What to expect as Gen Z starts to parent

The trends that could predict a once-in-a-lifetime transformation in parenting and childhood

by Meghan Chaney and Joe Waters

Born after 1996, the oldest members of Gen Z are entering adulthood, graduating college, entering the workforce, and becoming parents. True digital natives, pro-government, social justice minded, and progressive, they are also the most racially and ethnically diverse and educated generation in our country’s history and the loneliest. 

With the future wide open before them, we are curious to see how this generation will parent, what they will demand of institutions, and how all stakeholders can support the flourishing and well-being of these families and children. 

In this presentation, we review

  • The demographics, characteristics, and values of Gen Z

  • Environmental influences and societal trends shaping them

  • How they’re likely to parent differently than previous generations 

  • Where Gen Z gets information

  • Possible futures for Gen Z

This presentation was updated in April 2023.

Capita IdeasJoe Watersparents, parenting, flourishing futures, futures