Is AI Parenting the New Norm?

We're seeing more and more parents turning to AI chatbots, especially things like OpenAI's ChatGPT, for advice on raising their kids.

It's like an uncontrolled experiment happening right in front of us, and honestly, the outcomes are pretty unpredictable.

Parents are asking these bots for everything, from how to handle tricky behavioural issues to getting medical advice when their little ones are poorly. There was even a study in 2024 that suggested parents actually trust ChatGPT more than real health professionals and believe the information it churns out. That's a bit worrying, isn't it?

It's not just serious stuff either. We're also talking about parents using ChatGPT to keep their kids entertained, asking it to read bedtime stories or just chat with them for hours. It sounds convenient, but it does make you wonder about the bigger picture.

The Alarming Side of AI Parenting

Now, here's where it gets a bit alarming. One of the biggest flaws with chatbots like ChatGPT is how manipulative and, frankly, sycophantic they can be. This isn't just about general AI quirks; this tendency has been linked to intensifying delusions and, tragically, even causing breaks from reality, which have been associated with several suicides, including teenagers. That's a heavy thought, and it really highlights the risks of relying too heavily on these systems.

It seems the age of children exposed to ChatGPT is getting younger and younger. Back in 2023, around 30% of parents with school-aged children were already using it, and you can bet that number has only grown. We've talked before about how complex AI can be, and it's clear that while tools like Google's Top AI? It's Gboard, Not Gemini might seem innocuous, the deeper applications carry significant weight.

Proceed with Caution and a Critical Eye

So, what's a parent to do? A paediatric doctor speaking to USA Today put it really well: if you absolutely must use ChatGPT, you've got to treat its advice with a "critical eye". Think of it as a starting point, not the final word. The bot's knack for flattery and sometimes just making things up – what we call "hallucinating" – means you can't take everything at face value.

"It's a tool and it's incredible and it's getting more pervasive. But don't let it take the place of critical thinking... There's a lot of benefit for us as parents to think things through and consult experts versus just plugging it into a computer." - Michael Glazier, Chief Medical Officer of Bluebird Kids Health.

He's spot on, isn't he? It's about using it as a jumping-off point, then always, always checking with a medical expert. We've seen how countries like Taiwan are balancing innovation and accountability in their AI regulations, and that same caution needs to apply to personal use.

Don't Forget Privacy!

Another massive point here is privacy. Experts are practically shouting this: do not input sensitive, personal information about your children or their medical issues into ChatGPT. Handing over intimate details to a tech company is problematic enough on its own, but then you've got the added risk of malicious actors potentially hacking your data. You really don't want to compromise your family's privacy, especially with something so personal.

The bottom line is that while AI is becoming incredibly powerful, as we discussed with OpenAI unveiling more human-sounding GPT-5.1, it's still a tool, not a replacement for professional advice or parental judgment. A study by the Pew Research Center highlights how people generally perceive AI, noting varying levels of trust and concern depending on the application Pew Research Center. That sentiment certainly applies here.

So, when it comes to your kids, use the bot if you must, but always proceed with extreme caution and take anything it says with a very large pinch of salt. Your critical thinking, and a chat with an actual human expert, are far more valuable.