How different my childhood looks like compared to the present environment and tech surrounding our children at present! As a millennial mom, it’s fascinating really that this generation is so smart in figuring out how phones work even before they could read. Today’s children grow up surrounded by smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices. They use these gadgets to learn and have fun in ways that were once unimaginable.
At the same time, we’re faced with a challenge to make sure they’re safe online while they explore so much information and that they’re keeping a healthy balance with other experiences they need to prepare them to be out in the world on their own when they grow up.
Who is Generation Alpha?
Generation Alpha is the youngest and most diverse generation. Th
ey were born between 2010 and 2025 and are the first generation to be born in the 21st century. Unlike their parents and grandparents, who didn’t use smartphones and tablets when they were young, Generation Alpha is growing up with digital devices as a big part of their life.
They are also known as the children of the millennials. We, as millennials, are faced with new challenges to adapt to their needs and connect with them in a way that makes them feel understood especially that their world seems a lot more different than how the world was when we were growing up. That’s why this is so important. Realizing that there’s much to understand about them is exciting and, at the same time, humbling.
What makes Generation Alpha unique?
To help us in understanding them, let us see the several factors that make Generation Alpha stand out from other generations. Here are some of the most significant:
Diversity
Generation alphas are growing up in a world that is more multicultural and accepting of differences than any previous generation. They are exposed to a wide range of cultures, languages, and traditions from an early age, which is shaping their attitudes and values.
Children’s books and media now feature more diverse characters, including those from different races and ethnicities, with disabilities, or from non-traditional family structures. This exposure at an early age helps shape attitudes towards acceptance and inclusivity.
Some examples of books and media that feature diverse characters include:
- “Last Stop on Market Street” by Matt de la Peña, which features a young boy and his grandmother taking a bus ride through their city and experiencing the diversity of their community
- “The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi tells the story of a young girl who has recently moved to the United States from Korea and is struggling to fit in with her classmates.
- “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats, which features a young boy named Peter who explores his neighborhood on a snowy day and has a range of experiences with his friends and neighbors, including those from diverse backgrounds
- “Hair Love” by Matthew A. Cherry, which tells the story of a young girl and her father as they learn to style her natural hair for a special occasion
- “All Are Welcome” by Alexandra Penfold, which celebrates diversity and inclusivity in a school setting and emphasizes the importance of kindness and acceptance towards all students, regardless of their differences.
These books and others like them are helping to expose Generation Alpha to diverse perspectives and experiences from an early age, which is shaping their attitudes and values towards acceptance and inclusivity.
Technology
Social media platforms like Facebook became popular in the early 2000s, allowing people to connect with friends and family online.
In 2010, technology and mobile apps grew a lot. This is the year when Instagram started and when the first Alphas were born. Alphas grew up using smartphones and tablets to access the internet from anywhere, making it easy to connect with others, share information, and find resources from anywhere in the world.
Digital devices are now a big part of children’s lives. There are many apps and games that help them learn and play. But parents and teachers must work together to teach children how to use technology safely and respectfully, including staying safe online and respecting others.
Parenting
Parents today are more involved in raising their children than ever before. Thanks to social media, they can connect with more people who can help them as parents, communicate with teachers and coaches, and stay informed about their child’s social life. This means that parents are more attentive, supportive, and nurturing than in the past.
We’re seeing more and more parents in this generation prioritize their child’s emotional needs. It’s important to talk to your kids about how they feel, support them emotionally, and get professional help if they need it. We now know that good mental health is really important for kids to grow up healthy.
These changes show that people are starting to realize how important parenting is in the development of children and preparing them for the future.
Education
Generation Alpha is experiencing a more diverse, inclusive classroom environment with teachers focusing on individual learning and technology playing a larger role. Many schools are utilizing digital devices and online resources to enhance learning and engagement, a trend that is likely to continue. However, hands-on, physical learning remains crucial for this generation.
The pandemic has caused significant disruptions to education, resulting in lost time, forfeited exams, and knowledge gaps. During this time, some changes may have been made that could positively impact education in the future. Governments are responding by providing laptops, wifi hotspots, and investing in digital resources for all. These adaptations show a more inclusive approach to education. To ensure great education, we should build on progress and offer assistance where needed.
Read more about the different teaching methods and advantages of homeschooling Generation Alphas.
Environment
The world is indeed facing significant environmental challenges, including but not limited to climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction. Nevertheless, hope for a better future is renewed with the Generation Alpha. They’re growing up in a world that is more aware of environmental issues than ever before, which makes them more likely to be involved in environmental activism and advocacy as they grow up.
It is thrilling to see the positive impact that Generation Alpha could have on the world. As they become increasingly focused on sustainability and environmental issues, they have the potential to help create a cleaner, healthier planet.
Political Activism
Generation Alpha is growing up in a world where political issues are talked about more than ever before. Social media has made it easy to learn about politics from many sources. This has led people to understand the importance of being politically involved.
I believe that as Gen Alpha gets older, they will be more involved in political activism and advocacy. They may focus on important topics like gun control, climate change, and social justice, which could have a big impact on politics.
For instance, after the Parkland shooting in 2018, students from Parkland and across the country organized the March for Our Lives, a student-led demonstration in support of gun control. Many of the students who participated in the march were members of Gen Z and some, Generation Alpha.
As Gen Alpha continues to grow up, They are likely to remain involved in political activism and advocacy, which could have a significant impact on the future of politics and society.
Raising Generation Alpha
We are raising a wonderful group of young and diverse individuals, who are growing up in an exciting world full of technological advances and connections.
How they’re growing up is different than how we did. By acknowledging the significance of their emotional well-being, staying updated about their social life, and giving them chances to encounter diverse perspectives, we can assist in molding their attitudes and values towards acceptance, inclusivity, and preparedness for the future.
Let’s work together to raise our children in this generation with excitement and do our best in providing them proper tools and guidance.
