Parenting pressures and a discipleship gap among Gen Z
Digest Newsletter
·
Jun 24, 2026
Parenting pressures and a discipleship gap among Gen Z
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A cast of parenting flashpoints — from public co‑parenting dramas to the loss of a parenting pioneer — collided with new research showing a real discipleship shortfall among young Christians. Good news, hard questions, and a little common sense (plus a viral parenting moment) to remind everyone that wisdom often looks like humility and a well-timed phone call.
Parenting
Public feuds, a pioneer’s death, and fresh rules for screen‑time sanity
Pop culture and parenting collided this week as Grimes says she's keeping her kids central amid a very public co‑parenting dispute with Elon Musk — a reminder of how custody dramas shape parenting norms (report). [P]The parenting world also mourned Jill Smokler, founder of Scary Mommy, whose candid community reshaped modern parent conversation (obit). Meanwhile practical debates rage — from backlash against helicopter parenting to tips like the 60‑20‑60 screen rule for road trips and viral moments of calm guidance (yes, Wiz Khalifa’s phone call went viral) that model steady leadership for kids.
Discipleship
Gen Z shows up to church but struggles to live it out
Lifeway’s State of Discipleship report finds Generation Z attending worship more often but lagging in weekday faith application, highlighting a gap between attendance and daily discipleship (study). [P]That disconnect matters for churches and parents alike: presence alone isn’t formation, and intentional rhythms at home and in small groups will be the prescription.