Understanding Your Gen Z Child

Being a stepparent has always been a difficult task. As times change, stepparenting may become even more intimidating to some. There seem to be major discrepancies between each generation that grows even more noticeable.

Being a stepparent to a Gen Z kid appears to be even more challenging for some. How can people from different generations relate to each other? Thankfully, there are guidelines to help you to understand your Gen Z child better.

Who is Generation Z?

There is some debate as to where the dividing line between each generation lies. Some “cut-off” dates vary as much as nine years, which can cause some major inconsistencies between generational studies.

However, it is generally accepted that “Generation Z” encompasses people born between 1995 and 2012. This means that, in 2021, Gen Z-ers are between the ages of 9 and 26 years old.

To clear up any potential confusion regarding each generation, the standard guidelines for the dates that determine the generational categories are as follows:

• Baby Boomers: 1946 – 1964

This group falls between the ages of 57 and 75.

• Gen X: 1965 – 1980

This group falls between the ages of 41 and 56.

• Millennials: 1981 – 1994

This group falls between the ages of 27 – 40.

• Gen Z: 1995 – 2012

As previously mentioned above, this group falls between the ages of 9 and 26.

• Generation Alpha: 2013 – present

This group encompasses infants and those up to 8 years of age.

Some generations have micro generations within them (such as “Generation Jones” and “Xennials”). However, not everyone accepts the existence of these micro generations. But it is important to note that not all individuals feel they belong to their designated generation.

Many stereotypes of each generation are disparaged. In fact, there is debate over precise dates and definitions of each designated generation. Nevertheless, values and experiences shared by individuals in each group shape a myriad of factors that influence the collective.

Such factors include “education techniques, marketing strategies, purchasing decisions, work styles, voting preferences, social service needs, entertainment choices, musical tastes, and more” [1].

Generation Z Communication

Gen Z is the first generation to grow up fully immersed in the age of technology. This has shaped their collective communication style. In addition, they have become accustomed to accessing information within seconds with just a click of a button.

Cell phones have become pocket-sized computers and always seem to be glued in the hands of younger generations. As a result, few words and lots of pictures, memes seem to have become Gen Z’s preferred mode of communication. Some worry and speculate that this reliance on technology may affect Gen Z’s social skills outside of the digital world.

Unsurprisingly, 75% of generation Z report that they prefer texting over talking over the phone [3]. Older generations may argue that texting is impersonal, but Gen Z kids appreciate the freedom of answering at their convenience provided by texting.

Younger generations prefer to have more time to think about their responses. And many share the belief that phone calls are intrusive. This may sound to some like those concerns of deteriorating social skills are well placed.

But it may surprise you to learn that a significant percentage (39%) of this young generation values one-on-one, in-person communication over any other communication method [3].

Understanding your Gen Z Child

The best way to communicate with your Generation Z child is in person, face to face. The demand to quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us all that we can all agree that nothing beats a good, old-fashioned human connection.

Though internet use has become very important in today’s society and social media platforms have gained popularity, there is no replacement for in-person interactions.

Slang

“No cap. Sus. Mood.” These may be some terms that you have heard your Gen Z child use. Sometimes it can seem like our Gen Z children are speaking an entirely different language. But the same has been said about every new generation and their slang. Even baby boomers were accused by their parents and other elders of using silly words back in their heyday.

Here are some baby boomer equivalents to some Gen Z slang words:

Other Popular Slang use by Gen Z-ers

• “Extra” = Dramatic or over the top.
• “Period” = Emphasizing the point being made.
• “Bet” = Can be an alternative for “yes” or “okay. It can also be used in response to a challenge, instead of saying “we’ll see” or “watch.”
• “Bop” = A very good song
• “Stan” = Being a very big fan of a celebrity. Also used to show approval.
• “Cheugy” = The opposite of stylish, specifically when an older person tries too hard to be trendy and blend in with the younger generation.

Are you familiar with Gen Z vocabulary? Try your luck with this fun Buzzfeed quiz.

If you didn’t score very well on that Buzzfeed quiz, don’t worry. These slang terms are likely to meet the same fate as the slang used by previous generations, meaning they probably won’t stick around for too long.

So, don’t waste time looking up every term on Urban Dictionary. You don’t want your child to view you as “cheugy.”

What Qualities Do Gen Z-ers Share?

Some widely held beliefs regarding people in Generation Z include:

• Gen Z-ers are financially-minded
• They embrace diversity
• Gen Z-ers are progressive
• They are tech-savvy

These traits may be true for many, but they could also be true for other generations. Additionally, though both are lumped together in the same group, a 26-year-old and a 9-year-old are likely to be very different. Your 9-year-old is likely not going to be very financially focused at this point in their life.

Does It Really Matter?

According to a piece by Slate Magazine, the answer to this question is: no.

“There is a commonly held perception that people growing up around the same time and in the same place must have some universally shared set of experiences and characteristics. It also helps that the idea of generations intuitively makes sense.

But the science does not support it. Most of the research findings showing distinct generations are explained by other causes, have serious scientific flaws, or both,” writes David Costanza, author of the article.

Generations perpetuate stereotypes, according to this Slate Magazine article. As we all know, “those within any specific group of people are varied individuals,” as Costanza puts it [2].

The biggest difference between each generation is the technology they grew up with, which does not define who we are as people. No matter what group we may fall into, we all share a desire to be respected and share human connections.

Though it may be helpful to understand some basic commonalities amongst “Gen Z” kids and the differences they may have with other generations, it is important to remember your child is one of a kind.

No two people in the world would be the same, even if they did grow up in the same generation. The best way to understand your child is to avoid stereotyping based on widely believed generational characteristics and recognize them as unique individuals.

As their parental figure, only you know the best way to form a strong relationship with your child. Cherish their individuality and, as their parent, trust your instincts.

Here are a few tips for fighting the battle against your child’s technology habits.

Resources

[1] https://www.considerable.com/life/people/generation-names/

[2] https://slate.com/technology/2018/04/the-evidence-behind-generations-is-lacking.html

[3]https://www.keystoneacademic.com/news/communicating-with-generation-z-everything-you-need-to-know

[4]https://www.buzzfeed.com/melanieowens/if-you-can-ace-this-gen-z-slang-quiz-you-might-just-be-very

About the author

In 1995, Gerardo Campbell married into a blended family, becoming the stepdad to his wife’s two children. In 2011, he started Support for Stepfathers to reverse the nearly 70% divorce rate for blended families in the US. His website is to help and inspire stepfathers, aspiring stepfathers, and women who love them. You can follow Support for Stepdads on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.