Why Your Teen or Millennial Will Crash and Burn

One of the defining characteristics of Millennials and Gen Z is said to be meaning and purpose. They are driven by a quest to live, work and experience meaning and purpose.  When they don’t find a reason for life or what drives them, they are likely to crash and burn.

Corporations and higher education focus on using them to attract and engage students and new talent. But there is a big problem. The problem is that though they are said to be defined by meaning and purpose they don’t seem to know what they are or when asked what drives them, they look like deer caught in the headlights. Ask them what drives or motivates them. They say they want to work for a company that has a social conscience but don’t ask specifically what that would look like.

So how do you as a parent teach character, meaning and purpose that defines and drives this generation?

Here are some ideas I know work and can help you raise amazing children to become people with a mission.

1. Ask them who their heroes are. Be patient. It may take some time for them to identify who they are.
2. Don’t be shocked. This is an exercise that might take time and patience. It may surprise you as well.
3. It sounds simple but then ask why they admire these people. What is it about their lives that means something to them. What is it they have done that they see as being of value and importance. Ask how they think they can emulate the lives of their heroes.
4. Take time to share some of your heroes. You may want to start with this as a way to have your child feel comfortable and get going. Remember your values and what matters to you should be important and real. If you struggle it might be a good time for you to do some evaluation and see what and why certain people matter to you.

Part two will be very practical.  I will talk about money.  Money defines what matters to most of us.  How we give it, use it, make the lives of others bigger and better with it.

If you need help as a parent, we can always help.  Call (469) 305-2241 or go to Parent Coaching.

P.S.  I wrote this same article under a different and very positive title a week ago.  The photo was very upbeat and bright.  I am reposting it to see what the difference is re engagement.  I have recently looked at article I have written and it would seem that when I use a crisis or negative heading, engagement is far higher.