but it is also an opportunity for growth—for both parents and children. While millennial parents bring wisdom from a more grounded past, their children bring fresh perspectives from an interconnected world. By blending tradition with modernity, both generations can learn from each other, creating a balanced and harmonious future. After all, the ultimate goal of parenting is not just to nurture well-behaved children but to raise well-rounded, resilient, and thoughtful individuals.
