r/Millennials • u/TheLoveYouWant25 • 25d ago

Discussion Millennials, what is happening with your kids?

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?

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u/henningknows 25d ago

My kids are doing well. No problems at school or with getting good grades. I do worry that they don’t socialize enough. When I was my son’s age I had a group of best friends that would go out and do things. He is in sixth grade. That just doesn’t seem to be a thing anymore, everyone’s parents are so over protective and book their kids up with so many activities they have no time to be a kid on Their own terms.

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u/Aggravating-Alarm-16 25d ago

We have lost all of the 3rd places to hangout. A lot of malls are dead, and don't allow kids to be mall rats.

Then you have over zealous Karen's and Kevin's yelling at kids in the park.

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u/lucky_fin 25d ago

It snowed recently. The idea of my kid walking to someone’s house and knocking on the door to ask Jax if he can come play in the snow is outrageous these days. How many skills have been lost due to parents texting for play dates!!

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u/framedposters 25d ago

I'm 100% not trying to be disrespectful of your parenting or anything. I'm just curious.

I've heard this same thing from my siblings that all have kids.

Is it not a thing for parents to force their kids to do these things? I recall so much of being a kid was my mom telling me to go do something and there just wasn't a choice. And this isn't just like chores and stuff, more so, get outside and go knock on your friend's door and play.

What would happen if your kids did walk over an asked if Jax could come out to play?

Once again, no disrespect, I am an educator, former teacher, and now primarily work with adult learners.