Is General Alpha disrespectful or just misunderstood? Why confident kids are ‘standing up to authority’ with a ‘strong voice’

Are these “disrespectful” kids making fun of you?

Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, an expert at Parents.com, believes her rebellious childhood antics are haunting her as she raises her nine-year-old Gen Alpha daughter.

“I didn’t mind bumping into my mom in a store dressing room if she dared to comment on my style,” Mom recalls. “And I was able to get my eyes so far back in my head that it’s amazing they didn’t get stuck there.”

The Gen Xer admits that her toddler often shows signs of disrespect, such as

Gen Alpha – a label for children born between 2010 and 2025 – is already stereotyped as disrespectful.

And although West-Rosenthal says the communication dynamic with her daughter isn’t ideal, she believes the generation is more misunderstood than disrespectful.

“They are seen as fearless and willing to challenge the status quo. But is this insistence born of disrespect – or is it something deeper? asked the mother.

The view that Gen Alpha is more disrespectful than previous generations may be a product of changing social aspects rather than a generational trait, says Catherine Nobile, PsyD, Founder and Director of Nobile Psychology.

“Gen Alpha has grown up in a time when global issues are highly visible, multiple viewpoints are often aired, and digital tools allow them to express themselves from an early age,” explained Dr. Noble.

The generation has the ability and resources to vocalize their perspective, unlike previous age groups. Their increased knowledge encourages them to speak out against traditional practices with which they disagree, even if they contradict their views as adults.

Older generations grew up being told to “stand in a child’s shoes” during contentious conversations, so hearing younger children engage with surprised adults as disrespectful.

“One of the most important changes is that, unlike previous generations, Gen Alpha will be more likely to confront authority than accept it. Where previous generations may have been inclined to say, ‘Yes, sir,’ ‘Yes, ma’am,’ ‘OK,’ or ‘Whatever,’ Gen Alpha is more likely to ask, ‘Why can’t I?’ explain this to me?’ ‘No, I won’t do that. I will do it this way'”, said Dr. Noble.

With Gen Alpha’s access to the Internet through cell phones, iPads, and laptops, young people can educate themselves on topics. Social media has sparked curiosity within this generation, encouraging them to research topics ranging from politics, climate change or social injustice.

“They’ve had access to more information and different perspectives from a young age, which has fostered a sense of independence and a strong voice,” said Kelly Oriard, a licensed family therapist, co-founder and chief therapist at Slumberkins. Parents.com.

Instead of seeing our next generation of leaders as disrespectful, experts say people should think about how they can help these kids take a softer approach to their determination and courage.

“The secret is to help the Alpha Gen develop the balance between assertiveness and assertiveness, between being strong and tough, between confidence and being bully, and between self-esteem and arrogance,” said Dr. Noble. “Parents and educators must teach them to speak with confidence, but also to listen to others and see things through other people’s eyes.

Experts say that as they try to help their children understand different ways to approach conversations, parents and teachers need to practice what they preach by treating others with respect through cooperation and communication.

“It’s not about whether they’re more or less respectable; it’s about understanding the world they’re growing up in and helping them develop into the best versions of themselves,” she explained. “We stand to raise General Alpha into adults who know how to assert their needs and goals and recognize the value of respect.”