The "6-7" Phenomenon: Why Adults Should Stop Trying to Outsmart Youth Slang
As the new word of the year, "6-7" has taken over the internet, leaving many parents bewildered. This random coupling of numbers may seem like gibberish to some, but for Gen Alpha kids, it's a way to express their individuality and belong to an in-group.
The problem lies not with the term itself, but with our reaction to it. When we try to ban or suppress "6-7," we're sending a message that our youth slang is somehow inferior or annoying. This approach only fuels the fire and makes the phenomenon more appealing to young people.
Think back to your own childhood. Did you have favorite phrases or catchphrases that seemed silly or cringeworthy at the time? Or were they something you proudly referenced in conversation? The same principle applies here. By embracing "6-7" as a legitimate form of expression, adults can show their kids that our youth slang is not something to be ashamed of.
Instead of trying to outsmart "6-7," parents should try to understand its significance. For Gen Alpha kids, using this term is a way to connect with others who share similar interests and experiences. It's an in-group joke that transcends age boundaries.
Of course, there will always be times when "6-7" feels like a distraction or a nuisance. But as adults, it's our job to find ways to engage with our children rather than trying to silence them. By embracing the phenomenon and even poking fun at ourselves, we can create a more open and accepting environment for our kids to express themselves.
So, go ahead and say "6-7" out loud. Arrange your pepperoni into a "6-7" formation on pizza night. Even prank-call their friends' parents with it (just kidding... or are we?). The key is to show our kids that we're willing to laugh at ourselves and find the humor in their youth slang.
After all, if we want to squash the "6-7" phenomenon, it's time for adults to stop acting like they're above such nonsense. By embracing this term and its cultural significance, we can create a more inclusive and accepting environment for our kids to thrive.
				
			As the new word of the year, "6-7" has taken over the internet, leaving many parents bewildered. This random coupling of numbers may seem like gibberish to some, but for Gen Alpha kids, it's a way to express their individuality and belong to an in-group.
The problem lies not with the term itself, but with our reaction to it. When we try to ban or suppress "6-7," we're sending a message that our youth slang is somehow inferior or annoying. This approach only fuels the fire and makes the phenomenon more appealing to young people.
Think back to your own childhood. Did you have favorite phrases or catchphrases that seemed silly or cringeworthy at the time? Or were they something you proudly referenced in conversation? The same principle applies here. By embracing "6-7" as a legitimate form of expression, adults can show their kids that our youth slang is not something to be ashamed of.
Instead of trying to outsmart "6-7," parents should try to understand its significance. For Gen Alpha kids, using this term is a way to connect with others who share similar interests and experiences. It's an in-group joke that transcends age boundaries.
Of course, there will always be times when "6-7" feels like a distraction or a nuisance. But as adults, it's our job to find ways to engage with our children rather than trying to silence them. By embracing the phenomenon and even poking fun at ourselves, we can create a more open and accepting environment for our kids to express themselves.
So, go ahead and say "6-7" out loud. Arrange your pepperoni into a "6-7" formation on pizza night. Even prank-call their friends' parents with it (just kidding... or are we?). The key is to show our kids that we're willing to laugh at ourselves and find the humor in their youth slang.
After all, if we want to squash the "6-7" phenomenon, it's time for adults to stop acting like they're above such nonsense. By embracing this term and its cultural significance, we can create a more inclusive and accepting environment for our kids to thrive.