Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/1086923
www.FredericksburgParent.NET 17 " ey are the most connected, educated and sophisticated generation in history." "Love your kids, spend time with them, listen to them and respect them." CampS Best Around The World According to Gen Z Wonder how these kids fit into the world they are inherit- ing? According to a post on Maclean's entitled, Get Ready for Generation Z, social researcher Mark McCrindle said this about Gen Z: "They are the most connected, educated and sophisticated generation in history." Most educated? Oh, yes. I remember when the places to learn meant the library, school and the space-taking set of encyclopedias standard in every home. These days, all the knowledge they ever need is found in a single device—a smartphone or computer. Parenting this generation means having a set of tools in your parenting toolbox like never before. For example, apps, programs and devices like Disney Circle, Covenant Eyes and Life360 are a good start for controlling screen time and knowing where your kid is located. Kate Downey, mom of two and previous foster mom, shares, "I don't think the basics have really changed. Love your kids, spend time with them, listen to them, respect them. Set boundaries. You as a parent have control over how much technology you allow in your home. If you choose to make use of it, then choose to be involved in how your kids use it. Use filters and keep learning." Laura Lyles Reagan, sociologist, parent coach and par- ent journalist of Heart 2 Heart Parents gives some great closing advice: "Kids at any age want and need our time and positive attention, but never more so than times of social change. So, foster communication skills with real conversations, teach empathy by assuming the role of the other and get back to nature as often as you can together. These actions tend to ground kids."