Posted on 07/27/2016
In addition to their cautiousness that begs comparison to the Silent Generation, members of iGen are becoming infamous with marketers for their focus on immediacy. They’re expert multi-taskers who have become obsessed with emoji and six-second videos. Advertising experts are realizing that big pictures and five-word communications are necessary to capture the interest of today’s kids, but what about parents and educators?
Think Small
When it comes to face-to-face communication, whether it’s a classroom lecture or a parental confrontation, adults need to be direct. Elusive, even. Wordy monologues are much more likely to be ignored than simpler, more creative communications. Our words must be chosen carefully, intended to create intrigue and capture attention. Like the artful use of words to tightly convey complex thoughts, connecting with iGen requires a little forethought.
Written communication needs to be equally terse and interesting; note the rise of subway-style pictographs and chalkboard prints. The extra effort you take to create images or even infographics like these funny flow charts to send as texts to your kids, post on social media sites, or post on their real-life bedroom walls will probably get a little more attention than a wordy discourse.
Think Visually
While some of us are naturally visual learners and artistically inclined, as a society, we’re becoming more image-centric in our communications. According to some predictions, Facebook posts will continue to consist more and more of images, rather than text. While some refer to this trend as a “dumbing down” of society, Elmore offers another perspective: “So from the cave walls and pyramids of the ancient world, to the classrooms of today, young people prefer to learn from images. Some of the best communicators in history taught using the power of the metaphor and image — from Jesus and his parables, to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his famous speech about dreams during the Civil Rights movement. The cycle of history seems complete.”
Think Relationally
In addition to the visual aspect of our increasingly right-brained world, Tim Elmore explains how today’s kids want to learn through conversations and experiences. While the top-down structure of most schools may make such interactions difficult, parents can enjoy the benefits: increased relational interest from our kids. Elmore explains that like images, conversations (usually utilizing storytelling, a right-brained form of communication) and experiences tend to elicit critical thinking skills, evoke our emotions and encourage active engagement. If the only place they’re getting a chance for that is online, then that’s where they’ll stay. But if we can bring relational, right-brained interactions into our family life, we’ll all reap the benefits.
Catering to Generation Z/iGen, the Bedroom Source offers visually appealing furniture that also makes space for technology. Check out our technologically smart kids' furniture collections in our Long Island Showroom, today.
From the Bedroom Source blog:
- Making Furniture Decisions: Where Should You Start?
- Making Furniture Decisions: What Does Your Child Need?
- Making Furniture Decisions: Dresser or Drawer Chest?
The Bedroom Source
Located near the Roosevelt Field Mall on Long Island, The Bedroom Source is your source for the best collection of children's and teen bedroom furniture. From flexibly configurable Maxtrix furniture to fashionable Smartstuff collections, The Bedroom Source offers high end furniture and professional design assistance to create the bedroom of your child's dreams.
Contact the friendly staff at The Bedroom Source by calling (516) 248-0600 or by submitting our online contact form. We're a local family owned mom & pop store. When you shop with us, you're dealing directly with the owners. We professionally assemble everything we sell. We deliver to Nassau, Suffolk, the 5 Boroughs, Southern Westchester, Southwestern Connecticut & Northern New Jersey.