AUTHOR: Jason Jimenez
PUBLISHER: Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2023, (288 pages).
Part One looks at the 8 core characteristics of Gen Z. They are quite a mouthful to read, let alone understand. They are like the main character in the movie Divergent, whose identity comprises a combination of unique traits. They are most comfortable in the digital world and they are increasingly using their content creativity as a way to express themselves. They are also religiously disaffected. The list of social profiles should make us pause and reflect upon the Gen Z kids we know. They are the most ethnically diverse, openly progressive, sexually fluid, language-sensitive, emotionally unstable, and lonely generation. when parenting these kids, we need to know that there are parents from different generations too. From older Gen X to younger Millennials, parenting paradigms differ from generation to generation. Jimenez then shows us some parenting flaws to avoid. These are the controlling, the paranoid, and the detached parenting styles.
Part Two looks at concerns facing Gen Z that parents need to know. This is an eye-opening chapter where the author identifies concerns like digital obsession, 8-second attention span, artificial maturity, and being misled by fake information on the Internet. Thankfully, he gives parents some workable strategies to learn. He even suggests parents do not give their kids their first smartphone prematurely. Of greater concern would be the declining levels of faith in Gen Z kids, especially with regard to their negative opinions about Jesus, God, and the Bible. Other challenges include the matter of sexuality, gender identity, porn, depression, abortion, suicide, racism, etc.
Part Three is about adjustments we can make to connect with our kids. I like how Jimenez uses L.O.V.E. as an acronym to remember: Laugh together, Open up sharing, Value one another, and Encourage one another daily. His four strategies for discipline are not easy but would require firmness, for the sake of good parenting. They have to do with teaching about respecting authority, constructive correction, allowing some levels of protest, and showing consequences for disobedience. He then supplies some family strategies to develop good communication within the family. This includes learning to put church as a priority.
Part Four is about biblical strategies where we learn five ways to nurture Gen Z faith. Readers who are anxious about matters of faith should find this section helpful. Jimenez gives six ways to model our faith, five ways to nurture children's future, and a chapter just for single parents.
My Thoughts
Let me share three thoughts about this book. First, it is a timely resource. Books about parenting are a dime a dozen. Faith books about a specific generation that is increasingly prominent in society are few and far between. Those of us who are Gen-Xers, Millennials, and older will appreciate learning about the different aspects of Gen Z culture. Understanding any culture will require a basic knowledge of historical contexts that influence their upbringing. We are all byproducts of our culture. A key difference is the depth of digital influence. Like the proverbial "born with a silver spoon" to indicate blessed with plenty at birth, Gen Z are kids "born with a digital platter." They are digital natives who breathe, eat, and live all things digital. This is something parents need to understand. A key insight is the recognition of how Gen Z kids are more connected and open in an online world but clam up or unsure of how to inteface-to-face face. This book provides a big list of technological apps for us to learn, or at least know what they are. We don't have to be an expert. We just need to learn to understand their lingo and the reasons why they are so popular.
Second, parenting is always a challenge. Like previous generations, our parents too would have found us challenging as they grappled with our differences. Thus, I caution anyone from putting Gen Z kids in that "impossible" category in any trivializing manner. Anyone who ostracizes anything Gen Z should take a step back and ask: "Who birthed the cultural environment in the first place?" The founders of FaceBook, MySpace, Reddit, TikTok, Twitter, and WhatsApp are all Gen-Xers and Millennials! Every generation has its own challenges and we should not isolate Gen Z unfairly. Instead, the key to getting acceptance lies in humility. We are products of our parents' culture. The way we raise our children can sometimes be a reaction to or against how our parents treated us. With humility, we restrain our controlling mechanisms and ask for help when needed. With wisdom, we avoid fear-parenting. With courage, we engage instead of avoiding Gen Z altogether. So, don't single out Gen Z by accusing them of being "digital zombies" or some nasty nicknames. There are universal human needs in every generation, and parenting is about learning to contextualize the meeting of these fundamental needs for a new era.
Finally, practice what we preach. I like the section on faith. That makes this book different from other parenting resources on Gen Z. If we want our kids to influence the world positively, there is no substitute for faith. Thus, I encourage parents who want to bring up their Gen Z kids well to anchor them in faith. Model our lifestyles so they can learn by seeing us pray, study, and serve. Model our personal relationship with God. If we want our kids to read the Bible, we need to read and be seen to read the Bible. If we want our kids to serve in Church, serve and be seen to serve. If we want our kids to participate actively in a community, do the same ourselves. It is the age-old practice that we ourselves preach. One more important note. Parents are to counter unhealthy culture. They also need to teach their Gen Z kids to do the same. Behind every digital platform lies multitudes of deceivers, fake news, predators, scammers, etc. They are also getting sneakier by the day. So it is good for parents to continue to learn. This book is just the beginning.
Any parent of Gen Z kids or anyone who has to interact with Gen Z will find this book a godsend. It is highly educational, illuminating, and more importantly, faith-based. It takes one who has personally experienced the highs and lows of Gen Z people to come up with a book resource like this. Thankfully, Jimenez shows an understanding of Gen Z from a parental perspective. He is a competent guide and I warmly recommend this book for parents of anyone, especially Gen Z.
Jason Jimenez is a pastor, Christian apologist, and the founder of STAND STRONG Ministries. He is a widely recognized worldview expert who specializes in cultural, philosophical, theological and religious issues, and, as a national speaker, addresses numerous topics including religious freedom, Islam, same-sex marriage, and the reliability of the Bible. Jason has authored/co-authored several books including The Raging War of Ideas, Stand Strong America, and The Bible’s Answers to 100 of Life’s Biggest Questions. He and his wife, Celia, have four children and reside in North Carolina.
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
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