We Millennials raise our children differently than we were brought up. You can read what that does with our children here.
Do you know the feeling when your child comes home after a long day of school, sits down and tells very calmly about a friend who helped it with a problem during the break? Or if it just says to you: "Mom, I wish you are doing well." And at that moment you feel the unconditional love of your child without being given a certain occasion, simply out of a deep, honest feeling.
Such moments when our children's empathy and attention completely overwhelm us are very special. And honestly, I often wonder if it is a characteristic of today that children are so sensitive and compassionate. Maybe you are even more empathetic than the generations before you?
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How we shape millennials our children
As millennial parents, i.e. as part of the generation that grew up in the 80s and 90s, we experience an exciting change in the way we raise our children. We are the generation that grew up with digitization that deals with climate change and burns for social issues such as equality and tolerance.
But what may notice the most: we are parents who educate differently than we were brought up ourselves. The question "How are you really?" Is more often asked because it is completely normal for us to talk about feelings.
I often think about how we, as parents, convey to our children how important it is to perceive and react the feelings of others. When we were still small, it was often said to be "stop" when we were sad or "tear yourself together". Today we show our children that it is perfectly fine to feel sad or angry. And that it is even important to express these feelings. The focus has shifted: it is no longer just about discipline, but about accompanying the child in all of his emotional world.
It is also much more than "because it is important to be nice". Empathy is an essential part of emotional intelligence, andStudies showthat children learn their empathy from their parents. Children of millennials learn since they are small to understand their own emotions and at the same time to recognize the others.
Why our children are particularly sensitive today
What amazes me again and again is the deep connection that my children develop into other people and also animals or nature. This could also be due to the fact that they are confronted with an unprecedented flood of information from an early age. On social media, on YouTube and in the news, they are constantly faced with the emotions and life stories of others. I see how my daughter suddenly becomes thoughtful when she hears from a child in another country that is on the run. Or how my son takes care of our dog and consoles him when he hasn't felt comfortable or frightened.
This type of empathy is not a coincidence, but a product of our networked world. Children see, hear and feel more than ever before. They grow up in a society that increasingly deals with topics such as racism, climate change or poverty.
Access to information has changed radically and thus also awareness of the suffering and needs of others. This not only makes them more intelligent, but also more sensitive.
I particularly notice this when my children describe their view on a current topic. Whether it is about justice or dealing with people in difficult life situations - their opinions are well thought out and shaped by a deep understanding of the emotions of others. You know that it is important to put yourself in the position of the other.
What we parents do differently today
There are moments when I feel really proud because I realize that the values I want to teach my children bear fruit. I try to be a parent that is not only authoritarian, but also deals with the feelings of my children. Yes, there are rules and limits, but there is just as much space for conversations, for sharing feelings and for mutual understanding.
If my son gets angry or impatient in a discussion, I don't immediately try to admonish him or tell him that he should pull himself together. Instead, I ask him what made him so angry and listen to him. I want him to understand that his feelings are okay. And that it is also okay to look for help if he doesn't get anywhere with you alone. At the same time, I try to convey to him how important it is to respect the feelings of others.
Are millennial children particularly empathetic?
Of course, it is not so easy to say that today's childrendieis the most empathetic generation of all time. After all, previous generations with their own challenges and strengths have grown. But I have the feeling that today we do everything we can to educate our children to educate our children particularly sensitive, socially responsible and reflected people.
It is exciting to see how the social focus has shifted. In the past, children expected to adapt, function and subordinate themselves. Today it is about not only strengthening our children, but also raising soulful and empathetic personalities.
I believe that this development will enrich society as a whole. Today children grew up at a time when you take responsibility for others and not only in your own circle. You will learn from an early age that empathy plays a key role in the design of a better future. And I am convinced that you will continue to carry these values.
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