Description
Book SynopsisHelping Parents Understand the Minds and Hearts of Generation Z takes parents into the daily lives of their 24-7, wired-up children. It allows parents and children to speak for themselves. This highly practical book provides parents insights into how Gen Z thinks, the ways their brains learn, and illustrates why children of this technological generation believe and act the ways they do. There are some red flags in American culture and smart technology and digital devices are right there at the center of them all. Students in Gen Z do not recall a time before the Internet and smart technology. As a result, serious issues are arising in American culture within Gen Z. These considerations have implications for families and interpersonal relationships and will also impact future economics, as more and more student from Gen Z graduate college and enter the workforce. Parents will find this book compelling and will be challenged to consider whether their withdrawn, ear-budded children
Trade ReviewHelping Parents Understand the Minds and Hearts of Generation Z is a quick and powerful look into the thorny road for many parents as they rear children in a technology-based world. Dr. Zarra exposes some ugly truths of how we got to the point of pacifying children with technology, but more importantly, how we can break free from such. -- Heather Ijames, Parent, Attorney, and Author
Finally! A practical handbook with insights on the dynamics of child-rearing for parents! Where was this when I was raising my (Gen-Y) children? This book is an excellent vehicle for guided discussions on cross or multi-generational child rearing where groups of parents gather, such as church, youth clubs, and other organizational environments outside of home and school. -- Ronald J. Thomason, Parent
Helping Parents Understand the Minds and Hearts of Generation Z is a clear, concise, and cogent handbook not only for parents, but for educators both secular and religious, as well as for counselors and school boards. It’s a thoroughly researched analysis of a rising generation of globally connected, technologically savvy, strategically ambitious, passionately driven, and religiously confused individuals. Dr. Zarra’s passion for “practical teaching students in the classroom and practical parenting children in the home,” is practically refreshing. As a former Pastor and Christian educator, his book would have been required reading for my entire staff, elders and deacons. -- Ron Harvey, M.Div., M.A., former Pastor and Christian Educator in the Southern Baptist Convention for 34 years
Nailed it! Where was Dr. Zarra when I was raising Millennials? This book is a sobering, but earnestly needed dissection of today’s techno-gratified generation, and addresses how it differs from those which have come before. As a parent of three Millennials, Dr. Zarra’s exhaustive research and vast experience, help to make sense out of sometimes backwards worlds faced by competing generations. His sometimes comical, but serious and meticulous comprehension of every generation since the Traditionalists, lends to an underlying message—generations don’t fail—they adapt. This book is definitely a win-win and helps parents to understand their own children better. -- Donna Camera, parent and domestic engineer
Table of ContentsList of Tables Foreword Preface Acknowledgments Chapter One: Gen Z Parents Characteristics of Gen Z Parents Three General Types of Gen Z Parents School Anecdotes Gen Z Parents as Allies in the Classroom Forming Meaningful Relationships between Gen Z and Their Parents Gen Z Parents’ Survey Summary of the Survey Responses Advice for Gen Z Parents Navigating Choices and Consequences with Gen Z Children Conclusion Chapter 2: Helping Parents Understand Generational Differences Generations: Contexts, Categorizations, Characteristics The Baby Boom Generation Gen X Gen Y Gen Z Generational Differences Lighthearted Generational Analogies for Gen Z Parents Conclusion Chapter 3: What Makes Gen Z Tick and What Makes Them Ticked? What makes Gen Z Tick? Emotional Maturity and Cognitive Development What Makes Gen Z So Special? Micro-Aggressions Mental Filtering The Scarecrow and the Tin Man An Inch Deep and a Mile Wide What Makes Gen Z Ticked? Gen Z Student Survey Conclusion Chapter 4: Gen Z and Their Technology Gen Z: A Global Generation Smart Phone Addiction: Is It Real? What Is So Terrible About Device Addiction? Attractions and Distractions Gen Z and Their Zs New Technologies and Learning Social Media and Immediate Gratification Conclusion Chapter 5: Partnering With Parents for Gen Z Success Building Community Partnering with Teachers for Accountability Government is in the Way Creating Reliance Creates Alliance Mentoring Parents to Benefit Gen Z Students Gen Z is Different from Other Generations Working with Gen Z Children Gen Z Family and Technology Self-Reflection Checklist Conclusion Notes About the Author
