This book is a companion to parents in navigating the new childhood—marked by smart technology, increasing diversity, and growing uncertainties. While the Millennial and Gen Z parents of Gen Alpha are not new to technology and diversity, the speed and scale of societal and technological transformation can make parenting overwhelming. Here is a book that is more a conversation than a manual; more an empathetic guide than a bunch of thumb-rules. Parents can turn to it when grandparents can’t be consulted on the new challenges and the internet throws as much misinformation as help.
The book walks parents through the challenges posed by shifting global and local dynamics, being surrounded by people who are “different” at home and at work, and the dark side of technology. The biggest contribution of the book is that it is aimed at parenting that helps children benefit from diversity and technological advances, and lead lives full of rich experiences, rather than looking at diversity and technology with fear. Additionally, the authors have proposed ways in which parents can help their children become global citizens who not only think critically, but also know how to acknowledge and negotiate their personal biases.
Showing the contribution of parenting in cultivating a growth mindset that values leadership, innovation, and responsibility, this book will be significantly useful to parents, teachers, university students, and counsellors, while offering impressive material for courses in the departments of education, child development and family studies, psychology, social work, and media studies.
Table of Contents:
List of Tables. Acknowledgements. 1. Lunchboxes and Algorithms 2. Negotiating Diversity 3. Learning to Unlearn 4. Practicing Tolerance: A Huge Challenge 5. Debunking Media Myths to Promote Self-Esteem 6. Taming the Tech Monster 7. Gen Alpha as Citizens of the World
About the Author :
Manisha Pathak-Shelat is a parent, professor, researcher, writer, speaker, and an incorrigible optimist. Manisha has a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA and a Ph.D. in Education from the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India. She is deeply interested in understanding young people’s digital cultures in all their richness and diversity. She is equally passionate about creating a world where our children find belonging, safety, and nurturance.
Kiran Vinod Bhatia is a parent, educator, and researcher at the intersection of emerging technology and next-gen users. She translates research on AI, online safety, media literacy, and global citizenship into practical routines for families and schools. An academic-turned-experience researcher, she bridges theory and practice with ease. Her passion is helping design human-centered technologies and media habits that are clear, compassionate, and actionable.
Review :
'Parenting in the Age of Smart Everything is a book for every Millennial Mom raising a Gen-Alpha child. This book is a life-saver for moms who are torn apart by the double-edged sword of digital media. As a mom, I am often stuck in a dilemma between control versus freedom and safety versus growth. This book helps resolve those conflicts. It is a well-researched book and takes a fresh, forward-looking perspective on children's critical thinking, inclusivity and global citizenship. Both as a mom and a consumer culture academic, I found this book highly insightful and thought provoking. A must read for parents, educators and researchers.'
- Tanvi Gupta, Faculty, Marketing Area, INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AHMEDABAD
'This book will serve as a much needed guide in Parenting especially in the context of raising Gen Alpha ‘Parenting in the age of Smart Everything’ by authors Manisha Pathak Shelat and Kiran Vinod Bhatia is a book that bridges the gap between traditional values and contemporary challenges where technology and media have silently crept into every aspect of our lives. Each chapter explores critical themes that affect the environment around the Gen Alpha and their future. It emphasises the concept of ‘Unlearning’ that prepares all stakeholders in the school community to be more adaptable ,future ready and open to change. It further highlights the importance of cultivating tolerance to help children navigate in a fast paced digital world. This book will serve as a much needed guide to Parents, Teachers and Caregivers in raising Gen Alpha with Clarity, Compassion and Confidence.'
- Malati Kalmadi, Founder Director of the Kaveri Gifted Education and Research Centre (KGERC) and SaiSTA (Sai Skill Training Academy) and the Automotive Skilling Academy; Honorary Director at Anjali Morris Foundation
'Pathak-Shelat and Bhatia have written a must-read analysis of digital media use among Generation Alpha. This insightful and timely book provides a critically-needed perspective on media use by young people, and provides theoretically-driven strategies for both parents and educators. The authors are unafraid of tackling important issues such as negotiating diversity, promoting tolerance, and unlearning social biases.'
- Karyn Riddle, Robert Taylor Professor of Strategic Communication, School of Journalism & Mass Communication, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
