Are these “disrespectful” kids kidding you?
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, an expert at Parents.com, believes her rebellious childhood antics are coming back to haunt her as she raises her nine-year-old Gen Alpha daughter.
“I had no issue snapping at my mom in a department store dressing room if she dared to comment on my style,” the mom recalled. “And I could roll my eyes so far back into my head that it’s amazing they didn’t get stuck there,”
The Gen Xer admits her young child often shows signs of disrespect, such as engaging in backtalk.
Gen Alpha — a label for children born between 2010 and 2025 — has already been stereotyped as disrespectful.
And although West-Rosenthal says the communication dynamic with her daughter isn’t ideal, she believes the generation are more misunderstood than disrespectful.
“They’ve come across as fearless and willing to challenge the status quo. But is that tenacity born out of disrespect—or is it something deeper?” the mother questioned.
The outlook that Gen Alpha is more disrespectful than preceding generations could be a product of the changing social aspects rather than a generational trait, claims Catherine Nobile, PsyD, the Founder and Director of Nobile Psychology.
“Gen Alpha has grown up in a time when global issues are highly visible, multiple viewpoints are frequently aired, and digital tools allow them to express opinions from an early age,” Dr. Nobile explained.
The generation has the ability and resources to vocalize their perspective, unlike previous age groups. Their increased knowledge encourages them to speak against traditional practices they don’t agree with, even if they oppose their adult views.
Older generations grew up being told to “stay in a child’s place” during controversial conversations, so hearing younger children chime in startles adults as disrespectful.
“One of the most important differences is that, unlike previous generations, Gen Alpha will be more likely to confront authority than to accept it. Where previous generations might have been inclined to say: ‘Yes, Sir,’ ‘Yes, Ma’am,’ ‘OK,’ or ‘Whatever,’ Gen Alpha is more likely to ask: ‘Why can’t you explain that to me?’ ‘No, I’m not going to do that. I’m going to do it this way.’” said Dr. Nobile.
With Gen Alpha’s access to the internet through cellphones, iPads, and laptops, the youngsters can educate themselves on topics on their own. Social media has sparked curiosity within this generation, encouraging them to research topics ranging from politics, climate change, or social injustice.
“They’ve had access to more information and diverse perspectives from a young age, which has fostered a sense of independence and a strong voice,” said Kelly Oriard, a Licensed Family Therapist, Co-Founder and Chief Therapeutic Officer at Slumberkins, told Parents.com.
Instead of viewing our next generation of leaders as disrespectful, experts say people should consider how they can assist these children in taking a softer approach to their assertiveness and boldness.
“The secret is to help Gen Alpha develop the balance between assertiveness and being assertive, between being strong and being tough, between confidence and being a bully, and between self-esteem and arrogance,” said Dr. Nobile. “Parents and educators need to teach them to speak with confidence, but also to listen to others and to see things through the eyes of others.”
Experts confess that while trying to help their children understand different ways to approach conversations, parents and teachers must practice what they preach by treating others with deference through collaboration and communication.
“It’s not about whether they’re more or less respectful; it’s about understanding the world they’re growing up in and helping them develop into the best versions of themselves,” she explained. “We stand to raise Gen Alpha into adults who know how to assert their own needs and goals and recognize the value of respect.”
