How Parents Of Gen Beta Need To Prep Themselves, As Per A Psychologist

2025 marks the advent of new ideas, fresh trends and also, a new generation. Beginning 2025, children entering the world will be termed as Generation Beta and this term will continue for births until the year 2039 approximately.

Gen Beta kids will succeed Generation Alpha and are expected to be vastly different in their attitude, behaviour and capabilities than the generations that came before them; namely; Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennials and Baby Boomers.

The prospect of a new generation of children is exciting but the challenges that lie ahead for the parents raising them will be steep. Not only will parenting Gen Beta children require a different worldview, being technologically-savvy will also be a pre-requisite.

NDTV Lifestyle exclusively speaks to Anjula Siddhartha, a licensed psychologist who practices in Canada, to share her psychological insight on what traits Gen Beta will grow up having and how parents can prepare to raise them.

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Looking back: Common traits of Gen Alpha children, born from 2010 to 2024

The pandemic affected everybody, even emotionally, and most vulnerable were the youth. Gen Alpha children have been significantly affected by the pandemic as, for example, school closures disrupted their learning social skills, which are typical for a classroom.

As a result, many face challenges such as school adjustment issues, social anxiety, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal.

Looking ahead: Expected characteristics of Gen Beta children

To cope with the difficulties of life, the upcoming generation will likely develop a skill set for it.

Gen Beta children will have coping skills of emotional control by practicing regular meditation.

They will have holistic health practices and practical life skills, enabling them to manage their immediate environment effectively.

Gen Alpha and Gen Beta: What is similar, what will be different

Although Gen Alpha is the closest in age to the new generation, an expert comparison shows how drastically different they will be in terms of their traits.

Gen Beta children will likely have parents aware of the issues to avoid, such as social media. This awareness may help Gen Beta imbibe the positive traits of previous generations while minimising the negative aspects.

For example, Gen Beta will emulate and may exceed Gen Alpha's emotional adaptability through their coping mechanisms of mental struggles.

Additionally, Gen Beta will likely have a more balanced approach to screen time, focusing on returning to basics by prioritising shared activities and a daily routine.

Parenting tips: Raising Gen Beta and Gen Alpha

• For parents of children belonging to Gen Alpha, focus on nurturing their self-identity, which is how they perceive themselves when comparing themselves to their peers and other people of significance.

• Gen Alpha needs to stay firm and not be swayed, as the world and its numerous temptations are just a click away. So, the parents can start with shared activities, encouraging open communication and discussing the pros and cons of a desired object, such as a new toy.

• Parents can gently guide the Gen Alpha children by helping them set achievable goals, like creative writing or developing a new hobby that will give them social skills, like the school theatre.

• For parents of children of Gen Beta, introduce the concept of delaying immediate gratification from infancy, not giving the child the toy on the first cry and instead asking the child why they want it or sharing it with others.

• Another task for parents is to be patient while their child is acquiring new skills.

• Once the Gen Beta child knows the value of persistent and focused hard work, they will take pride in their efforts and admire the hard work of their peers instead of their friend's designer clothes.

By instilling these principles in both generations, we can support their development into being empathetic and prepared to face life's challenges.

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