I am writing this because of something my 25-year-old daughter said: “When we switched from Obama to Trump, life got dark, hope died, and everything was awful.”

I knew how much I felt the world change in 2016, but based on my daughter’s age at the time, 16 years old, I hadn’t gauged how significant this change was for so many of our young people. My minor in college was developmental psychology, and I’ve continued to pursue my interest and even worked as a preschool director for a year.

My faith in younger generations runs deep. We rely on them.

They need to make decisions now that will affect my future. I have maybe 30 more years. I want to get through them with less noise if possible. I’d like to see America purge the corrupt politicians and corporate leaders. This is why I have rose-colored glasses. And it’s why we must look at what happened to these kids.

Setting the stage: when developmental milestones align with a presidency.

Gen Z was born between 1997 and 2010. When Obama took office, they were 11years old and younger, and he was their president for eight crucial developmental years.

Research shows that social and political environments kids grow up in shape teenagers, especially during adolescence when they’re forming their beliefs about society.

Changes in leaders or authority figures can majorly impact how young people see their roles in the world. For instance, exposure to diverse and positive representation in media during Obama’s presidency likely encouraged empathy and inclusivity.

In contrast, Trump-era exposure to polarized media often reinforced distrust and group biases. These contrasting environments from Obama to Trump created strong divisions, affecting Gen Z’s view of civic engagement, government trust, and diversity beliefs.

These dramatically different environments, switching from Obama to Trump, created strong divisions among young people, affecting how they view civic engagement, trust in government, and beliefs about diversity. For instance, teens under Obama’s influence might have become more supportive of equality and democratic institutions. At the same time, those exposed to Trump-era messages might have adopted a more skeptical, often divided, outlook on these same values.

Assimilating information is a child’s job.

Between ages 7 and 15, children and teens experience several key social learning stages that shape their understanding of themselves and the world. Kids ages 7 to 10 become increasingly aware of social rules and norms. They begin developing empathy, learning to see things from others’ perspectives, and understanding that people have different views and feelings.

They also develop cooperative behaviors, recognizing the importance of inclusion and fair play. During these years, they look to authority figures—such as parents, teachers, and community leaders—to set moral standards, seeking validation and guidance to help them build a sense of right and wrong.

Around ages 11 to 15, social learning intensifies as children enter adolescence. Peers become especially important as teens explore personal identity and seek belonging within social groups. During this stage, they become more independent from family influence, increasingly questioning authority and critically evaluating social norms and values.

Teens begin forming moral beliefs and are highly impressionable, often looking to both real-world and media figures to help shape their views on justice, fairness, and social responsibility. This is also when they develop a more nuanced understanding of complex social dynamics—such as inclusivity, bias, and systemic issues—which will shape their sense of civic duty and empathy for others as they mature.

If a family was pro-democracy, pro-Obama, the experience was positive.

For older Gen Z, Obama’s election marked a significant shift. As a pro-kid, pro-human president, he and Michelle actively opened the White House and government to young people through several proactive programs. Their efforts were impactful because kids are naturally eager to understand how things work and want the opportunity to engage in causes they care about.

The Obama administration’s emphasis on diversity and inclusivity likely shaped children’s values around acceptance, anti-bullying, and service to others. Both Obama and Michelle spoke directly to young people, reinforcing the importance of respecting differences and supporting the community’s well-being.

Michelle’s initiatives, like *Let’s Move!* and her advocacy for educational opportunity, highlighted the need for collective responsibility and equality. Kids in these environments would have absorbed these messages, encouraging them to value inclusive spaces where everyone’s well-being is prioritized.

Moreover, Obama’s message of hope and civic engagement inspired young people to believe in a better future and to see their role in shaping it. Families in this era likely encouraged empathy and a sense of responsibility toward others, aligning with democratic values that respect all voices. By implementing policies that uplifted marginalized communities, the administration set an example that implicitly challenged racial and social superiority ideas. Kids growing up with these messages would have seen democracy as inherently inclusive, fostering a worldview that leaned toward unity and civic responsibility.

Here’s what the kids heard from Barack and Michelle.

During their time in the White House, the Obamas led high-profile initiatives that resonated with children and teens, fostering an environment of inclusivity, approachability, and empowerment. Michelle Obama launched Let’s Move!, a program to reduce childhood obesity through fitness, nutrition, and healthier school meals. Through this initiative, kids saw Michelle engaging in fun exercise routines, planting the White House garden, and teaming up with athletes and celebrities to inspire healthier living.

Her Reach Higher initiative further motivated students from all backgrounds to pursue higher education. Michelle traveled after her time as First Lady, sharng her memoir Becoming and its documentary continued to reach young audiences with themes of resilience, identity, and self-discovery, emphasizing that a person’s background need not limit their future. Together, these programs and her relatable media presence reinforced messages of empowerment, showing young people the value of dreaming big and achieving their goals.

Obama’s presidency brought forward a range of actions and policies that underscored inclusivity, unity, and social responsibility, impacting young people’s perspectives on social issues.

He frequently championed diversity, equality, and tolerance, including his public support for LGBTQ+ rights and racial equality, with his endorsement of same-sex marriage marking a powerful moment of acceptance across the nation.

Obama’s commitment to environmental responsibility also shaped young minds, with his leadership in the Paris Climate Agreement positioning the U.S. as a leader in combating climate change and promoting green energy to protect the planet for future generations. His My Brother’s Keeper initiative showcased his dedication to equality by empowering young men of color through mentorship and job training, highlighting the value of opportunity and achievement.

His “Yes We Can” speeches left a lasting impact, instilling hope, resilience, and the belief that each person can make a difference. Through public readings and events, Barack and Michelle’s love for literacy and storytelling encouraged young people to value diverse perspectives and experiences. The Obamas’ dedication to education and inclusion made them relatable and accessible, fostering a generation that grew up seeing their potential to impact society positively.

If you grew up in a racist household, the Obama presidency wasn’t the same.

In anti-Black, white supremacist households, children likely grew up with a strong distrust of authority, especially toward the Obama administration. Exposure to negative media portrayals and family skepticism of the government may have led these kids to view political leaders as inept or corrupt, reinforcing a sense of wariness toward authority figures. This environment would have fostered a critical, often cynical outlook on government initiatives, especially those focused on inclusion and equity.

Additionally, beliefs about racial and cultural hierarchies were likely emphasized, casting diversity and inclusivity initiatives as threats to traditional values. This worldview framed efforts to uplift marginalized communities as undermining established norms, creating an insular mindset resistant to change. Children in these settings may have absorbed these exclusionary attitudes, shaping their perceptions of others and contributing to a less accepting perspective on social issues and cultural diversity.

When Trump was elected, anti-Obama kids were socially rewarded.

When Trump won in 2016, children and teens in pro-Trump households experienced a marked shift in social and political climate that began to shape their worldview. Trump’s rhetoric around nationalism and skepticism toward traditional media, along with his questioning of certain democratic norms, often created an “us versus them” mentality.

For these young people, who were forming their beliefs in this environment, these messages normalized a view of society as deeply divided. The consistent emphasis on strong nationalistic values reinforced the idea that loyalty to certain ideals meant rejecting those seen as “other,” fostering a perspective that embraced exclusion over inclusion.

As these teenagers came of age, they witnessed and absorbed a cultural landscape where conservative values were increasingly validated overtly, often accompanied by resistance to diversity initiatives. In pro-Trump environments, some were exposed to social media content or news channels that amplified these ideologies, nudging them toward echo chambers that validated conspiracy theories or racial biases.

The cultural validation of these ideas further solidified divisions, creating a generational impact that hardened views on inclusivity, media trust, and social identity, often shaping these teens into adults with deep, divisive perspectives.

Here’s what the kids heard from Donald and Melania.

The Trump administration’s outreach to children was less direct than the Obama administration’s, but specific initiatives, appearances, and social media messages still reached younger audiences.

For instance, Melania Trump’s Be Best campaign focused on children’s well-being, particularly around social media use, cyberbullying, and the opioid crisis, aiming to promote kindness and responsible digital behavior. However, the campaign faced criticism for seeming at odds with Donald Trump’s often combative online persona, which also became part of the broader public discussion.

Melania also visited children’s hospitals and schools, emphasizing kindness and compassion in the face of adversity. However, her outreach was often underreported and thus less visible than that of previous First Ladies. While not addressing young people directly, Donald Trump did participate in events like the White House Easter Egg Roll, which offered a brief public connection with children and families.

Trump’s intense and often polarizing social media presence also reached teens, as his unfiltered communication style was widely discussed in youth circles, influencing views on leadership and digital behavior.

His “Make America Great Again” slogan became a cultural marker, with some kids adopting it through clothing and discussion, often introduced by family contexts. Televised rallies drew supporters of all ages, exposing children to Trump’s messages around nationalism and media skepticism.

His frequent criticisms of mainstream media as the “enemy of the people” likely influenced how young people from Trump-supporting households perceived the press, creating divides in views on media credibility. The administration’s focus on patriotism, the military, and law enforcement reinforced a sense of pride in national symbols but often emphasized conservative values.

Though indirect, these influences, combined with Trump’s anti-establishment rhetoric, exposed young people to polarized political conversations and divisive perspectives on issues like race, immigration, and patriotism, shaping their views on these topics.

For the Obama kids, Trump’s election changed everything.

For young people raised during Obama’s presidency, the transition to Trump’s administration at age 16 or older brought a striking shift in the national landscape, often prompting them to revisit and reinforce the values they had formed under Obama’s influence.

Many who embraced the ideals of inclusivity, empathy, and civic responsibility saw Trump’s election as a regression, catalyzing a wave of activism and resistance among their peers. The perceived departure from progressive policies and inclusive rhetoric encouraged them to become politically engaged, leading many Gen Zers to participate in movements like March for Our Lives and the Women’s March.

By taking to the streets and organizing online, these young people found a way to channel their beliefs into collective action, taking an active stand for causes they believed were now at risk.

This era also solidified a focus on social justice, as these young adults felt an urgency to protect and promote values like equity, democracy, and environmental sustainability. In a time marked by ideological divides, they witnessed firsthand the effects of polarized discourse and were driven to advocate for a more inclusive society.

Their experiences of this shift in political leadership deepened their commitment to social causes, often motivating them to defend democratic values and environmental protection. The activism and social justice focus seen during Trump’s presidency became a defining feature for many in this age group, underscoring a generational drive to confront social and political challenges head-on.

Reaching Gen Z with compassion and patience.

To reach an “Obama kid”—someone who grew up during the Obama administration and values inclusivity, diversity, and civic engagement—you’ll want to appeal to their sense of justice and drive to make a difference.

These individuals are likely responsive to hope, progress, and collective action messages.

When reaching out to them, emphasize the importance of continuing the work of social justice and protecting democracy. Frame your message around shared values, such as empathy, fairness, and a belief in a better future. Highlight opportunities for civic engagement, activism, or ways they can contribute to causes that align with their values, like climate change, equity, or voting rights.

Be sure to focus on solutions, empowerment, and actionable steps they can take to feel that they are part of positive change.

Reaching a “Trump kid” is more complex, as their beliefs might be more rooted in skepticism of institutions or media and potentially more influenced by nationalistic or conservative values.

Avoiding a confrontational approach that directly challenges their identity or beliefs is essential to reach them. Instead, focus on areas of common ground, like patriotism, the need for strong communities, or economic opportunities. Engaging them with a message of practical solutions, such as job readiness, entrepreneurship, or local involvement, can be a more compelling entry point.

Avoid framing the conversation in overtly partisan terms, and instead approach with a focus on shared values like security, family, or the importance of community. Over time, building trust and opening dialogues that respect their perspective without immediate judgment may create space for more meaningful conversations.

It’s one big tent, everyone’s welcome.

In politics, “one big tent” refers to a political party or movement that welcomes a wide range of beliefs, values, and backgrounds under a shared vision. The metaphor suggests that, like a large tent with enough space to shelter many people, the party is inclusive of diverse viewpoints, even if members don’t agree on every issue. This “big tent” approach aims to build broad coalitions, uniting people around shared goals while allowing for some ideological differences.

The Democratic Party in the U.S. has often been identified as a “big tent” party, bringing together liberals, progressives, centrists, and even more conservative Democrats to pursue common priorities like healthcare, civil rights, and environmental protection.

At times, the Republican Party has taken a “big tent” approach to include both moderate and conservative voices to strengthen their influence and voter base. The goal is to appeal to a larger group of people, believing that strength lies in numbers and diversity, which can help a party win elections and effectively govern. Unfortunately, the party routinely fails as the voting tightens and the call for hate and division repels people who want more for America.

That’s why, in a time of ideological divides, understanding the distinct experiences of Gen Z under Obama and Trump is crucial to engaging them effectively.

Reaching both groups requires compassion and respect for their unique perspectives, recognizing that their formative years shaped their worldviews in powerful ways. By focusing on shared values and practical solutions, we can bridge divides and foster a generation ready to address the challenges of tomorrow.