Values instilled in children by today's youth: Balancing self-interest and technology usage, specifically focusing on the concept of healthy selfishness and the benefits associated with popular gadgets.
In a groundbreaking study, Maya Dovgal, a graduate of Tomsk State University's Philosophy Department, has delved into the parenting practices and values of Generation Z. Her thesis, titled "Practices and Models of Parenting in Generation Z," aims to identify new trends in child rearing among young parents.
Dovgal conducted in-depth interviews with 16 young women and men (aged 21-29) who have at least one child aged one year or older. Her research reveals a significant departure from traditional parenting practices, with Generation Z embracing a concept known as "healthy egoism."
This approach encourages children to develop a balanced sense of self-worth, emotional boundaries, and self-care without guilt or shame. Unlike traditional parenting values, which often emphasized self-sacrifice, conformity, and emotional suppression, healthy egoism in Generation Z parenting prioritizes emotional intelligence, mental health, and the promotion of emotional resilience.
One key difference is the focus on emotional regulation and mental health. Gen Z parenting highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and regulation, promoting mental health and healthy expression of feelings. In contrast, traditional parenting, especially of earlier generations, often required children to bottle up emotions to demonstrate resilience, potentially leading to stress and anxiety later in life.
Another significant shift is the encouragement of boundaries. Gen Z parents and millennials emphasize setting personal boundaries as a necessary and healthy practice rather than viewing it as selfish or disrespectful. This teaches children to prioritize their well-being and peace, forming a core part of "healthy egoism."
Self-care without guilt is another cornerstone of Gen Z parenting. Unlike some previous parenting styles that might have viewed self-focus or “egoism” negatively, Gen Z parenting advocates for self-love and self-care as foundational for overall health and interpersonal success, pushing back against the stigma of selfishness.
The shift from sacrifice to balance is also evident. Traditional parenting often valorized sacrifice and prioritizing others' needs above one’s own, while healthy egoism encourages balancing care for others with caring for oneself, thus fostering more sustainable relationships and personal growth.
Zoomer parents also teach their children critical thinking and healthy egoism, encouraging self-choice and considering others. They have adopted gentler emotional discipline practices from their parents, such as explaining why certain behaviors are wrong and apologizing for mistakes.
Moreover, young parents do not place great importance on gender norms and tend to support their children's interests regardless of their gender. Zoomers have eliminated practices like ignoring children and corner time from their parenting process.
However, it's important to note that negative behavioral patterns from personal experiences may unintentionally be inflicted on children by Zoomer parents. Dovgal's research also observed instances of negative models of parental duty distribution, such as only the mother being involved in child-rearing.
Despite these challenges, Generation Z instils in their children the values of healthy egoism and a critical view of the world. They strive to avoid emotional outbursts and refrain from physical punishment. Generation Z views parenthood as a multifaceted project that requires both emotional and financial investment. Most of those surveyed delayed marriage and childbirth but approached these decisions responsibly, planning their pregnancy and preparing for parenthood.
With her research, Dovgal hopes to contribute to a better understanding of Generation Z's parenting practices and values, and she plans to continue her research in the field of parenting practices, potentially focusing on analytics. This shift towards healthy egoism in Generation Z parenting is a promising development that could lead to emotionally resilient individuals who value their own needs as well as those of others.
Science and health-and-wellness are central aspects in Generation Z's parenting practices, as they prioritize emotional intelligence, mental health, and self-care. Education and self-development also play a role, as Gen Z parents encourage critical thinking and self-choice. Family health, particularly emotional resilience, is a focus, with parenting styles aimed at promoting a balanced sense of self-worth and emotional regulation. Career development may also be influenced, as the shift from sacrifice to balance fosters sustainable relationships and personal growth.
