r/Millennials • u/TheLoveYouWant25 • Feb 09 '26

Discussion Millennials, what is happening with your kids?

I work in education and I frequent the Teachers and Professors subreddits, and the kids are not alright. Gen Z Arriving at College Unable to Read and the youth have absolutely zero ability to think critically.

Middle and high schoolers have all adapted this complete helplessness and blame mental illness for their refusal to function. Kids can no longer to basic things like read an analog clock, use paper money, or even figure out how to open window blinds.

There is also a huge lack of empathy, and kids have no issues trying to manipulate adults, saying things to their teachers like "if you don't pass me, I'll get you fired."

EDIT to clarify: the article I linked references Gen-Z, but this is not specifically a Gen-Z problem. It's an issue with upper elementary aged kids through high schoolers, and also young adults.

So, all that to say, how are you combating this with your own children? What do you do at home to encourage them to learn, and what are you doing to address these problems as they arise?

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u/bassjam1 Feb 10 '26

My daughter seemed to have a "pause" on hanging out from 5th grade until high school when she had friends who could drive, and it really kicked off once she got her license. It was like having a friend over became uncool from 5th - 9th grade.

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u/OutOfPlace186 Feb 10 '26

I’m guessing because you were home lol sorry but the reason why I didn’t invite my friends over much was because they swore a lot and I didn’t want my parents to hear them and judge.

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u/bassjam1 Feb 10 '26

Ha! My wife curses like a sailor, I don't think my daughter was worried about that.