Dad, why do they say AI is changing everything? - a childish question that highlights major challenges and opportunities

Children often ask questions that make us adults think. The question „Dad, why do they say AI is changing everything?“ is particularly motivating for parents, teachers and educators. It invites us to talk about the effects of artificial intelligence (AI), which characterise our everyday lives and society. This question also highlights how important it is to explain to children in an age-appropriate way what AI means and why it is considered revolutionary.

Parents often report that their children are curious about how AI helps in everyday life, for example with voice assistants or personalised learning offers. One father said: „My son wanted to know why Alexa is so smart. I explained to him that there is an artificial intelligence behind it that learns a lot about language and contexts.“

What does it actually mean when we say: „Dad, why do they say AI is changing everything?“

This question addresses how AI influences not only individual technologies, but also numerous areas of life. In the field of education, AI systems enable personalised learning paths that are tailored to individual progress. Parents experience how their children can be given more support through digital learning aids.

AI is also changing our world professionally: it is taking over routine tasks and supporting complex problem solving. One mum reported that thanks to AI-supported applications, she has more room for creativity at work and can complete tasks more efficiently.

AI is leading to new forms of communication and collaboration in society. Although it is not yet a substitute for human interaction, it is increasingly accompanying us in our everyday lives, for example through smart assistants or automated services.

Dad, why do they say AI changes everything - examples from everyday family life

Here are three tried-and-tested situations that make it easier for parents to deal with the topic of AI:

• When playing with learning apps, parents can accompany and explain how the apps use AI to individualise knowledge in order to support learning.
• Talking about smart devices such as voice assistants or smart toys, children learn how AI responds to speech to help.
• When children ask questions about robots or future technologies, you can build bridges to the everyday experiences in which AI is already present.

BEST PRACTICE for parents and teachers With several families, I have seen how children quickly understand through practical examples why AI is such a big step forward. For example, one mother used a translation programme to explain to her child how AI helps to learn a language, which significantly increased their curiosity and enthusiasm for technology.

How parents can support change through AI

Children sense that the world is changing. The question „Dad, why do they say AI is changing everything?“ shows how important it is to deal with this in an open and age-appropriate way. Parents have various options to accompany this change in a meaningful way:

• Have regular conversations about the use of digital technologies in everyday life and answer questions.
• Trying out new digital learning opportunities or tools together with the children and sharing experiences.
• Consciously create breaks from screens and technology to promote real social experiences.

One mum talked about her son, who starts the morning with an AI-supported learning game. She accompanies him and uses the opportunity to talk about technology and responsibility.

Fathers describe how they combine outdoor technology experiences with children, for example with robotics in school clubs or experiments. This makes AI tangible for children and not just abstract.

Dad, why do they say AI is changing everything - sustainability and future opportunities

AI opens up many possibilities, such as developing more resource-efficient technologies or solving complex problems in medicine and the environment. Parents can teach their children that AI is a tool to make the world a better place.

Parents report that children are motivated by positive images of the future: „Our daughter wants to use AI to find sustainable solutions for the planet at some point.“

My analysis

The recurring question „Dad, why do they say AI is changing everything?“ reflects a deep need of children to understand the changes in our world. It is important for parents and carers to pick up on this impulse in order to guide children objectively and emphatically. AI influences many areas of life that we as families can explore together, whether in learning, working or everyday life.

The training under kikidz.org has proven to be particularly valuable in providing parents and teachers with practical support. It is an excellent resource for dealing with the complex topic in a well-prepared manner and providing children with trustworthy guidance.

Further links from the text above:

kikidz.org - Training children and artificial intelligence
Six AI trends that we will see even more of in 2025
AI forecast 2025: future trends and innovations
AI in companies - perspectives on cultural change

For more information and if you have any questions, please contact Contact us or read more blog posts on the topic Children and artificial intelligence here. Click here for the courses: Children and artificial intelligence courses