Dr. Ekrah Urges Parents to Master Modern Parenting for Gen Z and Alpha

By John Kariuki

Dr. Ekrah Ndung'u, the National Chairperson of the Kenya National Association of Private Colleges KENAPCO, is calling on parents to rethink how they raise Gen Z and Gen Alpha, describing modern parenting as navigating a fast-moving river with shifting currents. She emphasizes that the challenge is not parental failure but a dramatically transformed landscape in which today’s children are growing up.

According to Dr. Ekrah, digital immersion is a defining characteristic of these generations. Gen Alpha, in particular, has never known a world without the internet. Parents face the demanding task of balancing screen time, ensuring online safety, and modeling healthy digital habits while guiding children whose worldview is shaped by algorithms, influencers, and instant information.

Information overload and shifting authority further complicate parenting. Dr. Ekrah notes that children no longer rely solely on parents for answers. They Google, watch YouTube, and crowdsource opinions. Parents must shift from being gatekeepers of knowledge to curators of wisdom, fostering dialogue and critical thinking rather than relying on traditional control.

Dr. Ekrah also highlights emotional complexity. Gen Z and Alpha are more expressive and mental health conscious yet often overstimulated and anxious. She advises parents to validate their children’s emotions while maintaining boundaries, balancing empathy with structure.

Global influence and cultural fluidity are additional challenges. From K-pop stars to African activists and TikTok creators, today’s youth are shaped by diverse narratives. Parents must embrace cross-cultural understanding to remain connected and relevant.

Economic uncertainty and career fluidity require parents to guide children toward resilience and adaptability, preparing them for careers that may not yet exist. Identity exploration and social justice awareness also demand dialogue, with parents supporting authentic self-expression while upholding family values.

Dr. Ekrah concludes with a spiritual perspective, reminding parents that children are an unfinished product entrusted to them to cultivate intentionally. Citing Isaiah 18:8, she stresses prayer, guidance, and mentorship as essential tools for raising a generation capable of navigating uncharted territories.

For Dr. Ekrah, modern parenting is not about control but cultivation, not about dictation but discipleship. With intentionality, patience, and faith, parents can successfully guide Gen Z and Gen Alpha toward a future filled with purpose, resilience, and promise.