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The TikTok generation may really be facing some challenges with a crucial part of life:
The growing up part.
Growing numbers of Generation-Z members are literally taking classes in the basic skills of “adulting,”
“The first thing that many young people is look for something else to do the work for them,” said mentor and motivational speaker Scott Curley. He looks to increasing reliance on technology like artificial intelligence. “They lean more into that as opposed to learning basic life skills.”
Now young adults are facing challenges from mundane activities like checking the oil in your car, cooking, or changing a tire.
Schools like Michigan State University and the University of California are offering “adulting” courses.
The University of Waterloo in Canada literally calls its program “Adulting 101” for students as they transition into the realities of college life.
How did this happen?
Curley says look to Boomer and Generation-X parents.
“Helicopter parenting,” he sighed. “We didn’t want our kids to have to go through tough times.I think part of what we did as parents, we may have overcompensated. We didn’t let them bump their heads as much. And we probably should have.”
For parents of younger kids still learning life’s lessons, he suggests… let them learn life’s lessons!
“Let them figure out their own challenges,” he said. “lf they find themselves in a pickle, don’t be so quick to fix it for them. Let them make the mistake, because there’s no way they’re going to learn if they don’t understand the importance of consequences.”