Raising Generation Alpha: A Blueprint for Christian Parents
Before we dive into this article, it might be of interest to know that generations are categorised as follows: Baby Boomers (1946-1964), Generation X (1965-1979), Generation Y or millennials (1980-1994), Generation Z (1995-2009), and Generation Alpha (2010-2024).
It would seem that every 15 years, a new generation emerges. In light of this, babies born from 2025 onwards would probably be known as Generation Beta. What’s so unique about Generation Alpha then, and why are we talking about them?
Characteristics of Generation Alpha
Gen Alpha, as they’re known, are growing up in a digital-first environment. Most are exposed to touchscreens and the sweeping motion, more than holding a pen or reading a physical book. What are the consequences, then, of interacting with digital screens at a tender age? Here are some observations:
- Shorter attention span: Gen Alpha’s attention span is said to be less than three minutes. This doesn’t mean they can’t pay attention for longer – they just need to be continually excited and stimulated. That’s because they’re used to colours, sounds, animations and continuous interaction, a result of being shaped by short videos online. TikTok, for instance, has an optimal 20-30 second viewing time, while YouTube’s is 15 minutes. Anything longer and you’ll lose Gen Alpha.
- Desire for instant results: A shorter attention span leads to less patience. Because of powerful technology, Gen Alpha is used to instant and quick, not unlike our noodles or oats. Adults can adapt by employing shorter teaching or practice sessions but have them more frequently, instead of longer and fewer sessions in between. Remember: small but frequent, just like some diet plans.
- Declining creativity: Over-stimulation leads to less creativity, and there are two reasons for this: first, not much thinking or visualising is required, since it’s already done for us in videos! That’s why reading is so important; words describe a certain image while the reader manipulates the picture in the mind. This practice is like a muscle, and it leads to imagination and creativity.
The second reason is dependency on artificial intelligence (AI), which does all the thinking for us. These freely available apps may help with productivity, but critical thinking, creative problem-solving and unique viewpoints take a backseat because the brain has no opportunity to develop nor execute them.
Having said that, all hope is not lost. Gen Alpha has extremely efficient and productive ways of working. They know how to find solutions for repetitive tasks and redundant chores. In short, each generation faces their own unique challenges and opportunities due to their living environment.
However, they share similarities too. When it comes to areas like love, for example, young people of all generations will face the same issues. Similarly, if young people of previous generations could help with housework, young people today can certainly do it.
At the end of the day, it’s not about which generation is better or whether today’s young need to be “corrected” or share our viewpoints, but whether they have adequate exposure and the opportunities to learn and try.
“The Rod” of Discipline and Protection
Christian parents can hold onto Proverbs 13:24, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” Let’s study this in detail. Be aware, though, that the phrase “spare the rod, spoil the child” is not from the Bible, but from a 17th century poem by English novelist Samuel Butler.
In ancient Israel, the rod (shebet in Hebrew) is a symbol of authority and discipline within the family and community. The meaning of “the rod” here is quite clear. It refers to reasonable forms of discipline, and Proverbs 22:15 and 23:13-14 further back this up.
However, the rod also signifies protection. Psalm 23:4b says, “…your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” This is the shepherd’s rod, a tool used for guiding and protecting their flocks. It also acts as a weapon to shoo wild animals or beat thieves away.
Therefore, we can take this to mean that parents who don’t guide their children to know Jesus are in fact mistreating them. Without Jesus as the Good Shepherd, children – and even adults, regardless of generation – will be without protection and guidance in times of crisis.
Jesus’ Love Is For All Generations
As parents, we probably shouldn’t focus on which generation our children belong to and what traits are common for their group. What matters most is that they have a living relationship with Jesus and experience His love and truth in their daily lives.
If we don’t allow our children to skip school casually, why not for children’s church or Sunday school? That’s something to ponder, as we know that the enemy comes only to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). The Shepherd, on the other hand, brings abundant life to all who believe. As parents, let’s make sure that the values and priorities which we model and pass on to our children draw them away from the enemy and closer to the Shepherd.
It’d be helpful, therefore, for parents to let Gen Alpha grow up in their era and environment, making good use of digital technology. It’s counterproductive to demand that they be like us, because our growing-up years were different. The defining consideration is that parents do not “spare the rod” of godly discipline and guidance.
Discipline is important, but at the end of the day, our children’s personal relationship with Jesus is more crucial. With the Good Shepherd in their lives, they’ll have nothing to fear when hard times hit.
So let us entrust our children to the Lord, because He is their true protector and guide, who gives them purpose and meaning in life.
About the Author
Bobby Chiw is from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, and received his Master’s in Divinity from Sabah Theological Seminary (STS). Apart from being an interdenominational preacher, he is a teacher by profession, teaching physics.
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