AI and parenting wins: Helping children with different learning needs every day

Parenting in the digital age can feel like a marathon with no finish line. Parents grapple with competing demands from work, the home and nurturing their children, keeping their children productively and happily engaged. The role of a parent is now equated to a full-time job without an authentic exit strategy. In an interview with Zarafshan Shiraz of TOI, Manish Mohta, Founder of Learning Spiral, shared, "For parents of children with all sorts of different learning needs, whether that is dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or even just a different learning speed, to parent in this way is even more challenging. The good news is that technology, and more specifically, artificial intelligence (AI), is beginning to present itself as an ally by relieving some of these everyday parenting challenges and maybe even giving hope."

If you are a parent, you know there is no one size for children. One child can memorise math tables in a moment while another can’t read simple phrases. There are some children who prefer to express their ideas with pictures and stories, and others need step-by-step direction. Mohta said, "The issue becomes more complicated when parents consider the traditional classroom setting that does not have space to accommodate everyone wherever possible. This is when parents assume the responsibility of keeping their sanity while staying up at night giving long-winded lessons, continuously repeating instructions."
AI doesn't replace that love and work but it can customise learning so children can learn to be independent. Mohta said, "Depending on how a child interacts with different types of questions, AI-based systems can adjust pacing, language, even the modality of the learning experience and so on."

Think of a calm and patient tutor who is always at home, never tires and never loses patience. That is what AI tools are beginning to offer families. Mohta said, "For example, a child with dyslexia can access AI-based apps, like reading apps, to have tricky words highlighted, phonetic syllables broken into words, and those words read aloud. Children with ADHD can tap into gamified learning plans or experiences that create interactive challenges out of lessons to engage them and inspire them with joy."
For the parents, this is exceptionally helpful! Mohta revealed, "Instead of the parents constantly saying, 'sit down to study,' AI-based systems nudge children softly, give real-time feedback and even celebrate all those ‘micro wins’ along the way." Parents can get away from being the 'homework police' and be a supportive, encouraging and celebratory presence.

Marks are important but every parent understands that the true goal is confidence. Although a child may be applying effort in their class, feeling that they are behind their peers can diminish their motivation for learning. AI can assist in this. Mohta explained, "AI can recondition success in that it provides student-centered objectives which they can practice along with various small rewards or achievements that break an otherwise entire lesson into tiny steps. AI may ultimately facilitate the transition to shifting the narrative about what they can do, as opposed to what they cannot."
These small bits can be powerful. Solving a math challenge, reading a small piece of text, or picking the right answer for a science quiz may seem insignificant but they count! Children are developing perseverance and self-efficacy, which are arguably as important as academic skills.

AI's influence extends beyond academics. For the busy parent and home with young children, AI can provide stress-relief and support for everyday routines in an inconspicuous way. Mohta said, "Voice assistants can make children aware of the need for breaks, drinking water or engaging in mindfulness practices. AI-based apps can use natural energy cycles to optimally schedule study sections, which can reduce angst on both parental and child ends."

He added, "Bedtime routines can also be simplified when although they may have AI services providing personalised story-time or calming exercises to close out the day. For children with speech delays or language challenges, AI speech tools are a method of practicing speech or language in a safe and supportive space. This not only creates learning opportunities but it also allows parents to remove some of the pressures of playing the role of teacher, therapist, and motivator all at once."

Of course, no tool is perfect. For one, AI can never replace human connection, play or creativity. Mohta opined, "Parents remain best at instilling values, feelings and social skills. A healthy balance is the best way to go; use AI as a tool, eliminating stress and personalising learning but keep the family face-to-face interaction at the centre of family life."

Ultimately, AI is giving parents everything of their dreams: clarity, reduced stress and support in navigating the journey to raise capable and confident children. Mohta said, "For children and youth with unique learning needs, this - means being seen, being understood, and being encouraged in ways that make sense to them - meaning possibility, at long last, for these youths."
Parenting may never be easy but as AI provides support in this journey, it can feel like it is a little less of a burden and that is a win worth celebrating every day!