I think we can all agree that children learn best through stories, experiences, and conversations in safe, connected environments where they feel loved, seen, and supported. It’s through various forms of communication and experiences that kids grow into the brave, kind humans the world needs.

Today, parents have to talk about something they NEVER had to think about as kids and something most still don’t understand…

Artificial Intelligence.

It sounds big and complicated, but talking to kids about AI doesn’t have to be scary, confusing, or overwhelming. And the sooner we start to talk about it, the more confident and prepared our kids will be for the world they’re growing into.

You don’t need a computer science degree to talk to your kids about AI. But in today’s world parents have a new responsibility to understand the basics of it so that you can talk to you kids about it. Just like parents need to talk to kids about social media safety, tobacco safety, drug safety etc. – we have to talk about AI safety.

So how do we do it?

I did the research and here are my plans and suggestions for how parents can start these conversations at home today.

Start With What They Already Know

Our kids are already interacting with AI every day, even if you (and they) don’t realize it.
Netflix recommends their shows. Alexa answers their questions. Even some toys have AI features built into them.

Here’s a start:

“You know how Netflix suggests shows you might like?
That’s because of something called AI.”

AI is a Helper (a tool), Not a Boss

Kids need to learn about agency, the idea that they are in charge of their choices. Not their friends, or someone they chat with online, and certainly not AI.

When you talk about AI, you can say:

“AI is like a really smart tool. Like a calculator or google. It can help us find information or solve problems. But it doesn’t know right from wrong, it just follows instructions. It also doesn’t know everything and it doesn’t make decisions for us. People are always in charge.”

This teaches kids early on that technology is a tool and not a replacement for human thinking.

AI Can’t Feel (repeat that) – It’s not real

One of the biggest things kids need to know is that no matter how “smart” AI seems, it can’t feel emotions. You can’t hurt it’s feelings, it does not form real genuine connections.

So you could say:

“AI can tell you facts. But it can’t give hugs. It doesn’t have feelings like being happy, sad, excited, or scared. Only real people can do that.”

Keep the Conversation Two-Way

Kids are naturally curious, and when it comes to technology, that curiosity is gold.

To spark their curiosity (and yours) you could ask your kids questions like:

• “What would you build if you could create your own AI tool?”
• “What do you think a robot would be good at?”
• “What do you think a robot would not be so good at?”

These conversations build understanding, critical thinking and creativity.

“AI is smart at information, but people are smart at feelings, kindness, and creativity.”

Start small, stay open, and stay curious. Remind your kids that real human connection, curiosity, and creativity can never be programmed or replaced.

That’s the heart of what we want kids to know.
That’s what will never be replaced by technology.