We are raising children in a generation that often does not appreciate, celebrate, or reward people for being and doing good. The moral rightness of one�s actions is increasingly attributed to those with unconventional behavior. This generation tends to criticize those who call out common wrongs and seems to lack a sense of guilt or conscience, as there�s no longer a shared belief in a single, moral path we all should follow. Many claim to be "woke."
Gen Z, in particular, embraces this sense of being �woke,� seeing life as an opportunity to be different and to "correct" what they might consider the �mistakes� of nature. They reshape their noses, change their lips, alter their eye color, skin color, and even gender. Despite technology�s advancements and the ease of life it brings, Gen Z often struggles to find lasting satisfaction and purpose. It makes one wonder what kind of grandparents they will become.
In a world where machines now handle much of our thinking, Millennials and Gen Z still rely heavily on the wisdom of previous generations, especially Generation X and those before. While Millennials and Gen Z have produced inventors, their contributions have had limited recognition or impact. When we think of the most influential figures in history, we still look to people like Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison�those from generations past whose achievements continue to shape society.
Meme captions like �Men used to go to war� are popular today, often paired with images of men presenting in traditionally feminine ways. This generation defends such expressions with appeals to constitutional rights and human rights charters, which grant them the freedom to choose how they live, even if those choices go against traditional gender norms. However, we must critically assess these behaviors, whether out of love for the values of previous generations or respect for established social standards.
I am addressing Millennial parents and the early members of Gen Z who are or will soon become parents. Our task is not an easy one. While I am not a pessimist, I am more of a realist than an optimist. We must acknowledge that we cannot entirely stop the rapid changes in today�s world�especially those driven by technology�that can limit children�s ability to think independently, reflect, learn, and grow through real-life experiences.
Life, as our grandparents believed, is inherently practical. They allowed children to learn from their mistakes, understanding that failure was a necessary part of growth and wisdom. But in an age of artificial intelligence, Gen Z is accustomed to near-instant solutions, leaving little room for trial and error. This flattened learning curve deprives future generations of the wisdom gained through personal failure, contributing to a culture where everyone assumes they�re always right and seldom considers opposing viewpoints.
Tough love shaped earlier generations, reinforcing societal standards and expectations. Millennials and Gen Z, however, often reject these values as outdated or restrictive. They claim to be "woke," suggesting that past generations were naive. Yet these standards provided stability and a sense of fulfillment. Abandoning them entirely may lead to unforeseen consequences for society.
As young parents, we have the responsibility to instill values and character in our children. According to Proverbs 22:6, beliefs and morals are best cultivated from childhood. We must impart virtues like endurance, courage, honesty, and humility, and teach them the significance of the spiritual world and nature. Allowing children to make mistakes, learn from them, and be disciplined when necessary will cultivate a sense of responsibility and service.
We are raising children in an era of relentless multimedia exposure, where regulating what they see is increasingly challenging. While our children may stray from the values we teach, strong foundations can help them find their way back. By raising our children with love and discipline, we contribute to shaping individuals of value and purpose in society.
I find great fulfillment in writing this article.
Was published in The Ankole Times on April 27, 2024
https://ankoletimes.co.ug/news/my-letter-to-millenial-gen-z-parents/