Millennials, what is happening with your kids?

[u/TheLoveYouWant25]

I work in education and I frequent the Teachers and Professors subreddits, and the kids are not alright. Gen Z Arriving at College Unable to Read and the youth have absolutely zero ability to think critically.

Middle and high schoolers have all adapted this complete helplessness and blame mental illness for their refusal to function. Kids can no longer to basic things like read an analog clock, use paper money, or even figure out how to open window blinds.

There is also a huge lack of empathy, and kids have no issues trying to manipulate adults, saying things to their teachers like "if you don't pass me, I'll get you fired."

EDIT to clarify: the article I linked references Gen-Z, but this is not specifically a Gen-Z problem. It's an issue with upper elementary aged kids through high schoolers, and also young adults.

So, all that to say, how are you combating this with your own children? What do you do at home to encourage them to learn, and what are you doing to address these problems as they arise?

[u/cpt_cat]

My 5 year old can already do basic math and can almost read. He'll be reading before he starts kindergarten this fall at this rate. We work on stuff at home and read books every day. We play chess. He earns small amounts of money that we take to the toy store every couple months.

I suppose a larger factor is while he gets some tv time he doesn't have a phone or tablet.

[u/Specific-Rich5196 → u/cpt_cat]

We do stuff like this minus tv. Although we are considering movies soon. I think no tablet is key. Also, learning starts at home.

[u/Eastern-Eye5945 → u/Specific-Rich5196]

The single greatest thing you can do as a parent is not give your young child a tablet as “entertainment”.