The new wave of kids born between 2010-2024 is known as Generation Alpha, slated to be the largest, most diverse, and digitally connected generation to date. While the tail end of this generations’ kids are just being born, their reputation precedes them. Remember last year when people were taking to social media about how “rude and disrespectful” this new generation is in Sephora, blaming their millennial parents for their behavior?

But HOLD ON, is Gen Alpha really as bad as they seem or have we become the “Sorry, Boomers” we made fun of in our youth? And is it the parenting or the societal norms that define a generation?

Gen A

Every generation has defining characteristics that shape them. For instance, Baby Boomers had the 1960s counterculture, Gen X had MTV, Millennials had the internet, and Gen Z had digital devices. While Gen A will be known as the first generation to be fully immersed in the metaverse (like Minecraft, Roblox, and Fortnite), other aspects define this generation. This includes:

• All the tech and then some. Gen Alpha is the first cohort to be in an already social media heavy and tech-driven world. Their parents have embraced many social media platforms and engage with a multitude of apps to make life easier. This comfortability allows them to easily access information at any moment anywhere in the world, developing empathy for situations and events outside of their home and community. And while tech may serve as a meaningful way to interact with friends, learn new things, or show off their creativity, they have no problems switching it off to participate in the real world.
  
  
• 2020. The pandemic, Black Lives Matter, climate change…These major events and discussions have shaped their understanding and views of the world.
  
  
• Diversity in more ways than one. Gen Alpha is the first generation of Americans in which the non-white population is greater than the white population. Additionally, they are growing up in a society where communities and groups like LGBTQ+ are more visible and accepted than previous generations.

Generations mimic the societal and cultural norms of the time. Ergo, Gen A is simply a product of its time. So, why the bad rap?

The Honey Badger Generation

Gen Alpha has also garnered the nickname of the “Honey Badger Generation,” because apparently, they don’t give a f*ck. Well, at least when it comes to the social norms of children (congrats on being named after a badass meme, btw). While the Baby Boomer generation grew up with more conservative views about authority and rules, this new one is more outspoken and independent.

Gen Alpha is growing up in a time where self-expression, emotional intelligence, and examining the status quo is embraced and appreciated. They are encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings, establish personal boundaries when they feel uncomfortable or unsafe, as well as think through problems and try different solutions. They’ve also been exposed to the normalcy of voicing their thoughts and opinions, as observed from previous generations (looking at you, Gen Z). Because of this, they feel like they can contribute to any topic with the access to a wealth of knowledge and different perspectives thanks to technology.

They are curious about the existence of rules and customs, objecting to those that seem arbitrary or hypocritical. For instance, if an adult imposes a “no-electronics rule” at dinner but proceeds to use their own cell phone, they’ll notice the contradiction and challenge it. They are also more likely to say “No” without guilt as well as express their feelings without fear of judgment. This is a huge contrast from our childhood expectations back in the day.

So maybe the label of Generation Alpha as being disrespectful might be due to changing social dynamics instead of a generational trait. You ever think about that, Karen?

Mini Millennials

Each generation of parents want to improve from how they were raised. For example, Gen X parents were once latchkey kids who felt like they received little support or supervision. Their course correction to this gave rise to helicopter parenting. Young Gen Z parents, who grew up in the age of social media, place a lot of pressure on themselves to be the “perfect parent”. This results in allowing their kids to explore and experiment with their identity, prioritizing their child’s mental health and well-being above anything else.

Gen Alpha, primarily the children of parents born between 1981-1996, are often called “mini millennials.” Research shows that Millennials approach parenting with the same level of planning, purpose, and professionalism as they would their career, marriage, or purchasing a house. Moreover, Millennial parents are raising their children with a distinctly different approach compared to previous generations, finding value in positive parenting strategies over authoritarian discipline. Millennial parents are:

• Doing the work to break generational trauma cycles
• Allowing their kids to be part of the decision-making process, developing independent thinking and problem-solving skills
• Seeking to better understand their children with curiosity and kindness, allowing them to feel understood and empowered
• Encouraging curiosity and questions about things, from self-improvement to the world around them, promoting self-awareness and empathy
• Providing opportunities (extracurricular activities) to build self-esteem, identity, internal motivation, and improved work ethic
• Finding ways to be present for their kids, from attending recitals/games to participating in school functions/events

Millennial parents’ democratic approach to parenting and their focus on being actively involved have fostered strong bonds with their Gen Alpha children. We value and celebrate our kid’s individuality, often encouraging them to confidently express and stand up for their beliefs.

We can see here that perhaps “respect your elders” as a default is probably not going to apply.

Raising an Alpha

Gen Alpha kids are built differently because Millennial parents are raising them in a constantly advancing high-tech interconnected world. While we are proud for giving our children a safe and secure space to grow into outspoken and confident individuals, we should be mindful that these traits may not translate well with others, especially if left unchecked. They might have issues with authority, difficulty following directions or adhering to rules. Hey, we’re not actively trying to raise *ssholes. At the same time, we don’t want to meet this energy with “you should” or “or else…”.

So how do we help our kids find a balance?

• Model healthy communication and conflict-resolution skills, showing kids how to assert themselves while respecting others
• Build their empathy by helping them understand the consequences of their actions, and putting themselves in other people’s shoes
• Allow them to speak with confidence, but teach them to listen to others and consider other people’s point of view
• Reinforce the value of collaboration
• Teach that self-confidence does not mean being insensitive to others’ thoughts and feelings

Definitely easier said than done. That’s why our next post is about going to the dark side.

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