Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the world around us, and as a parent, it can feel overwhelming. From classrooms to careers, AI is shaping the way we learn, work, and even play. But rather than fearing it, families can embrace AI as a tool that enhances curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.
To provide further insight, we spoke with Geoffrey Klein, founder and CEO of Nine Dots, an award-winning visual content agency. As an expert in AI and a parent himself, he’s here to help demystify AI, dispel common myths, and share practical tips for integrating AI into everyday life.
Here’s what you need to know…
Navigating AI as a parent: start early and make it fun
The best way to introduce AI to your child? Use it together in everyday life. Klein suggests, "Go play with it in a way that is fun. For example, go on ChatGPT and ask, ‘I need a dessert with chocolate and marshmallow. Can you give me three ideas?’ Or, ‘We want to watch a funny movie with Jim Carrey, what would you recommend?’"
As a personal anecdote, Klein shared, "I recall my son and I were playing with one of the image tools. And I asked, ‘What do you want to see that image of?’ He said, ‘I want to see a banana on roller skates wearing a pea coat.’ AI can pretty much generate whatever your kid's imagination can come up with!"
By engaging with AI in a hands-on, creative way, kids learn how to interact with technology responsibly while having fun. This early exposure allows them to get comfortable with curiosity, practice with writing prescriptive prompts, and gives them a critical advantage as AI becomes more integrated into education and careers.
The future belongs to the curious
What’s the most valuable skill for the AI era? According to Klein, it’s curiosity. "Curiosity. That's the most important thing is to be curious about how these things work." He adds, "AI really enhances and amplifies whatever you're good at. And that's how you should be thinking about using it. How can AI make me even better? How can it help me level up?"
Whether your child is interested in coding, writing, or art, AI can help them level up—but curiosity is what drives true learning and innovation. Encouraging kids to ask questions, experiment with different uses, and utilize AI as a learning tool fosters the strategic and creative thinking skills they’ll need in the future.
AI is a learning tool, not a shortcut
One of the biggest misconceptions about AI is that it will replace traditional learning. Klein emphasizes that AI should be used to enhance education, not bypass it. He advises, "The best use is to figure out ways for AI to support learning rather than replacing learning." He continues, "For example, how to use AI as a tutor. Use notes to create a quiz or help learn some of the key points and use it that way. Tell AI, ‘I'm struggling with this math problem, can you help me figure it out without giving me the answer?’"
Encourage your child to interact with AI in meaningful ways. If they’re stuck on a math problem, they can ask AI for hints instead of direct answers. Studies have shown that students who use AI as a shortcut struggle in the long run, while those who treat it as a tutor retain the material and perform better. The key is guiding kids to use AI responsibly to enhance their learning experience for their present and future.
AI’s impact beyond education
AI isn’t just changing the way we learn—it’s revolutionizing industries like healthcare, scientific research, and even environmental conservation. Klein predicts, "Robots will end up saving lives. AI will cure diseases. I think there's going to be a lot of scientific discovery that happens as a result of the advancements in AI and its ability to do millions of calculations and millions of tests in a very short amount of time."
For kids interested in making a real-world impact, AI presents exciting opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries and solve global challenges. By nurturing their curiosity and exposing them to AI-driven solutions, you can help your child see technology as a powerful tool for positive change.
AI and the soft skills of the future
When it comes to AI-driven solutions, human skills like communication, integrity, and problem-solving are becoming even more essential. While humans teach machines to become more independent, we must continue to teach humans how to be humans through exploring a wide range of technical skills, nurturing passions, and empowering dreams.
"There’s been a pendulum swing back to the importance of soft skills. I embrace the truth in that. As AI and technology get better at doing some of the complicated things, what's going to matter is effective communication, curiosity, generosity, integrity—all the things that are uniquely human," Klein explains.
Whether it’s AI, coding, math, and more, STEM plays a huge role in fostering essential soft skills. For example, at camp students work on projects, collaborate in teams, and troubleshoot problems—all of which help them to develop communication, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience. AI might get smarter by the day, but STEM will always teach skills that are uniquely human.
Resources for parents
Staying informed about AI doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Check out Klein’s personal recommendations:
SmarterX AI: Parents can visit smarterx.ai, click on the ‘Kids Safe GPT for Parents’ tool, and ask AI-related questions in a space designed with family-friendly safeguards.
Common Sense Media: This trusted nonprofit offers expert reviews, advice, and research on how technology affects kids and families. It's a go-to resource for understanding the impact of AI, apps, and digital trends in a child’s life.
The Artificial Intelligence Show Podcast: Hosted by AI experts, it breaks down the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and how they impact industries, education, and daily life.
One Useful Thing Newsletter: This newsletter provides clear, practical insights on how AI tools like ChatGPT can be used in education, work, and everyday problem-solving.
iD Tech: iD Tech is the premier destination for all things AI! Get started by finding an AI camp location near you, and start your child’s journey today.
TL;DR
AI is transforming education, careers, and daily human life, but it’s not something we need to fear. Geoffrey Klein, an AI expert and parent, shares his practical tips for introducing AI to kids in a fun and engaging way. He emphasizes that AI should be used early as a learning tool, not a shortcut, and curiosity is the key skill in the AI era. Parents can help their children familiarize themselves with AI by encouraging exploration, using AI for problem-solving, and nurturing soft skills like communication and perseverance—skills that will apply to any future career path. For more resources, check out Klein’s recommended tools for helping families navigate AI safely and effectively: