Play By the Bay ~ Bellingham Play Therapy
Tips on Raising the New Kids
You may think of the millennium generation as the boom of thousands of buddhas being born at the same time; if that doesn’t suit, think of thousands of CEO’s being born simultaneously. Why, just the other day a 5.5 year-old little boy clearly stated: “I may look like a kid but I’m really an adult.” He said it twice and with conviction. His mother’s eyes met mine and we pondered, is it true? Although every child is unique and every life situation their own, these children do share some strong traits. I tell you this so you won’t feel so alone or suffer from terminal uniqueness.
The children are taking your parenting skills to a whole new level as us adults struggle to keep up with them. Regardless of their intelligence they are still children and this is paramount to remember in terms of fostering healthy emotional development. Secondly, teaching respect for authority and healthy boundaries between parent and child while maintaining and cultivating a close emotional bond is essential and last but not least, teaching cooperation and kindness is most vital for this new generation of humans who are built for the future and all the implications that we can for-see. Read on for some shared traits:
It isn’t easy, even for me, to pinpoint what makes these millennium children different than previous generations. But if you are raising one, you know.
COMMONLY SHARED TRAITS OF THE MILLIENNIUM GENERATION
1). Will precisely correct your words regarding the labeling or naming of an object quickly and carefully and monitor your response to their correction; a general defiance towards authority and a need for precise language and meaning.
2). Will often find loopholes to rules that don’t exactly break the rules but don’t exactly follow the rules either leaving the adult unsure of how to respond.
3). Want everything to be perfect; can notice the most miniscule detail and demand that you remove it, fix it, or otherwise deal with it or refuse to cooperate until the object is disposed of. Super observant of both you interior and exterior mood; awareness of your thoughts and mood.
4). Generally does not like to go to school or excels; trouble with social peer interactions.
5). May feel very competitive with the arrival of a new sibling; a feeling of competing for attention, food, resources instead of joyous celebration.
6). In general, feels they should be equal with you, not only as people which is the part I’m ok with, but with privileges, toys and rules regardless of their behavior.
7). Extremely observant – of everything.
8). Very difficult to discipline because finding a meaningful consequence is tricky at best.
9). Needing to learn respect and kindness in human relationships.
10). Need to be validated for their powers and re-directed to use them constructively.
So, it stands to reason that parents have to up the ante on their own spiritual growth to even attempt to model the traits that these children demand of their caretakers. I have found that just giving control is enough; for example, if I give a 10 minute warning the playroom to signal the session is coming to and end and the child asks for 11 or 12 minutes, I immediately agree for it is a small offer of empowerment within reason and I usually comment on the child’s need for control to feel safe and we are all more relaxed.
11) They come up with solutions pretty easily when given an opportunity and
12) Incredible memories!
Best of luck on your parenting journey!