Well, it’s been a very exciting book launch week.
Late-night podcast recordings, global email blasts, some really good momentum, and a growing sense that this isn’t just about a book. It’s a conversation we urgently need to have.
I knew this conversation mattered the first time I spoke to a group of school leaders trying to make sense of what was happening with all the twelve-year-olds carrying anxiety they couldn’t quite explain, and already being shaped by AI.
I knew it mattered when Leah Boden and I led a small group at church and parent after parent admitted they were deeply concerned about the culture their children are growing up in.
And I knew it mattered when my Gen Alpha daughter reminded me, very simply, that we didn’t grow up in the same world as them.
Things aren’t what they once were.
The world Gen Alpha (born 2010-2024) is being raised in is a whole new starting point. As researcher Mark McCrindle puts it, we’re not just on a different page, we’re in a completely different library. That’s why, when we moved from Gen Z to Gen Alpha, we didn’t just reset the alphabet, we changed the language altogether. And if we don’t take time to understand that, we’ll keep missing them, even when we think we’re connecting.
That’s really what Raising Gen Alpha is about.
It’s not a “how to parent” manual. It’s about making sense of what’s shaping this generation so we can respond in a way that actually connects.
You don’t need to master Gen Alpha language or try to keep up with every trend. You don’t need to know what “rizz,” “six-seven,” or “skibidi” means. And trying to use it in a sentence will only make things worse. Like I Just did.
In the book I keep coming back to five things I’m seeing again and again:
Anxious minded
Leading influencers
Pandemic impacted
Hyperconnected
AI shaped
These five traits are a big part of why we’re not on the same page.
Once you start to see those at play, you begin to meet Gen Alpha where they are, and love and lead them better.
The book’s out now. If you’ve been meaning to grab a copy, now’s a good time.
If you’d rather listen than read…
There’s a running joke in my family that every time I release a new book, I never seem to know if there will be an audiobook or who will end up narrating it. Twice now I’ve discovered by accident that one exists, with complete strangers voicing my words and telling my stories. It gets especially odd when they’re describing moments from my life in an American accent.
Thankfully, this time the recording is done by a British professional, so no one has to endure my dulcet tones. To be fair to New Growth Press, they did ask if I wanted to record it myself. Unlike the brilliant Leah Boden, who has recorded all her books, I don’t have the stamina, patience, or skill to put the world through that.
A simple way to go deeper
I’ve partnered with our friends at the Life Bible App to create a free five day Bible Plan. It explores the biblical themes behind the five key traits of Generation Alpha. Each day includes a short Scripture, a clear insight, and one simple step you can try at home. Go to the Life Bible App website and search Raising Gen Alpha or find it via your Life Bible App.
One conversation worth listening to
I recently sat down with my friend Greta Eskridge for a powerful conversation on the challenges and opportunities facing Generation Alpha.
Here’s what Greta very kindly shared about our time together and the book:
“One of my favourite things about Dave is his passion for teens, and especially seeing them develop relationships with Christ. So many adults write teens off, perhaps now more than ever, but Dave is out on the front lines, reminding us that the next generation is worthy of our hope, our care, and our love.
This newest book of his does just that. It reminds us of all Gen Alpha has been through, is going through, and how much they need us and, even more, how much they need Jesus. This book gives us all the tools we need to understand Gen Alpha, along with the encouragement and passion to reach their hearts.
It is not a doom-and-gloom book. It is deeply practical and deeply hopeful. I came away from my conversation with Dave feeling so excited about serving this generation of children. I know you will too.”
The Greta Eskridge Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.
There are plenty of other media pieces coming out soon. I especially enjoyed my recording with YouthWork+, a growing UK network of youth workers led by the brilliant Becky Lawrence. I’ll share more as they land via my social media.
A small ask
If you, like me, care deeply about the next generation, I’d really value your help in getting this book into the hands of people who need it. That might be as simple as forwarding this to someone, mentioning it in your church or team, or putting a short post up about it. Please tag me in when you share it online.
And when you do read it, I’d love to hear what resonates with you.
“The Anxious Generation meets pastoral wisdom and insight in this helpful book! As a Christ-following mother of three Gen Alphas, I am so thankful for the practical, grounding companion Dave offers. I need this wisdom for the day-to-day, giving me insights and hope that my little Gen Alphas will help shape this world more than they are shaped by it.”
Joy Eggerichs Reed, Author of Beega Gets a Do-Over
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