As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the educational landscape, parents play a crucial role in preparing their children for success in this rapidly evolving environment. Insights from a February 2025 webinar featuring educational leaders, including President Joseph Aoun of Northeastern University and Jeff Selingo, emphasize that the implications of AI extend beyond technology to encompass critical changes in skills development, adaptability, and lifelong learning.
Joseph Aoun’s recently released second edition of Robot-Proof: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence underscores the urgent need for AI literacy, with fifty percent new content addressing how higher education must evolve to foster human intelligence in an AI-driven world. Parents can benefit from these insights as they guide their children in adapting to the changing workforce demands.
Addressing The Risk Of Cognitive Atrophy
One of the key responsibilities for parents today is to encourage AI literacy in their children. As AI tools become embedded across disciplines, students must develop not only technical proficiency but also critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. However, a growing concern is cognitive atrophy—a term gaining attention in education discussions. The Impact of Generative AI on Critical Thinking highlights that as AI takes on more cognitive tasks, students risk losing their ability to critically analyze and synthesize information independently.
Michael Gerlich’s research in AI Tools in Society: Impacts on Cognitive Offloading and the Future of Critical Thinking further explores how reliance on AI for everyday problem-solving can erode deep cognitive engagement. Parents can combat this by fostering an inquiry-based learning environment at home, encouraging their children to question AI-generated content and recognize its biases .
Encouraging Deep Engagement With Learning
In an AI-driven educational landscape, rote memorization is becoming less valuable. Instead, students must engage deeply with content, questioning and analyzing information rather than accepting it at face value. My past Forbes article explored a foundational gap in AI literacy before students even reach college.
The webinar reinforced that students must move beyond surface-level understanding and cultivate skills in interpretation and creativity. Parents should encourage their children to engage with texts like Robot-Proof and participate in discussions about how AI is shaping their future. The AI in the Workplace self-paced learning experience offered by Northeastern University can serve as an accessible starting point for families looking to integrate AI learning into their daily conversations. In addition, the AI Innovation Challenge at ASU provides real-world problem-solving opportunities for students to apply AI knowledge in impactful ways.
Promoting A Lifelong Learning Mindset
As the workforce landscape continues to shift, the ability to adapt and learn continuously has never been more critical. Parents can instill a lifelong learning mindset in their children, emphasizing that education does not end with college. This includes encouraging participation in online courses, workshops, or AI-related community projects that promote ongoing engagement with learning.
Employers increasingly seek evidence of problem-solving, adaptability, and proficiency with emerging technologies in job candidates. Parents can support their children by promoting hands-on experiences, building AI-related project portfolios, and facilitating mentorship opportunities in the evolving technological field.
With AI transforming industries, students and parents must stay informed about the jobs that will stand out in the coming years. My article AI Literacy Will Change Your Children’s College and Career Path in Forbes further explores how AI is redefining essential workforce skills, with adaptability and continuous learning becoming key differentiators.
A Collaborative Approach To Future Readiness
As AI becomes an integral part of education and the workforce, parents must take an active role in preparing their children for the future. By emphasizing AI literacy, addressing the risks of cognitive atrophy, promoting deep engagement with learning, supporting experiential opportunities, and fostering a lifelong learning mindset, parents can equip their children to thrive in an AI-enhanced world.
Collaborating with educators and embracing a proactive approach will enable parents to nurture the next generation of adaptable leaders who will navigate the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing technological landscape while harnessing AI’s potential for growth.