This told essay is based on a conversation with Boo Kok Truong, Chief Operating Officer of a Singaporean law firm. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Since the beginning of last year, we took the bold step of introducing ChatGPT to our 8-year-old daughter Kiki.
Given the recent advancements in technology, we thought it would be a good idea to start kids early.
She uses her ChatGPT to communicate frequently. Whenever she faces a problem, she turns to ChatGPT for a solution.
Once she spilled her drink I felt sick on my shirt. She asked ChatGPT how to solve it. She also asked ChatGPT how to care for turtles.
Next I tried something bigger.
Atmosphere of coding apps together
We built a companion app for Mu Jong, a music-learning mahjong-style physics game. I did it within 3 hours.
We used a combination of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT for rapid development and logic building, Base 44 for interface development, and Nano Banana Pro for visual assets.
This app features a score tracker, keyboard music features, and a countdown timer. Kiki conceptualized the feature and guided the process, while I structured her prompts and helped translate her ideas into instructions for the AI tool.
I created a mascot for the app. Kiki drew the mascot on paper. It was a pretty bad drawing, but if you upload the photo to AI, it will make it look better. She tried it and said, “Wow, it’s magical.” Suddenly her paintings seemed commercially ready.
I also showed her around. I said to her, “You have to tell me the purpose of the drawing and what you want this mascot to do.” Furthermore, we encouraged AI to refine the drawing.
Children should be exposed to AI at an early stage
Exposure to AI is very important, especially for children like Kiki. Of course, reviews still require human input.
She was born into a privileged generation where technology was already very advanced. Now that this technology is so readily available, children may not be so easily impressed.
Kiki is learning to break down problems into steps and use AI tools to test and refine ideas. You also learned how to create more structured prompts using natural language. For example, we now specify attributes such as “round shapes, soft colors, and friendly expressions” to achieve more consistent output.
As for her device, we monitor the content she engages with.
On YouTube, we constantly review what she watches and look into her internet history.
We want to be very open and transparent and respectful with her. She knows we’re watching her.
At any time, if we find something is not right, our approach is to guide her rather than judge her. We ask her, “Why are you doing this? Are you doing this to solve a specific problem you’re facing?”
And from there, we slowly guide her toward more appropriate behavior, again through this method of questioning.
AI has some unique challenges. The AI can be a little too conservative in its output.
I think that relying too much on AI can be psychologically dangerous in a sense. We should not trust these systems 100% and take a cautious and objective approach when dealing with them.
Do you have a story to share about coding with AI? Contact this reporter at: cmlee@businessinsider.com.