From what generation is my kid? Understanding Gen Z, Alpha and Beta

What generation is my kid from? And why do they act like that?

Ah, the age-old parenting question: What generation is my child from? If you’ve ever wondered why your kid speaks in emojis, talks to Alexa like she’s family or thinks YouTube is a valid career path, you’re in the right place.

The world shapes every generation they grow up in—technology, social trends, global events, and (let’s be honest) how much screen time they get before their first birthday. Let’s break down the last three generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and Gen Beta—so you can finally understand your child’s behavior (or at least pretend to).

Generation Z (1995–2009): The Digital Natives

Parenting level: Confused but managing.

Gen Z is the first fully digital generation born into a world of Wi-Fi and front-facing cameras. They don’t remember a time before smartphones, they laugh at the idea of waiting for a TV show to air, and they’re allergic to phone calls. If you have a teenager or young adult at home, you’ve probably heard phrases like “That’s cringeworthy” or “It’s giving…” (Don’t ask—just nod).

What Defines Them?

• Social media is their second home (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube).
• Mental health and social activism are significant priorities.
• They prefer streaming over traditional TV (ask them what cable is, and watch them struggle).
• Careers? Why pick one when you can simultaneously be an entrepreneur, influencer, and part-time AI coder?

Famous Gen Z Faces:

• Billie Eilish (2001) – Grammy-winning singer known for hits like Bad Guy and her unique, introspective style.
• Greta Thunberg (2003) – Swedish climate activist who inspired global movements like Fridays for Future.
• Olivia Rodrigo (2003) – Pop singer and actress, famous for Drivers License and her debut album SOUR.
• Lil Nas X (1999) – Genre-blending musician known for Old Town Road and his bold LGBTQ+ representation.
• Charli D’Amelio (2004) – TikTok star who rose to fame with dance videos, amassing millions of followers.
• Zendaya (1996) – Though on the cusp, widely seen as a Gen Z icon for roles in Euphoria and Spider-Man.
• Emma Chamberlain (2001) – YouTuber and fashion influencer known for her relatable content and lifestyle vlogs.
• Jaden Smith (1998) – Actor, rapper, and activist known for his artistic approach to fashion and music.
• Finn Wolfhard (2002) – Actor and musician from Stranger Things and It, admired by young fans worldwide.
• Noah Beck (2001) – TikTok star and social media personality, popular for his lifestyle and fitness content.

Generation Alpha (2010–2024): The AI-Native Kids

Parenting level: Outsmarted by a 5-year-old.

If your child has tried swiping a book like an iPad, congratulations—you’re raising a Gen Alpha. These kids don’t just use technology—they expect it to work seamlessly. Born into a world of voice assistants, interactive learning, and touchscreens, Gen Alpha kids view YouTube as an educational tool and interact with Siri more frequently than their grandparents.

What Defines Them?

• Raised with AI, clever tech, and augmented reality.
• Short attention spans but master multitaskers.
• Likely to have careers that don’t even exist yet.
• Parents’ biggest surprise: learning coding before learning cursive.

Famous (Future) Gen Alpha Figures:

• Ryan Kaji (2011) – YouTube star from Ryan’s World, famous for toy reviews and vlogs.
• Blue Ivy Carter (2012) – Daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, already making waves in music and fashion.
• North West (2013) – Daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, known for her unique style and TikTok presence.
• Princess Charlotte (2015) – British royal family member, daughter of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
• Stormi Webster (2018) – Daughter of Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott, famous for her social media appearances.
• Everleigh Rose (2012) – YouTube personality and dancer, featured on the LaBrant Family channel.
• Kai Widdrington (2013) – Young UK dancer who’s already performed on Britain’s Got Talent.
• Asahd Khaled (2016) – Son of DJ Khaled, known for appearing on red carpets and album covers.
• Taimur Ali Khan (2016) is an Indian celebrity kid and the son of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor.
• Miles Brown (2004) – While on the cusp, he is often associated with Alpha for his youthful roles in Black-ish.

Generation Beta (2025–2039): The AI-Human Hybrids?

Right now, Gen Beta is either a baby, a futuristic concept, or still an unborn mystery. But if trends continue, these kids will be raised fully immersed in AI, automation, and possibly the metaverse. Forget social media—Gen Beta might live in virtual reality neighborhoods.

Generation Beta (2025–2039): The AI-Human Hybrids?

Right now, Gen Beta is either a baby, a futuristic concept, or an unborn mystery. But if trends continue, these kids will be raised fully immersed in AI, automation, and possibly the metaverse. Forget social media—Gen Beta might live in virtual reality neighborhoods.

Predicted Traits:

• AI assistants as real best friends.
• Augmented reality is replacing traditional textbooks.
• May never learn to drive (self-driving cars, anyone?).

Likely to talk to robots before mastering human small talk

Final Thoughts: What Does This All Mean?

Whether your kid is a social activist Gen Z, a tech-obsessed Gen Alpha, or a futuristic Gen Beta, each generation adapts to a world that changes at lightspeed. What stays the same? Parents are slightly overwhelmed and impressed and always trying to keep up.

Now that you know what generation your kid belongs to, you might wonder… What about me?

➡ Check out our next article: [What Generation Am I? Understanding Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials]