(Ben Wicks via Unsplash)
An image most associated with Gen Alpha is that of a focused young person glued to their iPad, laughing at memes that make their older counterparts scratch their heads. But one teacher has noticed another distinctive trait: their emotional intelligence.
Elysee Landy, a teacher at Windsor Elementary School in Utah shared her observations in a December video, where she praised some of the children she teaches. She said it feels like many in the generation — born between 2010 and 2024 — are being raised by parents who have been to therapy.
“It really shows in some of these kids,” said Landy.
That was especially evident when she saw two students having an argument and when one said they had “a lot going on.” They then suggested they put off the conversation until they were both able to “be calm about it.”
She was shocked.
“The way they handled that was amazing. You know what 10-year-old me would have done? Cried. And then went and told the teacher,” she said. “What are they feeding these kids?”
Many Tiktok viewers were relieved and encouraged by Landy’s praise.
“This is the first time I’ve seen a teacher talk about the positives in gen alpha and I’m legit crying. Thank you,” one viewer commented.
Most people expressed pride upon being recognized for the work they had put in to raise their children.
“Thank you for saying this,” another viewer commented. “Almost every millennial parent I know is trying so hard and it’s not often we get a pat on the back.”
Noah Johnson (he/him/his) is a Chicago-based journalist. Follow him on X: @noahwritestoo.
Edited by NaTyshca Pickett