From reanimating old pictures of ancestors with voice-generating apps that sound like celebrities to website building and video creation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how people play, work, and learn, but should you use it to help parent your kids?
AI for Learning
"You won't have a calculator in your pocket!" Math teachers got that prediction wrong, but the idea that kids should understand how to do something rather than only find out the answer is a sound one. According to a 2024 study, "Performing mathematical calculations is a cognitive activity that can affect biological signals."
Like calculators, most people already have easy access to AI tools on their phones. These tools can be helpful in explaining an unfamiliar math equation or giving ideas on fun ways to bring subjects to life at home, but kids should avoid using them as answer generators, as the brain will not receive the workout promoting problem-solving skills.
Reading with a caregiver is an essential developmental activity, which is why The Children's Trust is proud to send out a new book each month to members of the Book Club. In addition to reading, creating new stories together builds bonds and inspires a creative mind. AI can be great for idea generation if you have writer's block or need help with ideas. The best part about creating stories with your child is going on an adventure that can take you anywhere together, so avoid using software that reads stories for you.
AI for Communicating
Depending on a child's age, there are different ways to achieve good communication. For kids under 10, how we phrase questions is essential. One 2021 study looked at "Why?" and "How Come?" questions, finding kids don't reach the "near ceiling" in answering these questions until they are 9 years old.
In an AI thought experiment, feed a simple prompt into a leading AI program to change a common "Why?" question into something less abstract to foster better communication. Instead of asking, "Why did you spill that milk?" AI suggested asking, "What can we do next time so the cup doesn't fall?" This question invites the child to think critically about why the milk fell and give you a direct answer.
While parents of kids of all ages may wonder what's going on when they're not around, this becomes especially acute when children become teenagers and have more independence and freedom both online and in the real world. It's essential to keep things conversational and open-ended to avoid reaching a block when discussing difficult subjects about your child’s private life. AI is an excellent tool for conversation prompts like this: "What do you think are some of the best and worst things about the internet right now?" Questions like this spark a two-sided conversation and create a more comfortable space to discuss subjects affecting kids today that may seem difficult to broach.
The Big Picture
AI can assist everybody, from professionals to parents, who need a helping hand. However, it shouldn't be used as a replacement, and a responsible human must use it wisely. When it comes to generating ideas for younger kids, like bedtime stories, use your chosen AI tool ahead of time. When kids get older, supervise its use. AI isn't going anywhere, so teenagers may benefit from using AI tools correctly alongside you.
AI isn't the only tool for parenting help. For real help from real people, join The Children's Trust Parent Club, where you can connect with other parents, get advice from experts in childhood development, and gain invaluable insights into parenting strategies during various workshops. There's no need to leave your child in the hands of AI during workshops, as caregivers receive free childcare for children 3-12 years old at some workshops.