This offering by Dave Boden reaches parents where they are in this current age - raising Gen Alpha. Gen Alpha are defined as those born between 2010 and 2024 - anyone 16 and under. This is the generation mainly parented by Millennials (Gen Y), and it has some significant features. I am a Gen X parent of Gen Z kids, and while we saw these features taking shape during their adolescence, they have become full-blown since.
Gen Alpha is lively, curious, and bursting with creativity—full of humor, energy, and kindness. Their openness and passion to learn make them fascinating and fun to be around. But beneath the surface, many wrestle with anxiety and inner conflict, shaped by the fast-paced, digitally connected world they’re growing up in. (Intro)Boden identifies 5 defining features of this generation:
- A - Anxious Minded
- L - Leading Influence
- P - Pandemic Impacted
- H - Hyperconnected
- A - AI shaped
He outlines the trends and traits in each, and then equips parents and caregivers with tools that will help spark ideas and approaches to both engage with this generation. This helps adults who are guiding this generation to adulthood by approaching issues with wisdom, not fear; and optimism, not dread.
In some ways, there is not much that is a surprise here: we all live in the world and are impacted by it daily. But taking time to consider how these trends impact young people during key times of development will help us to love them and serve them well.
Clearly technology has been a key driver in many of these areas. Young people are exposed to more information and also misinformation than ever before. They are always connected, seeing little difference between online and offline realities. Boden strikes a helpful balance noting the good things that much of this generation has access to, yet sounds a clear warning about the risks and harms to be aware of.
Boden encourages adults to continue to point their kids towards Jesus, who offers truly good news for this generation. He is the Prince of Peace for the anxious, the Servant King for those who want to influence, God with us for the pandemic-impacted, the vine and true connection for the hyperconnected, and wisdom and truth for the AI shaped.
Each chapter explores how God speaks to Gen Alpha, and how we can point to him in practical and thoughtful ways, using biblical and worldly wisdom. Theological and psychological concepts are included, giving both a framework and a path to consider.
Very helpful book for anyone raising, teaching, or leading Gen Alpha.
I was given an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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