If you are a parent to what is now being referred to as Gen Z, (1995-2005) I’m sure this question has crossed your mind a couple of times.
For the millennials (1981-1994) which is the bracket in which many Gen Z parents fall, there is the tendency to compare our time and their time and think just how hard raising these guys is. If however, you are a Gen X (1965-1980) wueh mnakapitia?
But, I don’t think there is anything wrong with this generation. It has been proven that every time there is a switch in generations, the next comes up with their own culture, values, morals, ethics, and even language (sheng is that you?) As I was saying, they are being just what their generation is meant to be, and for the best part I think being raised by millennials has contributed a lot to what we are calling the microwave or quick fix generation.
Most of us, want to shield our children from the traumas of our upbringing, we condemned (insert Kenyan politician voice) in the strongest terms possible, the experiences of our childhood and swore to do better than our parents. Most of us ended up becoming the permissive parents.
It however takes sitting down with Gen Zs the teens and young adults to get their thought processes. One thing that I admire about them is their ability to speak their mind without fear or favor. I know I have had good laughs when I read about employer experiences with this group. I think they are the bunch that views the world as their playground (Kaleidoscope views), just that half the time, they pick the wrong toys maybe because of lack of guidance, not that they won’t listen
This is the generation you will not find in church, not because they were not raised in church, but because the bible is giving Aesop fables. They ask, analyze, dissect, and then ask some more. In short, the you don’t question the word explanation will never work here. They want to live authentically, you will find them in funny spiritual movements because they feel that where people are real, more real than the church.
They are not devoid of a desire or need for God or spiritual guidance, it’s just that the guidance they get does not answer everything they seek. And believe me, they judge your walk and talk, and harshly so. The greatest thing I have noticed about them is they are looking for inclusion, for involvement. I love how the Word of Life is handling it, letting the children pick where they feel they would fit best and allowing them to be.
Another way would be to talk with them, (not at, or to) about the realities, and not sugarcoat or diminish these experiences. For instance, sex, drugs, lgbtq are a reality for them, and yes all this is covered in the Word and unacceptable before God. But dismissing these topics will not make them go away, the church can create forums for them to freely express their thoughts, and guidance be provided in a way that communicates genuine care and concern.
It is also the generation that will leave you questioning your life choices as a parent. If your child has never looked at you and asked you whether you are thriving huezi (you can’t ) understand. But I strongly believe they are the generation that carries Josephs, Daniels, and Davids. Have you seen how bold they are? When they are given the space and the guidance they need, they shall be such an army.
So as one of the parents handling Gen Zs, you are better off figuring them out through their eyes as opposed to through your own experiences because believe me, they are not the same! These are not ‘road runners’ (self-raised people) like most of us were. They are resilient and very sharp, but they do not appear the same way we did.
Enjoy your Gen Z, see the greatness they possess, and harness it. Because believe me, they can change nations only if they are shown the right ways. They don’t just listen to what you say they judge your actions as well and check them against your words.
Wanjiru Mbuthia
Word of Life – Media Team
