Aishwarya Bharat Chavan, Digital Transformation Lead and Computer Science and Design Technology Facilitator, Google Champion in GEG UAE and Beyond, and CEO of The 360 Degree Digital School, explains how the rise of Artificial Intelligence has made it mandatory for today’s parents to not only understand their children’s emotional needs but also the digital world.
Every day and minute, we observe that Artificial Intelligence has rapidly transformed the educational landscape, becoming an integral part of children’s learning journeys. From classrooms to homes, it has started influencing the way learners study, communicate, complete assignments, and interact with the world around them. In this digital era, a very important concern that continues to grow stronger among educators and parents alike is: how connected do parents truly feel towards their children in the world of AI?
The internet offers countless tools, applications, and platforms, which can often create confusion. Experts, therefore, recommend beginning with one or two trusted platforms and gradually exploring more tools over time. Seeking guidance from teachers and educational experts can also help parents feel more confident. AI also holds tremendous potential for children with special learning needs or disabilities.
Between screens and families
It has become a common sight today that many children spend a large amount of time on phones, tablets, laptops, and digital devices. They use online platforms for their homework, projects, games, communication, and entertainment. While technology has opened endless opportunities for learning and creativity, it is also a fact that it has created a visible gap between parents and children. In many households, parents often remain ignorant of what exactly their children are doing online, what tools they are using, and how these digital platforms are influencing their learning habits and personalities.
Many parents actively support their children by helping them complete homework, submit assignments, manage schedules, and prepare for examinations. However, very often they participate in the process without fully understanding the technology behind it. Parents encourage their children to use devices for learning, yet at the same time, they feel uncertain, confused, or even fearful about the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in education.
Understanding AI World
This changing educational environment has made digital literacy an essential life skill, not only for learners but also for parents, teachers, school management, and support staff. AI is no longer a concept limited to technology experts. It has become a practical part of day-to-day learning and communication. Therefore, parents need awareness, guidance, and proper support systems to ensure that they remain actively involved in their child’s educational journey.
Educational workshops and awareness programs have become extremely important in helping parents understand how AI tools function and how these tools can be used responsibly. Such sessions create opportunities for parents to learn about educational platforms, online safety, learning styles, and digital support systems. These workshops also help parents recognise that AI, when used correctly, is not meant to replace human learning or parental involvement. Instead, it is designed to enhance learning experiences and make education more personalised and accessible.
An important aspect of modern parenting in the AI era is understanding the exact role parents play in supporting their children. Many parents assist their children in different ways without recognising how valuable their contributions truly are. Some help with discipline and time management, some motivate their children emotionally, while others support digital learning and online safety.
Parents and digital safety
Interactive AI questionnaires and “parent persona” activities now help parents identify their own involvement style. These activities encourage parents to reflect on how they support their children and what areas may need further improvement.
For example, a parent may discover that they function as a “digital safety guide”. Such parents use tools like screen-time management, content filters, safe search systems, and teacher feedback platforms to ensure that their children remain focused and protected online. Other parents may identify themselves as motivators, learning partners, or emotional supporters.
These activities not only help parents understand themselves better but also allow educators to identify which areas require additional support and awareness sessions. They encourage open communication between schools and families and help create stronger educational partnerships.
Smart learning platforms
One useful example of an AI-supported learning platform is Kami, an interactive educational platform that many educators and parents use safely for learning activities. Platforms such as these provide learners with opportunities to interact with worksheets, assignments, comments, and educational resources in a structured and organised manner. Parents can also access these resources and revisit them whenever necessary. Bookmarking presentations and educational resources allows parents to return to important material at any time, even if they were unable to attend a workshop or session live.
Such accessibility is especially useful in today’s busy world, where both parents may be working professionals. Recorded sessions, bookmarked presentations, and digital resources provide flexibility, allowing parents to learn at their own pace while remaining connected to their child’s educational needs.
Rethinking modern learning
Another major aspect of AI-supported education is understanding a child’s learning style. Traditional education systems focused heavily on memorisation, repetition, writing practice, and examinations. Learners were expected to memorise lessons, reproduce definitions, and complete lengthy written tasks to perform well academically.
However, modern education has gradually shifted towards understanding how children actually learn best. Every learner is unique. Some learners understand concepts quickly through visuals and diagrams, while others learn effectively through storytelling and listening activities. Some children require movement, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences to fully understand a concept. Recognising these learning differences can completely transform the educational experience for children.
Visual learners understand concepts better through images, charts, illustrations, videos, and diagrams. Auditory learners absorb information effectively through listening, storytelling, discussions, and repeated verbal explanations. Kinaesthetic learners prefer movement, demonstrations, practical activities, and learning by doing. Many parents remain unaware of these learning styles, even though understanding them can significantly improve their child’s academic confidence and emotional well-being.
Learning the child’s way
AI tools and educational platforms now help parents identify their child’s learning style through simple questionnaires and interactive activities. Parents answer questions about how their child responds to communication, visuals, practical activities, instructions, and online learning situations. Based on the responses, the platform suggests whether the child is more visual, auditory, or kinaesthetic in their learning preferences. Once parents understand their child’s learning style, they can support learning in much more meaningful ways.
For instance, if a child is identified as a visual learner, teachers and parents can include more diagrams, illustrations, charts, and videos during study sessions. If a child is an auditory learner, storytelling, repeated discussions, and listening activities can become powerful learning tools. Kinaesthetic learners can benefit from demonstrations, practical projects, movement-based learning, and interactive experiences.
AI can also support kinaesthetic learners through project ideas, interactive demonstrations, practical activities, and exploratory learning tasks. Educational podcasts, digital guides, and interactive resources are now available for different age groups and learning abilities. Importantly, these tools are not meant to replace traditional learning. Instead, they are designed to enhance learning experiences by making education more flexible, creative, and personalised.
Visual learners: Benefit from diagrams, charts, and video content.
Auditory learners: Thrive on storytelling, podcasts, and verbal discussions.
Kinaesthetic learners: Require hands-on projects, demonstrations, and movement-based activities.
Creative learning through Gemini
One AI platform that supports such personalised learning is Gemini. While many parents are familiar with ChatGPT, Gemini has also become a useful educational AI tool that helps create customised learning resources. Parents can simply visit Gemini and enter prompts related to their child’s learning needs. The platform can generate study tips, stories, educational explanations, and creative resources tailored according to the child’s learning style.
For example, parents can ask Gemini to provide simple study strategies for a visual learner or generate storytelling methods for an auditory learner. Such customised suggestions make learning more engaging and effective. Gemini also demonstrates the creative potential of AI in education. Parents can generate visual storybooks, manifestation boards, vision boards, and personalised educational materials using simple prompts.
This becomes especially beneficial for younger learners who enjoy stories, visuals, and imaginative experiences. A child who struggles with traditional reading exercises may become deeply interested in a storybook that includes familiar names, personal experiences, family members, or favourite themes. Parents can even upload photographs and personalise stories around family trips, school experiences, or future goals. Such personalised learning increases emotional connection and curiosity.
Voices that teach
Another remarkable feature available on many AI platforms is the “listen” option. This feature supports auditory learners by reading stories and educational material aloud. Children who struggle with lengthy reading tasks can listen to educational content instead. This reduces stress and makes learning more accessible for children who process information more effectively through sound and conversation.
Storybook generation tools have become particularly popular among younger children. Parents can create complete illustrated books within minutes by simply entering prompts and uploading relevant images. Children often become excited when they see themselves represented in stories. This creates a personal connection with learning and motivates them to engage more actively.
Protecting children online
When AI makes a mistake, it provides a vital ‘teachable moment.’ Instead of fearing errors, use them to coach your child in digital literacy and fact-checking, turning potential misinformation into a lesson in critical thinking.
Despite the growing excitement around AI tools, privacy concerns remain one of the biggest worries among parents. Parents naturally question whether educational platforms are safe, whether photographs and personal information may be misused, and whether children’s online activities are secure. Responsible educators, therefore, strongly emphasise the importance of using verified and trusted educational platforms. Before uploading photographs, information, or educational material online, parents must carefully review privacy settings, cookie permissions, and platform verification.
Many educational resources provided through trusted organisations, including Google Education groups, include safety measures and reporting systems to protect users. Parents are also encouraged to report any suspicious activity or misuse immediately through official channels. Another major concern among parents is over-dependence on AI and digital devices. Many parents fear that children may become excessively attached to phones and screens, reducing physical interaction, outdoor activity, and family communication.
While this concern is valid, educators explain that AI should not replace real-world experiences. Instead, technology should support curiosity, creativity, and learning. Parents can maintain balance by connecting AI activities with real-life experiences. At the same time, educators continue to remind parents that AI tools are not always perfectly accurate. Platforms such as Gemini and ChatGPT themselves clearly mention that AI can make mistakes and that users should review and verify information carefully. Therefore, regular reassessment and communication remain extremely important.
Travel, learn, create
For example, before a family trip, parents may use AI tools to create storybooks, travel guides, or visual resources related to the destination. This builds curiosity and excitement among children. During the actual trip, children can then be encouraged to observe places, write notes, ask questions, and interact with the environment directly instead of spending time continuously on devices. Once the family returns home, children can use AI again to organise their experiences into stories, presentations, or creative reflections. This balanced approach teaches children that technology is a tool for enhancing experiences, not replacing them.
Families exploring AI together
Parent-child bonding remains one of the most important aspects of healthy AI usage. Small conversations, storytelling sessions, collaborative projects, and shared discussions help maintain emotional connection between parents and children. Children should feel that their parents are aware of what they are learning online and are willing to explore new things together.
Schools and educators have already begun sharing several success stories related to AI-supported parenting and learning. Interactive activities such as AI quests, cybersecurity workshops, and digital literacy programmes have helped families understand AI in engaging and practical ways. In many cases, children themselves become excited to demonstrate AI tools to their parents. This creates opportunities for learning together and strengthens family communication.
Educational workshops have shown that when parents actively participate in digital literacy programmes, children become more responsible and confident users of technology. Parents who understand AI are better equipped to guide children regarding online safety, responsible digital behaviour, and balanced technology usage.
Trust but verify
Understanding a child’s progress, learning style, emotional needs, and digital habits cannot happen only during annual parent-teacher meetings. Parents and teachers need to communicate more frequently and collaboratively. Educators often encourage parents to connect with teachers beyond formal meetings to discuss the child’s behaviour, learning habits, strengths, and challenges.
Although regular communication may initially seem difficult, especially in families where both parents work, even periodic conversations can create a powerful support system for the child. When learners realise that both parents and teachers are working together to support them, they often become more confident, disciplined, and emotionally secure. Parents also frequently ask whether AI tools are suitable for children of different age groups.
Modern educational AI resources are increasingly designed according to age appropriateness. Educational podcasts, activities, storybooks, and learning platforms now provide content suitable for younger learners, middle school students, teenagers, and even adult learners.
Guiding children responsibly
One of the most common mistakes parents make while beginning their AI journey is negligence. Many parents assume that teachers alone are responsible for understanding educational technology. However, in today’s rapidly changing world, children need parents who are informed, involved, and willing to learn. Learners feel more secure when they know that their parents understand the digital tools they are using and can guide them responsibly.
Another common mistake involves using AI simply to generate assignments or notes without understanding the child’s actual learning needs. AI should not become a shortcut for copying content. Instead, parents first need to understand how their child learns best and then use AI to personalise learning strategies accordingly. Parents are also advised not to overwhelm themselves with too many digital resources.
Empowering every child
Educational AI systems are increasingly designed to support personalised learning plans, varied learning speeds, accessibility needs, and different educational abilities. Importantly, these tools aim to provide support without labelling children negatively. AI creates flexible learning environments where children receive the assistance they need while still feeling respected, included, and emotionally supported.
Children with special educational needs may benefit greatly from visual stories, repeated audio explanations, interactive prompts, personalised pacing, and practical demonstrations. This personalised support can improve both confidence and learning outcomes. Ultimately, the world of AI is not about replacing parents, teachers, or human relationships. Instead, it is about creating stronger learning opportunities and building more supportive educational environments.
Families exploring AI together
Parent-child bonding remains the most vital element of healthy AI usage. It is not about monitoring screens from a distance; it is about shared exploration. Small conversations, collaborative project-building, and discussing the ethical nuances of AI help maintain that essential emotional connection. Children feel more secure and validated when their parents take a genuine interest in their digital world.
Schools and educators have already begun documenting success stories of families who embrace this collaborative approach. Initiatives like AI Quests, cybersecurity workshops, and digital literacy programmes have provided families with a roadmap to understand AI in engaging, practical ways. Often, the spark begins with the child: when students are encouraged to demonstrate an AI tool to their parents, the dynamic shifts from “digital policing” to “digital partnership.”
This collaborative process does more than teach technology; it strengthens communication and builds mutual trust. When parents actively participate in these learning programmes, children evolve from passive device users into responsible, confident, and ethical digital citizens. The goal is to create a home environment where technology is not a source of disconnection, but a shared canvas for creativity and curiosity.
Technology with care
Technology, when used responsibly and thoughtfully, can help parents connect more deeply with their children’s educational journeys. It can support creativity, communication, curiosity, confidence, and independent thinking. The future of education depends not only on advanced technology but also on meaningful relationships between parents, teachers, and learners. Parents who remain open to learning, are willing to explore new tools, and are actively involved in their child’s development can create balanced and healthy digital environments at home.
AI is undoubtedly becoming the new normal in education, but emotional connection, guidance, trust, and responsible parenting remain irreplaceable. When parents combine awareness, communication, and thoughtful use of technology, children gain much more than academic support. They develop confidence, creativity, emotional balance, digital responsibility, communication skills, and the ability to grow into thoughtful and responsible individuals in the modern world.
In the end, the goal is not to keep children away from technology, nor to allow technology to completely control their lives. The true goal is balance. Children need guidance, conversations, exploration, creativity, and emotional connection alongside digital learning. Parents who walk beside their children in this AI-driven journey rather than standing away from it will help create learners who are not only academically successful but also emotionally aware, socially responsible, and prepared for the future. As Artificial Intelligence continues to shape education and communication, one thing remains clear: meaningful parenting will always remain at the heart of meaningful learning.
Start small: tonight, ask your child to show you one tool they use for homework. By moving from a passive observer to an active, curious partner, you turn the digital ‘gap’ into a foundation for deeper connection.
Contact details
Aishwarya Bharat Chavan
Digital Transformation Lead and Computer Science and Design Technology Facilitator, Google Champion in GEG UAE and Beyond, and CEO of The 360-Degree Digital School
Mobile: +971583039871 , +917709570266
Email: aishwaryabharatchavan@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aishwaryabchavan-educator