Facing the Generation Chasm: The Parenting and Teaching of Generations Y and Z

The Millennials, or Generation Y, have been receiving increasing attention as these young people have entered tertiary institutions and the workplace over the past decade. Their behavior towards authority is coming under sharper scrutiny as they prepare to move into leadership positions. For example, their assertiveness received both positive and negative attention in the South African media during the “fees must fall” campaign. While parents, caregivers, teachers, and employers wonder about the best approach to Millennials, Generation Z are also entering post-secondary schools. Parenting approaches and the role of technology are being reevaluated. Within this context the article provides strategies that might be used to understand and guide these generations, thus helping avoid a generation gap that would threaten healthy relationships with our youth. After highlighting the differences between the attributes of these generations of young people and the generations who raised them, concepts such as character qualities, digital nativeness, and global civic engagement will receive attention. The convergence of such concepts will be used to recommend strategies for use in the parenting and teaching of Generations Y and Z.