Targeted Parenting for On-Target Kids
Another defining aspect of Generation Z, says Shankar, is that it is the most diverse generation in the country’s history and has the highest number of children of immigrants of any generation. South Asian American immigrants are a particular focus of Shankar's research.
“With the passing of the Immigration Act of 1990, we saw a large influx of mainly Indian immigrants arriving with advanced qualifications in STEM fields,” says Shankar, who was born in Mumbai. “These immigrants came after prior waves of immigrants had already set up community infrastructures, allowing this wave to direct their focus to their kids.”
Shankar describes the parenting of Gen Zers as “stealth fighter parenting,” a term coined by generational demographer Neil Howe. It is a departure from the “helicopter parenting” practiced by Baby Boomers, in which parents constantly hover over their children. “Stealth fighter” Gen X parents allow their kids much more independence, interjecting only through quick, focused strikes.
Shankar says the bee version of stealth fighter parenting is “bee parenting, a term I introduced to examine the complexities of what it takes to parent a child who’s a competitive speller,” says Shankar. “They prioritize competition and preparing for it above their own leisure, and this really sets them apart from parents who advocate for a work-play balance for their children.”
Shankar’s research shows that South Asian American parents in particular have embraced the spelling bee. Northwestern alumnus Balu Natarajan ’92, ’96 MD, '99 GME became the first child of South Asian immigrants to win the Scripps National Bee in 1985. In recent years, the last 11 Scripps trophies have gone to an Indian American winner.
Now, Balu’s son, Atman, is continuing the family tradition and heading to the Scripps Bee in May for the second time.
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