Thursday, June 10, 2010

“Kids labeled 'generation next' before they grow up” plus 2 more

“Kids labeled 'generation next' before they grow up” plus 2 more

Kids labeled 'generation next' before they grow up

Posted: 10 Jun 2010 07:42 AM PDT

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They aren't even out of grade school. But already, people are trying to name the youngest up-and-coming generation, and figure out who they might be and how they might be different from their predecessors.

At a loss for something more original, many call them Generation Z, because they follow Generations X and Y.

They've also been referred to as Generation Net or "iGen," since they've never known a world without the Internet.

That's the one point most everyone can agree on — that they are the tech-savviest generation of all time, so much so that even toddlers can maneuver their way through YouTube and some first-graders are able to put together a PowerPoint presentation for class.

But beyond that, who are they, really?

Most people agree it's just too early to know for sure. But that hasn't stopped marketers from trying to figure out this young crowd of consumers. Or employers from attempting to prepare for them in the workplace.

Parents, too — many of them Gen Xers — are weighing in, saying they are raising a different brand of kid than baby boomers did.

"I would like to think that ideally, and this might be a bit naive, Gen Xers are a bit more freethinking and not necessarily as compelled to keep up with the Joneses," says Kris Sonnenberg, a teacher in Chicago and 38-year-old mother of three children, ages 8, 12 and 17.

Many parents also think the recession will play a role in shaping who their kids are, and perhaps make them less "entitled," a label that — fair or not — has been slapped frequently on Generation Y, also known as the "millennials."

"We're not afraid to say money's tight, so I feel like our kids are going to have that sense long-term," says Andrew Egbert, a 41-year-old dad who works in manufacturing in Greensboro, N.C. He has a son in fifth grade and a daughter who's a first-grader.

OK, so, let's take a look at the picture that's emerging of Gen Z, for what it's worth. They're young — roughly age 12 or younger.

Generational expert Neil Howe says determining who these youngsters are still is very much a work in progress.

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Violent video games harmless for most kids

Posted: 09 Jun 2010 12:26 PM PDT

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Violent video games can increase aggression and hostility in some players but they can also benefit others by honing their visual/spatial skills and improving social networking ability, scientists said.

In a special issue of the journal Review of General Psychology published by the American Psychological Association, researchers said the games can also help to control diabetes and pain and work as a tool to complement psychotherapy.

"Violent video games are like peanut butter," said Christopher J. Ferguson, of Texas A&M International University. "They are harmless for the vast majority of kids but are harmful to a small minority with pre-existing personality or mental health problems."

He added that studies have revealed that violent games have not created a generation of problem youngsters.

"Recent research has shown that as video games have become more popular, children in the United States and Europe are having fewer behavior problems, are less violent and score better on standardized tests," Ferguson, a guest editor for the journal, explained.

Patrick Markey, of Villanova University in Pennsylvania, found in a study of 118 teenagers that certain personality traits can predict which children will be negatively influenced by videogame.

If someone is easily upset, depressed and emotional or is indifferent to the feelings of other people, breaks rules and fails to keep promises, they may be more likely to be hostile after playing violent video games.

"These results suggest that it is the simultaneous combination of these personality traits which yield a more powerful predictor of violent video games," Markey said. "Those who are negatively affected have pre-existing dispositions, which make them susceptible to such violent media."

But on a more positive note Pamela Kato, of University Medical Center in Utrecht in the Netherlands, showed in her research that specially tailored games can help to prevent asthma attacks, and ease pain management and diabetes treatment.

T. Atilla Ceranoglu, of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, discovered in a research review that video games can also be used in psychological assessment of children and teenagers.


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Alexa von Tobel: 5 Creative Ways to Teach Kids About Money

Posted: 09 Jun 2010 10:22 AM PDT

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Many people, myself included, advocate that personal finance should be taught in elementary and middle school curriculum alongside traditional subjects like reading, writing and arithmetic. (It is our lifeline!) It is critical that kids start to learn the value of money, short-term and long-term saving and budgeting at an early age. At the same time, parents recognize that introducing the basic concepts of money management to kids at home is just as important and offers an immediate solution to improving their child's financial literacy. Figuring out how to actually do this in a fun and engaging way is the challenging part.

I've been inspired by several recent stories in the news and by feedback from LearnVest users. So, I've pulled together what we've found to be five creative and effective ways to introduce the topic of money management to young children below. For the most part, these suggestions are geared for children age 7-15, but can be shaped so they are age appropriate.

Since I do not yet have children (still saving!), I am going to share what others have found to be most effective and ask that anyone with additional tips, advice or anecdotes from your own experience to please share them below. We are listening!

1. Make a game of saving money at the grocery store

Bring your kids along next time you go to the grocery store and ask them to help find the price per unit for the general grocery items. By comparing brands and looking for the best prices, kids will get in the habit of looking for deals and understand the value of the dollar. Be sure to calculate how much you save on their choices and put that money towards a savings account, a charity of their choice, or something fun like an afternoon trip to Baskin Robins. Not only will they learn about saving, spending and sharing, knowing they are part of the decision-making process will keep them engaged and eager to continue this behavior.

2. Get creative with games and puzzles

I recently read an article about a first-grade teacher in Port Richey, Florida, who used puzzles and games to teach her students about the basic concepts of budgeting and saving. The Florida Council on Economic Education awarded her the Governor's Award for her clever and innovative approach in "Budgeting Positive Behavior."

Using Jigsaw puzzles, Carmen Johnson awarded her first-graders with pieces to a puzzle each time they completed tasks on time. Once the puzzle was completed, they could turn it over and receive a prize. Johnson compared earning puzzle pieces to handling money, along the lines of "the more responsible you are, the more you can earn; the more you can earn, the more you can save; the more you can save, the more you good things you can get."

While Johnson did this in the classroom, parents can replicate this at home. You can also play board games that explore different concepts of money management with your children, who are slightly older in age. Monopoly, Game of Life, Moneywise Kids and Payday are among those highly recommended by LearnVest users. The Internet also provides a vast wealth of resources. Piggybank, Money Word Games and Change Maker are all great options as well.

3. Use allowance as an opportunity to discuss money management

We know allowances can be controversial. That said, providing an allowance for young children whether it be for completing responsibilities around the house or not, can help them start understanding the basic concepts of cash flow and savings at an early age. We particularly like the 3-jar allowance/piggy bank system, in which the child has three clear jars: one for saving, one for spending and one for charity.

A middle school history teacher once told our class that he and his wife gave their kids two dollars a month and they had to put one-third in savings, one-third set aside for charity and one-third free to spend however they wanted. The size of the amount wasn't important but the dialogue and indirect learning that his children picked up on likely lasted a lifetime. Whether you're five years old or in the middle of your teens, this lesson should resonate. The fact that it still sits with me after 15 years makes it an important lesson that I learned sitting in sixth grade history class!

It's is up to you on how to advise dividing up the money, but it's important that children practice handling and managing the money they earn early.

4. Give time, a service or old toys/clothes to a charity

This family routine came in from a LearnVest reader, and we really liked it. Kids can learn a lot about necessities and wants by recognizing what people live without. A common routine, but one that should not be overlooked, is having a family donation to a charity for those less fortunate. Ask your kids to search for items, toys, or clothes that they no longer use and contribute those items a collection box.

Around holiday season, suggest that they give a service that can save money for others (i.e. babysitting one night for free or taking on responsibilities around the house for free). This will not only be a family activity bringing everyone together in the decision making process, but teaches children habits of giving/service that will hopefully last a lifetime.

5. Bring an article or a question about personal finance to the dinner table

Allocating a specified time to talk about household finances or a current event that pertains to issues such as savings, unemployment and consumer spending is a great way to maintain a dialogue with your kids on money management. By including them in the conversation about household finances and eliciting their feedback and questions, you can empower them with a sense of responsibility and confidence when it comes to personal finance.

If they have a question about purchasing an item they really want, run the numbers with them so they understand how much they earn from part-time jobs and how much they can save in one month, on year, etc. for that special purchase. My parents did this with me, and I always felt like I was an 'adult' with my money because of it.

In conclusion, since this precious education is not yet taught widely in schools --- we can bring it home! Please share with us any great lessons you have.

Follow Alexa von Tobel on Twitter: www.twitter.com/alexavontobel

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