How Can Adults Guide Children in an AI-Powered World?

Today’s students use AI more than we think.  The most commonly used tools include ChatGPT, Gemini (by Google), Microsoft Copilot, Grammarly, and Quillbot. These platforms can help students write, brainstorm, summarise, and learn faster. When used properly, AI can support thinking, spark creativity, and make learning more engaging.  But like any tool, it depends on how it’s used.  This is where we adults come in.  We must teach our children how to use AI wisely, not blindly.  

So what skills and habits do they need?

First, children must learn to be inquisitive.  Teach them to ask questions, and then ask follow-up questions.  If they get an answer, tell them to ask, “Why is this the answer?” or “Can I look at it another way?”  AI often gives answers confidently, but that doesn’t always mean the answer is correct.

Second, fact-checking is a must.  Students should learn to cross-check answers with trusted sources, especially websites ending in .gov, .edu, or .org.  These are more likely to offer accurate and reliable information.

Third, teach students not to rely on just one source.  One AI answer is not enough.  Encourage children to read from multiple sources, watch interviews with real experts, and even talk to real people when possible.  AI is helpful, but it should not replace human judgment or experience.

Fourth, stop students from being lazy.  A recent study suggests that relying too much on tools like ChatGPT can reduce brain activity linked to critical thinking and memory.  If students let AI do all the thinking, their own thinking muscles weaken.  We must remind them that learning still requires effort.

And finally, remind students to use AI to their advantage – not as a shortcut, but as a support.  Let AI help you get started, give ideas, or explain difficult topics.  But always add your own thoughts, understanding, and voice.

In conclusion, AI is not something we should fear.  It’s something we should learn to manage.  As adults, we need to model curiosity, critical thinking, and responsibility.  With the right guidance, our children can thrive in this AI-powered world, not by following AI blindly, but by thinking smarter, deeper, and more independently.

AI: What Is It, and Why Do We Need to Understand It?

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, means machines that can “think” or make decisions like humans.  It uses data, patterns, and rules to solve problems, give suggestions, or even create content.  AI is already part of our daily lives, even if we don’t always notice it.

Adults often use AI in tools like online shopping apps (which suggest what to buy), GPS apps (which give the fastest route), or even social media feeds (which show what you might like).  Businesses also use AI to answer customer questions and track data.

For students, AI appears in learning apps, online translators, grammar checkers, and even math-solving tools.  Some use AI to write or generate ideas for homework and projects.

So, is AI good or bad? The answer is: it can be both.

On the positive side, AI can be very helpful.  First, it saves time.  It can quickly find answers, suggest ideas, and even check your work.  Second, it makes learning easier, giving students access to help anytime and anywhere.  Third, it can boost creativity by sparking new ideas and helping users think in fresh ways.

However, AI also has some downsides.  It can cause laziness, especially if students rely on it too much and stop thinking for themselves.  It can give wrong or biased information, since not all AI outputs are accurate or fair.  Lastly, it may affect privacy, as many AI tools collect user data, sometimes without users being fully aware.

Because of all this, we must learn how to live and learn with AI.  It is already part of our world, and it will only grow.  Students, especially, are more vulnerable.  That’s why they need guidance on how to use AI wisely and safely.

In our next blog posts, we’ll explore how we, as parents, can support our children in navigating this AI-powered world.  For now, what’s important is to stay informed and open-minded.  AI is not going away, so let’s learn how to live with it, and use it for good.

How Milchel Gives Parents Peace Of Mind

Here at MILCHEL, we care for every MILCHELian’s holistic well-being. We understand what young people need to grow, learn, and thrive, especially when they are far from home. That’s why we care for them in every way—academically, physically, and emotionally.

Supporting Academic Growth

Academically, we closely monitor each student’s progress. We give academic guidance, help set study targets, and teach good study habits. We also work with their teachers and tutors to support their learning journey. Our hostel provides a quiet, focused environment for study—one that helps every child reach their fullest potential.

Daily Care and Comfort

We also make sure that every MILCHELian’s physical needs are taken care of. Our hostel is safe, clean, and comfortable. We serve delicious and healthy meals daily. We make sure no MILCHELian ever goes hungry. They live in a space that feels like home.

Character Building and Emotional Support

But beyond studies and daily care, we place great focus on character building and emotional support. We celebrate birthdays and special occasions together. We laugh, play, and create joyful memories. We teach with our hearts. In everything we do, we aim to raise kind, confident, and magnanimous human beings. We want every MILCHELian to leave MICLHEL better, stronger, and more compassionate than when they first arrived.

We know how it feels to be a parent. We know how much harder it is to be a parent of a child living far away. That’s why we stay connected with families. We share regular updates through emails, messaging apps, reports, newsletters, and social media posts. Even when they are far, parents can see and feel how well their children are doing. We want them to feel that MICLHEL cares for their children just as they would.

Over the years, hundreds of parents have trusted MILCHEL. They know that their children are in good hands. They know that their children are loved, guided, and safe. We care for every MILCHELian deeply—because in our hearts, they are our children too.

How to Help Children Deal with Anxiety and Stress

It is normal for the children and teens of today to experience varying levels of anxiety and stress.

Their common sources of stress are academic challenges, difficulty in maintaining satisfying social connections, and concerns about their physical appearance, especially as they grow up.

It is crucial that we, as parents, help them navigate these challenges. With social media amplifying their feelings of inadequacy—constantly comparing themselves to the idealized versions of their peers they see online—the pressure on our kids has skyrocketed.

So how do we help them deal with anxiety and stress?

Encourage Open Conversations

Many children bottle up their worries, unsure of how to express them or fearing judgment. As parents, we need to create a safe space where they feel comfortable sharing their struggles without fear of criticism. Simple acts like listening attentively, validating their feelings, and reassuring them that it’s okay to feel stressed can make a huge difference. When children know they are heard and understood, their anxiety often eases.

Teach Healthy Coping Strategies

Instead of allowing stress to overwhelm them, children need practical tools to manage it. Encourage simple, effective techniques like deep breathing, journaling, or engaging in physical activities. Hobbies such as drawing, playing a musical instrument, or even taking a walk can serve as healthy outlets. By guiding them toward constructive coping mechanisms, we help them build resilience and emotional strength.

Model a Balanced Approach to Life

Children learn best by observing the adults around them. If we, as parents, are constantly anxious, overworked, or glued to our phones, they will absorb those habits. Instead, we should demonstrate a balanced approach—prioritising rest, setting realistic goals, and handling stress in a healthy manner. When they see us taking care of our own well-being, they are more likely to do the same.

In closing, anxiety and stress are part of life, but they don’t have to control our children’s well-being. By being present, equipping them with the right tools, and modelling a healthy mindset, we can guide them through these challenges with confidence. Most importantly, they need to know they are never alone in their struggles—we are always here for them.