The Strawberry Generation is a term used to describe young people who are perceived as fragile when facing life’s pressures. This term originated in Taiwan and refers to a generation that grew up in comfort but lacks mental resilience when encountering difficulties. Many parents and educators are concerned about this phenomenon, as it may lead to struggles in navigating life in the future if not properly addressed.

However, being part of the Strawberry Generation does not mean they cannot change. With the right approach, young people can become stronger, more independent, and better equipped to face challenges. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how to guide this generation so they can develop into more resilient individuals.

Instilling Mental Resilience and Independence

One of the main factors that make the Strawberry Generation more vulnerable to pressure is an overly protective upbringing. Many parents want to shield their children from hardships, but unintentionally, this prevents them from becoming accustomed to facing challenges. As they grow older and encounter real-world problems, they may become easily discouraged or tend to avoid difficulties.

To address this, children should be given opportunities to face challenges early on. Parents and educators need to allow them to solve their own problems, even if it means experiencing failure. Through failure, they learn to recover and find solutions, ultimately strengthening their mental resilience. Additionally, they should be given real responsibilities, such as managing their own allowance or helping with household chores. This way, they learn to be independent and not rely on others to solve their problems.

Building a Strong Work Ethic and Discipline

The Strawberry Generation is often perceived as lacking a strong work ethic and prioritizing comfort. Growing up in an era of rapid technological advancements and instant gratification, they sometimes expect results without putting in the necessary effort. Therefore, it is important for them to understand that success does not come instantly but rather through a process that requires hard work and discipline.

To instill this value, parents and educators should lead by example. Young people tend to mimic what they see, so when they observe those around them working hard and maintaining discipline, they will be encouraged to do the same. Furthermore, providing them with work experience, such as internships or part-time jobs, can help them understand the importance of effort in achieving goals. This way, they will learn to appreciate the process and not give up easily when facing challenges.

Training Stress and Pressure Management Skills

Many young people today struggle with managing stress and pressure. They are more prone to anxiety or distress when faced with difficult situations. Therefore, they need to be equipped with skills to manage stress effectively, allowing them to handle challenges more confidently.

One way to train this ability is by teaching them various stress management techniques, such as meditation, exercise, or journaling. These activities help them control their emotions and think more clearly when encountering problems. Additionally, creating a supportive environment is essential. Young people need to feel that they have reliable people around them—whether family, friends, or mentors. With strong social support, they will be more confident in overcoming obstacles.

Encouraging Perseverance and Determination

A defining trait of the Strawberry Generation is their tendency to give up easily when facing difficulties. They are accustomed to comfort, so when things don’t go as expected, they often feel frustrated and lose motivation. This mindset can be changed by instilling resilience and determination in their lives.

One way to do this is by encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones. They should be exposed to new experiences and greater challenges. This way, they will become accustomed to handling situations that are not always easy and learn to persevere despite hardships. Additionally, they must be taught that failure is not something to fear but rather a part of the learning process. By understanding that failure is a stepping stone to success, they will be more willing to keep trying despite setbacks.

Enhancing Social and Communication Skills

In today’s digital era, many young people spend more time in virtual spaces rather than engaging in direct social interactions. This can lead to a lack of social skills, which may later become a barrier in their lives. Poor communication and interaction abilities can make it difficult for them to build healthy relationships, whether in the workplace or personal life.

Therefore, it is important to train them to be more active in direct social interactions. Encouraging them to participate in social activities, such as organizations or volunteer work, can be an effective way to develop these skills. Additionally, they need to be taught the importance of empathy and teamwork so they can better understand others and build stronger relationships.

The Strawberry Generation is not a generation that cannot change. With the right approach, they can be trained to become stronger, more independent, and prepared to face future challenges. This can be achieved by instilling mental resilience, fostering independence, building a strong work ethic, and training them to manage stress and pressure. Furthermore, perseverance and determination should be cultivated so they do not easily give up when encountering difficulties.

With a supportive environment and proper guidance, young people can develop into more resilient individuals ready to face various life challenges. They will not only become more confident but also better prepared to achieve success in the future. Therefore, it is essential for all parties—parents, educators, and society—to work together in supporting them on their journey toward a stronger and more capable adulthood.