By Dr. Rebeca Chow, LPC-S, LCPC-S, RPT-S

Parenting Generation Alpha (those born between 2010 and 2024) is both exciting and humbling. I know because I’m a proud Alpha parent. When we decided to have another child, we hoped for someone who would bring new energy and joy into our lives—and our Alpha has done that. But for a Xennial (yes, that micro-generation between Gen X and Millennials!) like me and a Gen Xer like my partner, our Alpha has put all our knowledge, research, and lived experience to the test.

Instead of trying to keep up or take control, we can choose to get curious, lean in, and learn alongside them. That’s where the real connection happens.

This generation is unlike anything we’ve seen before. These kids are true digital natives. Moving through virtual realities and the metaverse is like second nature to Alphas. They’ve never known a world without smartphones, smart homes, or instant access to everything. Have you checked your Amazon cart lately? Or watched them lead you through Target like they own stock in the place?

And while raising them can feel like uncharted territory, it’s also an incredible opportunity to shift our approach. Instead of trying to keep up or take control, we can choose to get curious, lean in, and learn alongside them. That’s where the real connection happens.

Understanding Their World Starts with Ours

Generation Alpha is growing up in an era where having a brilliant idea (and the right TikTok algorithm) can make them millionaires overnight. This concept is equally inspiring and overwhelming. As parents and caregivers, we’re not just raising them; we’re guiding a generation that believes anything is possible and sees diversity and inclusion as the norm—not the exception. And that’s a powerful responsibility.

Practical Tip:

Think of parenting Alphas as an immersion experience, not a command center. The more you listen and learn, the more they’ll let you in.

Social Connections: New Rules, Same Needs

Generation Alpha often builds friendships through screens long before they connect face-to-face. Quick digital exchanges, DMs, and likes are their version of social interaction. While they navigate this world effortlessly, it can sometimes leave them craving deeper, more meaningful connections, without always knowing how to ask for them.

As caregivers, we have a chance to help them slow down, practice real connection, and remind them that relationships are about more than just instant messages and quick reactions.

Practical Tip:

When they say they’re “gassed” or “depressed,” don’t rush in with solutions. Instead, get curious:

• “What does that feel like for you?”
• “What do you need from me right now?”

Resist the urge to lecture when they ask for a $200 Tom Ford cologne or the latest trending item. Instead, lean into connection:

• “What do you love about that scent?”
• “Where did you hear about it?”
• “Who’s your favorite influencer right now?”

It’s not about agreeing. It’s about understanding.

Global Connections Without Losing Their Roots

Our Alphas are global citizens; they know what’s trending in Korea and Brazil before they finish breakfast; with access to so much, it can be hard for them to stay grounded in their own values and identity.

As parents or caregivers, when we don’t understand their world, it’s easy for our brains to shift into protection mode. We become reactive or defensive, trying to shield them from what feels unfamiliar or uncertain. But when we respond this way, we may unintentionally send the message that it’s unsafe to share with us.

Over time, they might start keeping things to themselves or turn to someone else—often online—for the understanding and connection they seek. When we choose to stay curious instead of shutting down, we build the trust they need to keep coming back to us.

Also, our brains are wired with mirror neurons. If we stay calm and open, we create the space for connection. If we react with fear or frustration, they’ll sense it and shut down too. How we show up makes all the difference.

Practical Tip:

You don’t have to get it perfect. You just have to be good enough. Messed up? Go back. Say: “I’m sorry I reacted like that. Can you tell me more about what it felt like to get 1k likes?”

Screens Are Their World—So Let’s Teach Them to Navigate

Alphas were born into a world where their devices are extensions of themselves. Limiting their screen time is less helpful than teaching them how to use it.

Give them responsibility for managing their time:

• “After 30 minutes, it’s time for a brain break—set your own timer.”
• “How do you think you did with screen time today?” You will know then if you can play tonight.

And also, model what you ask for. If you’re glued to your phone at dinner, they’ll notice.

Practical Tip:

Build an internal compass by teaching them how to manage their screen time—not just enforcing limits.

They Are a Visual Generation—Lean Into It

They are a visual generation, and it’s part of how they experience and make sense of the world—so lean into it. Generation Alpha thrives on dynamic, visually rich content. That doesn’t mean we have to give up on books, board games, or face-to-face conversations. But it does mean we need to be thoughtful about engaging with them.

Instead of resisting their digital world, we can use it as a bridge for connection. Bring their love of visual platforms into everyday life, whether that’s by creating a colorful family calendar they help design, using visuals to map out routines, or sharing moments through photos and videos they can relate to. Meeting them where they are helps foster engagement and creativity and opens the door for deeper connection beyond the screen.

Practical Tip:

Make offline life engaging, not boring. Invite them to design their world with you.

• Make a bright, customizable family calendar they want to interact with.
• Use visuals when explaining schedules or chores.

The Path Forward

We are raising a generation that’s rewriting the rules. Parenting them isn’t about control; it’s about connection, curiosity, and modeling the behaviors we hope they embrace. You don’t have to have it all figured out; if you’re willing to listen, learn, and lead by example, you’ll raise an Alpha who trusts you to be in their world.

Join the Conversation

• Are you parenting (or mentoring) a Gen Alpha? What’s one thing they’ve taught you about seeing the world differently?
• When raising Gen Alpha, curiosity beats control every time. What’s one moment where pausing to understand made a difference in your connection with your child (or student)?
• Have you ever caught yourself reacting before reflecting with your Gen Alpha? What’s one thing you wish you could go back and ask them instead? Drop your ‘do-over’ moments below—no judgment!