Parents may want to rethink how they’re preparing their kids for the future.
As artificial intelligence continues to change the way people learn and work, neuroscientist Vivienne Ming says some of the skills children are being taught today may not matter in the next decade. Instead, she encourages families to focus on helping kids build habits that machines can’t easily replace.
Here are three ways she says parents can start doing that now.
Institute the ‘Failure Resume’
Our education system teaches children “not to fail;” however, failure is the only way that a person can grow.
What Vivienne Ming suggests to CNBC, is that parents need to help children build a “failure resume, a living document, a family ritual where you actively record and celebrate failures,” and continually ask the question, “what did you learn from it?”
According to Ming, a “failure resume,” builds “resilience, curiosity and ability to tackle open-ended problems.”
Teach your child how to engage with AI and critique it
All AI platforms are unquestionably powerful tools. When used properly, it can be a help not a hindrance; however, understanding and critiquing platforms is essential. Parents need to teach children how to not only use various platforms, but critique their validity as well. Not all platforms are created the same and just because everyone says, “this one is the best,” it may not be. Remember, it is a computer algorithm, not human, there are still flaws. Teaching your children how to spot them will help them be ones step ahead of the game.
Engineer serendipity
Engineering serendipity “means intentionally creating an environment that encourages unexpected connections and discoveries. A home or classroom built on managed uncertainty — safe, but not sterile; structured, but not rigid — where curiosity can take root.”
Why is this important to engineer serendipity, it creates a problem that needs to be solved without the use of AI. Ming uses the example of leaving a toaster on the table with missing screws and a screwdriver. If your child wants toast, they will figure out how to fix it without using Chat GPT.
It is not a question of when AI will become the norm, as some people might argue, it already has. But, if you want your children to be prepared and move through their future seamlessly, consider preparing them now for a future with AI.
