There was a time when children were expected to be seen but not heard.

When respect meant silence.

When obedience was measured by how still you could sit,

How quickly you disappeared when adults entered the room.

When visitors came, children had to leave.

Because grown-up conversations were not for little ears,

And a child's voice was not welcome in the living room.

Fathers always had the biggest, choicest meat -

And the children were left with whatever scraps remained.

Not because it was fair,

But because that was how things were done.

Parents chose careers, partners, even dreams for their children -

And somehow, it worked.

Or maybe? children simply never questioned it out loud.

But times have changed.

Children today want to be seen and heard.

They are no longer content with leftovers -

Not at the table, not in opportunity, not in love.

They want to understand -

Not just the what, but the why.

Why rules exist.

Why decisions are made for them.

Why their voices are not part of the plan.

They want to negotiate.

They want answers, not just orders.

They want to be part of the decisions that shape their lives.

They are not disrespectful - they are curious.

They are not disobedient - they are conscious.

They are not difficult - they are different.

They don't just follow tradition - they question it.

Not to tear it down, but to understand whether it still serves them.

And that's not rebellion - that's evolution.

Who are parents today to marry off sons and daughters,

When their children have hearts that beat to their own rhythm,

Eyes that see a new world,

Minds that imagine different futures?

This generation is redefining childhood,

Reclaiming power,

And rewriting the rules.

They are not waiting to inherit the future -

They are demanding to co-create the present.

So what will we do?

Will we hush their voices?

Or will we listen with the humility to learn?

Will we force them into our moulds?

Or guide them to shape their own?

Because children are no longer shadows -

They are light.

And the truth is:

They don't need to be taught how to obey.

They need to be taught how to lead -

With courage, compassion, and clarity.

Let's raise children who are not afraid to speak,

But wise enough to know how,

When,

And why.

These are the Gen Z children.