Synopses & Reviews
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 are faced with the task of raising what some predict will 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 inevitable 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.
Review
"Identified in the popular press as the biggest generation in the US since the baby boomers, the millennial generation (born 1982-2000) is said to be heir to a culture that has come to its senses and realized that children need guidance, nurturance, and limits. Integrating popular literature with current and established research, Verhaagen (a practicing psychologist) presents a summary of the characteristics of this group of children; he uses classic research on parenting from the 1960s to identify characteristics of those best suited to parent this new group. Verhaagen argues that parents need to consider the whole child rather than focus strictly on issues that need to be changed, and that increasing strengths and building on a child's strong points--rather than worrying about risks or problems--is more likely to result in positive outcomes….Verhaagen provides concrete examples of what parents can do to enhance the strength of each protective factor. Though undergraduates may enjoy reading about their supposed profile, this is essentially a guide for professionals and parents. Recommended. Professionals; general readers." - Choice
Synopsis
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 are faced with the task of raising what some predict will 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 inevitable mistakes and obstacles arise.
Synopsis
Presents research-backed methods for parenting children born between 1982 and 2000, a huge, upbeat generation dubbed the Millennials.
About the Author
DAVE VERHAAGEN is a Psychologist and Managing Partner at Southeast Psychological Services in Charlotte, N.C. He has served as a Professor of Psychology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, as a psychologist at a hospital pediatric center, and as the psychologist of an elementary school.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Who is the Millennial Generation?
A Whole New World
What, Me Worry?
10 Traits of Good Parents
Kids with a Hope and a Fortune
Risk Factors
Introduction to Protective Factors
Emotional Protective Factors
Cognitive Protective Factors
Academic Protective Factors
Personality Protective Factors
Social Protective Factors
Family Protective Factors
My Last Gasp