8+ Ways Parents Can Use ChatGPT with Their Kids

Most of the focus on ChatGPT has been how it will affect the world of work. But in the past year, I’ve found more and more use for it in my daily life than at work.

Here are a few ways I’m using it specifically with my kids (notably with good prompts).

1. Age Appropriate Trivia

Most kids go through a trivia phase. It’s fun and it’s educational. And if your kid is really into it…there are nowhere near enough trivia books for their favorite topic.

That’s where ChatGPT comes in. With the right prompt, you can have an infinite supply of trivia questions any time, any place. Here’s my go-to prompt –

Act as an experienced historian. Create 10 history trivia questions with answers focused on 1500 to 1000 BCE. The questions should be at a college level difficulty. Each question should have a specific question and a specific answer. No discussion questions.

2. Enhancing Homework Help

Homework time can be a tricky, but with ChatGPT, it’s more like having a friendly tutor in the room. Stumped on a math problem? ChatGPT can guide your child through the steps to find the solution, all without giving away the answer too quickly. And thankfully, even if I’m brain tired at 6:30pm, ChatGPT is not. Even if I do the actual explaining, it can get me started.

Plus, AI can help refine essay writing skills by suggesting better word choices or sentence structures. It’s a lot better than a tired parent saying “just do it because.” ChatGPT can be that gentle nudge in the right direction, ensuring homework doesn’t turn into home ‘war’. Here’s a prompt –

Act as an experienced 7th Grade math tutor. I want to understand probability distribution. The problem is “Kelly spun a spinner, which is pictured below, 35 times. She recorded her results in the table provided. What is the theoretical probability of the spinner landing on the orange section?”. Explain the solution and your thinking.

3. Explaining Literature

Ever tried discussing the themes of “The Great Gatsby” with a teenager? It’s like trying to explain the appeal of vinyl records in a digital age—tough, but not impossible. ChatGPT can break down complex literary concepts into bite-sized, understandable chunks.

And when your child is tackling Shakespeare and the Old English feels like a foreign language, ChatGPT can translate “thou art” to “you are” faster than you can read and re-read the section.

4. Writing Personal Stories

Every child has a story to tell, and ChatGPT can be their collaborative co-author. It’s amazing to see a child’s imagination come to life as the AI helps them plot out narratives and develop characters. Think of it as a brainstorming partner that never gets tired or runs out of ideas.

I once worked created a whole set of stories with my niblings as primary characters. ChatGPT helped me create the plot, side characters, and more.

5. Exploring Science & Math

Science and math can be intimidating subjects, but they’re crucial for understanding the world around us. ChatGPT can demystify these topics by explaining complex concepts in simpler terms. There’s no Googling, then reading, then interpreting – just the answer.

And for hands-on experiments, ChatGPT can suggest age-appropriate projects that transform your kitchen into a laboratory (just be prepared for the occasional baking soda volcano). It’s all about making STEM subjects as fun and accessible as playing a video game.

6. Making Lists of Fun Facts

Kids love fun facts—those little nuggets of knowledge that they can share with friends and family. ChatGPT is a treasure trove of information that can generate lists of fun facts on virtually any topic. It’s the perfect way to satisfy the insatiable curiosity of young minds and maybe even impress the know-it-all at the dinner table.

To avoid AI hallucinations, tell the AI to act a a [subject matter expert on {topic}] before telling it to list fun facts.

They are also conversation starters that can lead to deeper discussions and learning opportunities.

7. Explaining Concepts Like a Five Year Old

If you’ve ever tried to explain why the sky is blue to a five-year-old, you know the challenge of simplifying complex ideas. ChatGPT has the knack for breaking down tough concepts so that even little ones can grasp them. It’s like being able to speak ‘kid’ fluently, which is pretty handy for those of us who sometimes struggle to find the right words.

8. Creating Dinner Conversation Ideas

TableTopics are brilliant, but like trivia book, they are limited (and pricey). ChatGPT can create infinite conversation ideas around any angle, theme, or topic.

9. Finishing The Ultimate Game of “but why?”

The relentless “but why?” game can test the patience of the best parent. Thankfully, ChatGPT can provide clear, concise answers to the endless stream of questions from curious kiddos. It’s like having a patient teacher who never tires of explaining why the sky is blue or why we need to eat vegetables.

And when the questions take a turn for the bizarre—like “Why can’t we tickle ourselves?”—ChatGPT can dive into the science behind it or offer up a philosophical musing. It turns the ultimate game of “but why?” into an educational journey that never has to end.