‘The best way to get children ready for a high-tech future’ is ‘a low- tech childhood,’ says doctor and researcher
In a tech-centric world, parents should emphasize the importance of human skills like creativity and resilience, says childhood researcher Dana Suskind.
TL;DR
- Focusing on academics like advanced math might be preparing children to be 'computer-like,' which AI may eventually handle.
- Future success will depend on uniquely human skills: connection, critical thinking, curiosity, creativity, and resilience.
- A 'low-tech childhood' is recommended to foster these inherently human qualities.
- Critical thinking can be encouraged by letting children figure out answers rather than immediately providing them.
- Creativity can be sparked by providing limited analog items for play, like a cardboard box.
- Empathy can be developed by discussing characters' motivations in books and considering others' potential struggles.
- Resilience is built by supporting children through social difficulties and assuring them of parental love regardless of outcomes.
- Parents' imperfections and modeling of human messiness are essential for raising well-rounded children.