Black parenting has always been a challenging journey, but when you factor in the impact of domestic violence on a family, and for a lot of us single motherhood, it can feel like an uphill battle. In the midst of this struggle, it's important to gain insight and clarity on what the younger generations need from us as mothers. This blog serves as a roadmap, shedding light on the perspectives of millennials and Gen Z'ers, offering a glimpse into their world and what they wish parents could comprehend.
Education is Not One-Size-Fits-All: The traditional path of heading straight to college after high school doesn't suit everyone. Many young adults are exploring different routes like apprenticeships and full-time jobs before committing to higher education.
Mental Health Matters: Prioritizing mental health is crucial. Millennials and Gen Z'ers are unapologetically standing up for their well-being, ensuring that their mental health isn't compromised by any other demands. It’s okay to not be okay, and here is a resource to help you prioritize mental health in your family.
The Evolving American Dream: The concept of the 'American dream' has changed over time. Some parents might struggle to grasp that the job landscape and financial stability have shifted significantly for the younger generation.
Job Hunting Realities: Job hunting today is vastly different from what it used to be. Graduates are facing unique challenges and more competition in a rapidly changing job market.
Personal Choices and Boundaries: Mamas, respect personal boundaries and choices your youth make, such as not feeling pressured to engage in casual dating or pursuing certain relationship milestones. To help your youth understand how to recognize, create, and choose healthy relationships you can get them signed up for our program here. To learn more about what your youth learn in this program and to align healthy mindsets with them, check out For Caring Adults here.
Shifting Definitions of Success: Success today doesn't necessarily mirror the parameters of the past. Economic and societal changes have redefined what it means to achieve success. Today, we see young people finding success in many different arenas, from YouTubers to content creators to influencers. Don’t be afraid of these different avenues your child may want to pursue.
The Nuances of Modern Dating: The world of dating has transformed with the advent of technology, leading to more options but also posing risks like harassment and scams.
Diverse Paths to Happiness: Life goals are not universally tied to marriage and parenthood. Acknowledging the diverse paths to happiness is essential.
Safety Concerns at School: The fear of school shootings and mass violence weighs heavily on younger generations, influencing their perspectives on safety and preparedness.
Balancing Working Parenthood: The struggle of balancing work and family responsibilities is real for working parents. It's a juggling act with its own set of challenges.
Transitioning to Adulthood: Allowing young adults the space to make their own decisions, take on responsibilities, and learn independence is essential for their growth.
Therapy and Healing: Seeking therapy is not a criticism of parenting; it's a way to heal from past experiences and take emotional responsibility. Did you know there’s a list of Black therapists in Iowa with their pictures, specialties, what insurance they take, and more? There is! You can find it here, then click on “General Resources”, then click on “Black Therapists in Iowa Directory”.
Open-Mindedness to Gender and Sexuality: Embracing diverse genders and sexualities with an open mind and genuine acceptance is crucial.
Honest Conversations: Despite supportive parents, fear of straining relationships can hinder open conversations about personal beliefs and experiences.
Recognition and Prioritization of Mental Health Issues: Acknowledging and addressing mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD, is vital to the well-being and success of young adults. Taking time to focus on mental well-being and addressing these mental health issues isn't laziness; it's a necessary aspect of self-care. Want some simple practice? Check out our Affirmations page here.
Bridging the Gap for Better Understanding
Parenting in the modern world requires parents to adapt and empathize with the unique challenges faced by millennials and Gen Z'ers that they didn’t face - or faced in a different way - during their youth. By listening to their perspectives and striving to comprehend their experiences, we can bridge the gap between generations, foster healthy conversations, and ultimately create a more supportive and harmonious environment for families to thrive. Remember, giving yourself #permission to understand goes a long way in building meaningful connections with the younger generation.
Comments