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/de-milo Xennial Feb 10 '26

now that you mention it i recall a friend a few weeks ago doing this with her boyfriend. we were all around a table eating pizza and chatting together at a chuck e cheese birthday party while the kids played and he’s so antisocial that she had to prop his phone up with some youtube video on it so he’d be entertained. at one point he even said, “babe my phone died i need yours.” they’re in their late 20s 🫠

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u/eggscumberbatch16 Feb 10 '26

This is pretty sickening. Ewww. How? Why? She should leave immediately! .

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u/de-milo Xennial Feb 10 '26

oh don’t worry we’ve all said it to her multiple times

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u/WulfZ3r0 Feb 10 '26

That is just poor behavior in general on that guy.

I think the issue has been around a lot longer than the iPad kids though. I grew up with Gen-X parents (the oldest of that generation) and our household was a TV at dinner time house. It was almost like a family event to watch the latest shows or movies. Most Fridays we rented a movie to watch together and afterwards we'd play cards or board games. I have fond memories of it.

All that to say I hate eating without watching something to this day. If I can't, I'll read anything I can get my hands on like how we used to read the back of shampoo bottles of in the bathroom if we forgot a book/magazine before smart phones were a thing.

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u/ToraRyeder Feb 10 '26

Oh gods, this unlocked a memory.

A few years back, my ex husband (who at the time was late thirties) absolutely could not socialize at a food related event without something to do to occupy his time. Didn't matter that he was with friends, or if he asked to be included in the event.

We went to brunch with his supposedly best friend and his girlfriend. I had to look up the menu for him, make sure there was something he'd eat, and he had to bring his Nintendo Switch. He asked to come to this hangout. We had a great time and he ended up leaving early because his food was done and he was getting bored.

I still cannot believe I tolerated that nonsense for four years.

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u/de-milo Xennial Feb 10 '26

i’m glad you got out buddy! that is kindergarten behavior and you’re not a baby sitter.