Talk to them!

Watching the news recently has been heartbreaking. Young people –Gen Zers – are killing others and committing suicide at an alarming rate. I believe that together we can do something about it. As a recently retired educator and former single mother of three, I can tell you for certain that Gen Zers are hungry for us to reach out to them. Gen Xers and Baby Boomers can make a difference in the lives of these young people and save lives. The most important thing we can do to help this generation is to invite them to talk with us. It doesn’t have to be a long conversation or about anything major. For example, when you see a teenager near you in public, address them and start a conversation. Yes, they are probably staring at their phones, but don’t let that stop you. Politely get their attention and pay a complement or ask how their day has been going. I have never once done this and had them be disrespectful. They always smile and answer back politely. I actually just made their day. When you break into their world by speaking kindly to them, they will walk away and feel so important. You noticed them! You made them the center of your attention for just a moment and that means so much to these young people. If the situation allows, ask them to help you get an item off of the shelf or maybe take the buggy back to the cart holder for you. Gen Zers LOVE to help!

I realize that some of you will disagree with me and think this “darn generation should know how to communicate and not need to be propped up.” After all, “they’ve had it easy their whole lives” and “they are always talking on those dang cell phones,” so they get plenty of attention. This letter is way too short to explain how society has created this situation, but please believe me when I say that if we reach out to them, we will make a difference. I’ve personally heard stories of young people NOT making the bad choice because Mr. or Mrs. So-and-So would be disappointed in them. Please, start talking with these young people. They will surprise you in the best way! They have questions to ask and stories to share, and they crave that personal interaction. It is not their fault that society has given them so much technology that they’ve lost their ability to interact in person. We did that to them. Generation Z has never known life without electronic communication. Please, join me in striking up conversations with this generation of young people. Let their smiles warm your heart as you warm theirs. If our community does it, others may follow, and we will save lives!