AI is everywhere. It’s in our work, our homes, our children’s classrooms, and yes, even their homework. Everywhere we turn, tech leaders are telling us that education is about to be transformed.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, said this year,
“Education is going to feel very different in the future.”
Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, doubled down:
“If there is one thing I would encourage everybody to do, it’s to get yourself an AI tutor right away.”
They are not wrong.
But as a Singapore parent, here’s my stand:
I still won’t let my kids rely on ChatGPT, not yet.
Not until they build the one thing AI cannot replace: their ability to think, reason, and understand the world without shortcuts.
The Problem Isn’t AI. It’s Overdependence.
Let’s be honest as parents. ChatGPT can help with almost anything, writing, explaining concepts, solving maths problems, even generating ideas for school projects.
But that’s exactly why I’m cautious.
If my kids use AI before they’ve developed strong cognitive foundations, they don’t just get “help”.
They get replaced in the thinking process.
The danger is subtle but real: Kids stop trying. They stop struggling through difficult concepts. They stop building the mental stamina needed for real problem-solving.
Even Sam Altman himself has openly said that AI will reshape the entire learning experience. If that’s true, then our kids need stronger mental muscles than ever… not weaker ones.
Why Coding Comes First in My House
If you ask me: Should kids learn to code or just learn to prompt AI?
My answer is clear.
Coding builds computational thinking.
Computational thinking builds problem-solving.
Problem-solving builds confidence.
And confidence builds resilience.
Coding teaches kids:
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how to break problems into parts
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how to observe patterns
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how to troubleshoot
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how to think logically
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how to persist through failure
AI can imitate thinking.
Coding develops thinking.
And that’s the difference.
So in my home, the rule is simple:
Learn to code before you learn to use ChatGPT. Build your brain before you borrow one.
AI Tutors Are Great, When Kids Already Know How to Think
When Jensen Huang encourages families to get an AI tutor, I don’t disagree. AI has the potential to personalise learning, speed up understanding, and boost confidence.
But an AI tutor should be a tool, not a teacher. A helper, not a replacement. A support, not a shortcut.
If kids use AI too early, they skip a crucial developmental step: the discomfort of figuring things out.
Without that discomfort, there is no growth.
So Should Singapore Kids Learn ChatGPT? Eventually… Yes.
I’m not anti-AI.
In fact, I think kids must eventually learn:
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how to use ChatGPT responsibly
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how to prompt effectively
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how to evaluate AI-generated information
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how to stay creative even with AI tools around
But timing matters.
Kids should use AI after they know how to think, not instead of thinking.
Teach them the fundamentals first. Then equip them with the tools.
The Kids Who Will Thrive in the AI Era
The future belongs to kids who can do two things well:
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Think independently and critically
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Leverage AI to amplify (not replace) that thinking
These are the future-ready skills schools, employers, and the world will value.
That’s why in my house:
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Coding stays.
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Hands-on problem solving stays.
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Creativity stays.
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ChatGPT waits.
Because the real danger isn’t that AI grows too powerful… It’s that our children stop believing they are powerful.
And that’s a risk I’m not willing to take.
Hello! I am Daddy Sean
I am one of the editors of KidYouNot Parenting blogs! I have two adorable sons. I’m a nature lover who values wellbeing and mindful parenting. I’m all about creating balance, connection, and joy in family life.
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