Writing...of course!

So... I am working away at my course and thought that I would share my first article with you.
Hope you enjoy.

I can relate, Gen Z

If you scrutinise those born in the early 1990’s up to about 2010 you will discover Generation Z.  They are also sometimes called, the “iGeneration”, “Now Generation”, “Generation Next”, “Net Generation” or Gen Z.  To better understand this group of young people, as parents, we need a quick overview of where they are coming from.

My Gen Z's, Meg and Jen

They were born into the digital age and cannot imagine a world without mobile phones or computers.  Their world connects by technology and there are no holds barred.  They want instant gratification, and they want it now!

Researchers claim that Gen Z are more socially and environmentally aware and as such, are likely to pursue careers that they think will help society.  They are open minded and accepting of differences, celebrating individuality.  Furthermore, as a result of their ability to process massive amounts of information at lightning speed, Gen Z will be high performers in mentally demanding jobs.  But, before we explore work and potential, we need to establish who they are and how they will get there.

It follows then, that we should consider how they learn.  Educators report that teaching styles have been overhauled to engage Gen Z.  Gone are the days when the mere novelty of working on a computer would inspire a student to learn.  Teachers have moved from “chalk and talk” to more eye-catching and stimulating multimedia lessons.  Digital natives, Gen Z respond well to visual (kinaesthetic, auditory) learning.  They love a contest!  All of their gaming experience is centred on problem solving, meeting the challenge and then moving to a higher level and they are addicted to success.  This can be applied to their learning too. 

Gen Z Boys, Jordan and Tyler

However, we should also acknowledge that all learning does not occur in the classroom.  Playing games like SIMs and Farmville is turning children into little consumers.  They have already learned that money does not grow on a farm!  Gen Z grasp the concept of choice requiring sacrifice and realise that there are consequences to all decisions.  Unfortunately, they have not all learned that there is no “undo button” in the game if life.

Aside from computer games, consider for a moment what kids are doing in their free time.  Social networks, like Facebook, SKYPE, Twitter, Tumbler and MySpace have changed the concepts of communication, interaction and privacy.  Judgement is made with the click of a “Like” button and snap decisions are not only desirable but expected. Gen Z is coming of age publicly, on the web, sharing just about everything.   

 

These multi-taskers seem to always be doing more than one thing at the same time.  Instead of just walking and chewing gum, they are also texting and listing to music.  Some say that Gen Z will be a physically challenged generation, too entrenched in sedentary pastimes. Game-makers like Wii and X-Box have come up with motion sensor games that simulate outdoor sports and recreation, to get these tech savvy kids off the couch.  However, having been raised on ad campaigns that highlight healthy eating and fitness, Gen Z may even be healthier than previous generations. 

Yes folks, Gen Z’s are mature, intelligent and confident, but they can also be incredibly challenging, especially for parents.  Demographer Hugh Mackay explains “a child who is never told "No", allowed to fail or made to face consequences – who is always praised and has never had to share or wait for anything, grows into an adult unprepared for the realities of life.”  Perhaps all the politically correct “fair” treatment will have a backlash, maybe we really do need to harden up.  There are always winners and losers.  In the “pass-the-parcel” of life, there isn’t a toy in every layer.  Gen Z may be less equipped to cope with the unavoidable failures and disappointments of life. 

Having said that, we made them, so we had better learn to live with them!  Are we overindulgent and permissive parents? Gen Z’s are growing up with time poor parents of the “most divorced” generation, living through one of the worst economic recessions in history.  Exhausted, financially stressed and guilt-ridden, many parents are looking for ways to compensate and simplify child rearing. Perhaps we are too tolerant.  Kid’s need discipline in order to learn how to regulate their emotions.  If bad behaviour results in punishment, this must be followed through, no matter how difficult it is.

Gen Z girls, Micca and Bee

Another aspect to consider, is how we share with this bamboozling horde?  Neer Korn, author and social trends expert says: "People lament the loss of communication skills, but it's not a loss, it's an evolution.” We need to meet Gen Z at the virtual middle and use technology to get our messages across.  So, start exercising those handy opposable thumbs people.  If we want to get our prodigy’s attention, we may need to send an IM or text message.  Just make certain that you understand the commonly used abbreviations, or you will find yourself lost in the quagmire of LOL’s, LMAO’s, and WTF’s. 

 
Of course, there is another solution, let’s switch off the TV’s and the WiFi once in a while and spend time talking to our kids.  Bring back real family time for dinners and conversation around the dinner table, board games, walks and picnics in the fresh air.  This will go a long way in teaching Gen Z practical life skills like patience, conversation and good manners.  With so much potential and promise, with our help, Gen Z could have an incredibly positive influence on the way we see things and the world we share.

It's June!

Yesterday I put my head down to get some work done and today when I looked up it is already Friday the 8th of June!  Wow - half way through the year already!  I have not got much to report but I am trucking away at my writing assignments, which is taking up most of my down time, in which I used to write here...

Perhaps I will post up one of my pieces for review?  Mmm - maybe...

Have a great weekend y'all!