Parenting the Millennial Generation: Guiding Children Born Between 1982 And 2000

by Verhaagen, Dave

• ISBN13: 9780275984748
• ISBN10: 0275984745
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-10-30
• Publisher: Greenwood Pub Group

Summary

They have strong values--faith, family, tolerance, intelligence and altruism among them. But, contrary to what one might guess, these people are not America's sage elders. This is the Millennial Generation. Born between 1982 and 2000, the oldest among them today are entering their 20s or in their teen years. They aim to rebel against society by cleaning it up, returning to "old-fashioned" values and relationships. Author Verhaagen describes why, nonetheless, parents are feeling more anxious and frazzled than ever before, even as they raise what some are predicting to be "our next hero generation." Verhaagen explains how research shows adults can help keep these young people on a positive path, stoke their ideals, and help them be resilient when the inevitible mistakes and obstacles arise. The Baby Boomers and older Gen Xers are parenting this new crew, aiming to ground them and instill great hope for the future. But Millennials face challenges greater than any generation faced before them. Many spend all or part of their childhood without a father in the home. Technology, including the Internet, is exposing them to adult material at increasingly young ages. They are subject to violent images that are more common than ever before in movies, television, and games. So parents still need to provide guidance. Verhaagen aims to help parents with research and advice, including how to teach determination, problem-solving, emotional smarts, and resilience. His text includes vignettes and his personal experience as a psychotherapist/father.

Author Biography

Dave Verhaagen is a Psychologist and Managing Partner at Southeast Psychological Services in Charlotte, N.C.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	ix
Introduction	xi
Who is this Millennial Generation?	1	(10)
A Whole New World	11	(8)
What, Me Worry?	19	(8)
Ten Traits of Good Parents	27	(16)
Kids with a Hope and a Future	43	(8)
Risk Factors	51	(12)
Introduction to Protective Factors	63	(82)
Emotional Protective Factors	67	(14)
Cognitive Protective Factors	81	(16)
Academic Protective Factors	97	(14)
Personality Protective Factors	111	(14)
Social Protective Factors	125	(10)
Family Protective Factors	135	(10)
My Last Gasp	145	(2)
References and Further Reading	147	(12)
Index	159