The term “Millennials” refers to people born between 1982 and 2004.
Right now, 25 percent of Millennials are parents. In the next 10 to 15 years … 80 percent will be parents … that translates to 60 million people. They are the young and upcoming parents we are called to reach.
If you want to reach them, it’s vital to know what makes them tick. Here’s the latest findings that can help you connect with them.
Where they turn for parenting advice—Though they have unprecedented access to information via the Internet, Millennial parents say they go first to their own parents for advice. This means grandparents have a great opportunity to make a difference in the lives of not only their adult children, but their grandchildren as well. Equipping grandparents may be the next big breakthrough in family ministry. My friend, Larry Fowler, has started a great ministry to equip grandparents to make an impact on future generations. Check out the Legacy Grandparent Conference.
What they want to instill in their children—When asked to choose the single most important value they want to teach their children, respect was the majority answer. Responsibility was the second most cited.
Millennials want to be good parents. They will resonate with ministries that partner with them in this endeavor. Keep this in mind when planning and promoting your curriculum and programming.
How Millennial dads and moms differ—Surprisingly, Millennial moms are more likely to emphasize “technology” and social media than Millennial dads are. If you want to influence them, remember they have a baby in one hand and a cell phone in the other hand. Meet them where they live. Use social media and technology to connect with them.
Millennial dads are more likely to talk about “being there” for their children. This doesn’t mean moms aren’t there for their children, it simply means more dads are recognizing the important role they play in their child’s life. If you want to influence Millennial dads, give them opportunities to make memories with their children through events and programs like daddy/daughter banquets, father/son camp outs, family Bible studies, etc.
How Millennial parents feel about the role of technology in their children’s lives—Though they know technology is a big part of their children’s lives, 40 percent say they worry that it will limit their children’s ability to appreciate the outdoors. Millennial parents, who for the most part spent their early childhood without smartphones or social media, are trying to balance the reality of an increasingly tech-focused world as it relates to their children.
What causes Millennials to purchase things for their kids—Millennials are known for being more self-serving and independent than previous generations. But there is something that changes that. Kids. When they have kids, they shift this focus to their children. They begin spending less on themselves, and when they do, they are frugal. When purchasing for their kids though, the main factors are quality and whether or not it will make their children happy. They will stop at nothing to ensure their children enjoy quality products that make them happy.
This echoes once again that the key to reaching parents is by reaching their children. When you take a child by the hand you take a parent by the heart. If you want to reach Millennial families, create quality environments that kids love coming to. Churches that make children’s ministry a top priority will reach Millennial parents.
