(And How Academix Can Help)
Let’s be real, parents—talking to your Gen Z teen about academics can sometimes feel like you’re
speaking a different language. You remember how you studied for exams—endless flashcards, maybe a
little music in the background, and plenty of caffeine. But Gen Z? They’re all about their own approach,
which can sometimes leave you shaking your head, wondering if they’re even trying to study. So, what
happens when the well-meaning pep talks, last-minute cramming strategies, and “do your best!” advice
don’t seem to get through? It’s easy to feel like you’re speaking to a wall.
Here’s the truth: we, as parents, often make communication mistakes when talking to our teens about
academics. But it’s not because we don’t care—it’s because the way Gen Z learns and communicates is
different from how we did. And that’s where things can get tricky.
At Academix, we know this struggle. We don’t treat teens like they’re “less than” or “dumb.” In fact, we
expect excellence, and we help our students reach it by encouraging and building their confidence, not
by pointing out their flaws. But to do that, we need to change the way we communicate with Gen Z.
Here’s a look at the common mistakes parents make—and how we can do better together.
1. Talking Down to Them
Ah, the “you’ll understand when you’re older” approach. Sure, we’ve all been there. When your teen
rolls their eyes at the idea of studying for an exam, or refuses to open a textbook, it’s tempting to launch
into a lecture about how hard you worked when you were their age.
But here’s the thing: teens today live in a totally different world. They’ve grown up in an age of
technology, social media, and constant change. The methods we used to study may seem like a distant
memory to them. So, instead of talking down to them or making them feel like they just don’t get it, we
need to meet them where they are. Don’t treat them like they’re “dumb” or lazy—treat them like young
adults who can rise to the occasion when they’re given the right tools and encouragement.
At Academix, we take a different approach. We don’t lecture or criticize. We partner with students and
work with them as equals. We listen to their frustrations, acknowledge their unique challenges, and
then help them tackle problems in a way that resonates with them. We believe they have the potential
to achieve excellence—and we work with them to make that happen.
2. Assuming They Know How to Study (They Don’t)
This is a big one: thinking that teens automatically know how to study or manage their time. Back in our
day, we may have had teachers who gave us study tips or parents who made sure we stayed on track,
but the reality is that many teens today don’t have the study skills or organizational habits to succeed.
Many teens are bombarded with information online, from TikTok to YouTube to Instagram, and it’s easy
for them to get distracted. A little homework session turns into hours of scrolling and scrolling—because
they don’t know how to focus or prioritize their academic work. And let’s be honest: if they don’t see the
point in studying, it’s hard for them to get motivated to start in the first place.
At Academix, we don’t assume our students have these skills. We help them build study habits from the
ground up. We teach them how to manage their time, how to break down large tasks into smaller
chunks, and how to make study sessions productive (yes, even when TikTok is calling). Our goal is to
make studying not just about memorizing facts, but about developing the confidence and skills to
approach learning in a way that works for them.
3. The “Do It My Way” Approach
We know, we know—sometimes we just want our teens to listen to our “wisdom” and do things the
way we did them. “I studied all night long for this exam, and it worked, so you should too!”
But here’s where it gets tricky: Gen Z doesn’t study the way we did. For starters, they’ve grown up with
technology and multitasking, and many of them prefer interactive, hands-on ways of learning. Sitting in
a room with a textbook for hours? Not their jam. They need something different.
Instead of dictating how they should study, we need to recognize their unique learning styles and find
ways to support them in their way. Maybe they need visual aids, online resources, or even a
collaborative study group. The point is, we need to stop trying to make them learn the way we did, and
instead help them discover the best method for themselves.
At Academix, we recognize that each student is different, and we tailor our teaching methods to fit their
needs. Whether your teen thrives with interactive online quizzes or prefers working through problems
one-on-one with a tutor, we provide a customized approach that makes learning feel relevant—and yes,
even fun.
4. Not Acknowledging Their Stress
Let’s face it: school can be overwhelming. Between the pressure to perform well on exams, homework
deadlines, social media distractions, and trying to keep up with everything else in their life, teens today
are under a lot of stress. And unfortunately, this can lead to procrastination, which makes everything
worse.
As parents, we may see procrastination as laziness, but often, it’s just a symptom of feeling
overwhelmed. Instead of criticizing or belittling their stress, we need to validate their feelings and give
them the tools to cope.
Academix is built on a foundation of understanding. We don’t just push students to succeed
academically; we also provide them with the strategies to manage the pressures of school life. From
time management to mindfulness techniques, we help students cope with stress in a way that makes
studying feel less daunting and more manageable.
5. Lack of Encouragement (Expecting Perfection)
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that good grades are the only measure of success. When your
teen hands in a paper that’s a little rough around the edges, it’s tempting to say, “This isn’t good
enough—try harder!” But that kind of feedback doesn’t always build the confidence they need to keep
going.
At Academix, we expect excellence, but we also believe in encouragement. We don’t expect
perfection—but we do expect effort. We teach students to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes,
and build the confidence to keep improving. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about trying your best and
growing every step of the way.
The Bottom Line: Communication Is Key
Parents, we get it. You want your teen to succeed, but communicating about academics can sometimes
feel like you’re speaking different languages. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone.
At Academix, we bridge the communication gap. We speak the language that Gen Z understands, and
we use innovative teaching methods to make learning relevant, engaging, and—dare we say it—fun. We
expect excellence, and we encourage it by building confidence, not by criticizing or imposing outdated
methods.
So, parents, let’s work together to help our teens succeed. With the right tools, the right approach, and
the right attitude, there’s no limit to what they can achieve. Let’s create a space where our teens feel
supported, empowered, and—most importantly—confident in their ability to excel.
Together, we can help them unlock their full potential.
With confidence and support,
The Academix Team