For Parents: How to Talk About AI Without Panic

If AI feels confusing or overwhelming, you’re not alone.

This technology showed up fast, and many parents are trying to understand it at the same time their kids are expected to use it responsibly in school.

Here’s the most important thing to know:

AI isn’t just a school issue, it’s also a life skill issue.

Instead of focusing only on “don’t use AI,” it helps to talk about how and why it’s used.

Helpful conversations include:

• Asking kids what their school allows and doesn’t allow
• Talking about when tools help learning and when they replace it
• Encouraging kids to keep drafts, notes, and proof of their thinking
• Modeling healthy skepticism about things you see online

You don’t need to know how AI works technically to support your child. What matters most is helping them slow down, ask questions, and be honest about their work.

AI will keep changing. But critical thinking doesn’t go out of style.

Here's a helpful flyer that you can send home with parents. I've included the Canva template here so you can make your own copy to edit.   

👉 Next up: the final takeaway that ties this whole series together.