This similar essay is based on conversation Adam LionsPartners and Chief AI Officers chiefaiofficer.com. Edited for length and clarity.
As a father of five children between the ages of 5 and 15, I use AI throughout the day. It's my job, but it's also a powerful tool for parenting. It not only makes my life easier in some ways, but it also helps my kids prepare for the world they are in.
AI is inevitable. I like to tell people, “You're not going to lose your job to AI.” But you'll lose it to someone using AI. AI is a tool that shapes our future, so I integrated it into our homes.
AI can help you with homeschooling
I homeschool all five kids. I try to follow the ancient Greek model of education. My kids learn the skills, practice it, and then they show their knowledge by teaching their siblings.
Adam Lyons also gives his children space for creativity in screen-free time. Courtesy of Adam Lions
If little ones stick to the problem, they ask the older children for help. But if older children can't help, they rely on AI. All kids have AI on their phones and tablets, which acts as their tutor.
This is most powerful when children are very annoyed by the problem. It's the type of problem where they want to raise their hands and say, “No one can understand this.” At that moment, AI can guide them through solving problems and show that they can.
AI enhances problem solving for children
In our home, the general refrain is “Did you ask AI for help?” It doesn't happen just by academics.
Recently, the ranch electronic gate broke. No one in the family knew how to fix it, so we used AI to walk us through purchasing a multimeter and testing electronics. It became a family project and we all learned a lot. I also used AI (used following my trip to Home Depot) to fix the HVAC system.
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People are worried that AI will hinder problem solving, but I teach my kids to use it creatively to enhance problem solving. I don't think it's very different to what I learn from other people.
I use AI when I go to bed and when my kids are discussing
Like many kids, I love asking millions of questions at bedtime. The first three or four answers: “But why?” Question, then I hand it over to the AI. Computer systems have the merciless energy to answer questions even the most sustained children, and my children usually get tired after a few minutes.
When kids are arguing, I do the same thing. Sometimes I ask AI for a second opinion. It leads to good conversations about objective facts and opinions, and what is influenced by the discussions we hear.
AI is important, but times without screens are also important
The biggest difference between humans and AI is that humans can think creatively. I want my kids to know how to get out of the box.
My 15-year-old is working on the Capstone Project and creating video games. He uses AI to do that, but there are around four different AI models involved. With all these unique tools, he can build a game that is better than the sum of its parts. That's what I want my kids to understand about AI. It is the most powerful in our hands.
Screen-free time is also needed to integrate AI into our lives. Children spend their time outside without electronic devices. Recently they have invented a new dice game that will keep young children entertained by swimming during that block and keep them entertained for days.
It's a mistake not to let your child go outside. But you can also protect them from AI. By integrating it into their lives, I equip them for their future.
