It is not uncommon to hear an older generation criticize their younger counterparts; however, new research indicates that with each passing generation, common markers of adulthood are getting pushed off. Children appear to be “growing up” at a slower rate than ever before. This concept of extended childhood is not new and researchers are currently debating as to why this phenomenon occurs. In popular culture, boomers have clung to the idea that millennials and beyond are too coddled by parents and technology. Researchers of Psychology, Professor Twenge and Professor Park, offer a similar argument, but add nuance to the discussion.
In their research, they cited helicopter parents and technology were part of the answer to the question of extended childhood, but also argued that economic factors and overall changes in society (the new expectation to attend college) played a crucial role in which children had to essentially “grow up” and which had the ability to remain children longer. Of course, other researchers have tackled the “extended childhood” paradox and have reached different conclusions.
But as researchers continue to explore the ways our society and different generations interact with childhood, one challenge remains: adapting to the unique struggles of children as a parent with different generational expectations. Mental health advocates urge parents to embrace their children with empathy and seek to understand the new experiences their children face. While some parents worry about their children’s social media usage, few often know how to approach issues of cyber bullying and cyber security.
As technology advances and the human lifespan extends with it, we will continue to see changes in childhood and the world our children will navigate. The question remains, how will we, as parents, educators, and adults, adapt to these changes? How can provide children the tools to discover and thrive in world their children will live in?
