Every morning, the sweet sound of my child's voice fills the room, "Hey OOO, turn on the lights!" While I find this adorable, a tinge of worry creeps in. I wonder if my child is using such commanding language at daycare too. The thought of my child telling their teacher, "Do this!" instead of "Please do this" makes my heart sink.
As a working couple, we initially thought that working from home would give us more time with our child. However, reality has been quite different. When I'm busy preparing for a video conference, my child often asks, "Why aren't you playing with me, Mom (Dad)?" It's ironic that even though I'm working from home, I'm spending less time with my child than before.
While AI technology is making our lives more efficient, it also brings new challenges. A colleague recently told me about how their child's coding class at kindergarten has significantly improved their problem-solving skills. While coding education is undoubtedly essential for the digital age, I can't help but wonder if it's too early to introduce formal coding concepts to young children. There's a risk that they might lose interest or that other essential skills like math and reading might be neglected.
As parents, we must first become digitally literate and actively collaborate with educational institutions. This involves checking the apps and materials our children use to ensure they are safe and appropriate. Instead of simply saying "no," we can explain the potential risks and encourage our children to use technology responsibly.
Ultimately, the warmth of human connection is irreplaceable. No matter how advanced our technology becomes, children still need the love and attention of their parents and caregivers.
The question of what skills our children need in the AI era remains a challenge for parents. While we should embrace the conveniences of digital devices and the possibilities of coding education, it's equally important to ensure that our children don't lose sight of the importance of human connection and empathy.
[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]
