Parents of the Year
We were never given a manual on how to parent. It is easy to get overwhelmed to know the right thing to do. There is so much contradictory information out there and everyone has their own advice. Parenting is a rewarding but messy, confusing, infuriating, guilt-inducing, and overwhelming journey. While it's easy to get lost, Andrew Stewart, a real dad, and Dr. Caroline Buzanko, a real mom, child psychologist, and parenting expert (who also happens to be married to Andrew) will help you get back on track. In each episode, Andrew and Caroline have open and honest chats about everything parenting. Join them in honesty, laughter, and tears (Caroline is a bit of a cry baby) as they help you navigate this journey of parenting. And, every so often, you may get some gems of expert advice. Our goal is to make your parenting journey less stressful, more forgiving, and more awesome. Please join us every Wednesday for new episodes of Parenting of the Year.
Parents of the Year
196. How do we teach critical thinking in a world of ChatGPT and Deepfakes?
AI isn’t going away, and kids are already using it. So how do we protect their curiosity, critical thinking, and safety without panicking or burying our heads in the sand?
In this episode of Parents of the Year, Caroline and Andrew sit down with English professor, game developer, and AI builder Jerry White to talk about kids, teens, AI, and critical thinking. Jerry has spent years teaching college students, building AI tools for his university, and helping his own son learn to use AI well. He brings that real-world classroom and parenting experience to this conversation.
You’ll hear them unpack:
- Why using AI as a ghostwriter can quietly erode learning and memory
- How freewriting and “thinking on paper” before asking AI can protect kids’ brains
- Practical ways to use tools like ChatGPT and mind-mapping apps without letting them become a crutch
- How attention spans and learning styles have shifted with social media and constant tech
- What educators can change right now: assignments, discussion boards, and assessment
- Deepfakes, Character.ai, Roblox, and other risks parents and schools need to know about
- Why parents must start using AI themselves to guide their kids safely
This episode is especially useful for anyone who want to help children and teens:
· Build real critical thinking skills
· Keep their own voice in their writing and ideas
· Stay safer online in an AI-driven world
· Use AI as a tool, not a replacement for their brain
About Gerry White
Gerry White is the Dean of Academic Technology at ECPI University and founder of MyTutorPlus, an AI-powered tutoring platform. With two decades at the intersection of education and technology, he creates innovative digital learning experiences, including apps and immersive AR/VR. Gerry writes and speaks about how AI reshapes education and culture, exploring its ethical and societal impacts with a balanced, thoughtful approach. His work equips educators, parents, and professionals with practical insights to navigate the evolving AI landscape while preserving critical thinking and humanity.
Resource: https://gerrywhitebooks.com/
Get in touch
https://www.instagram.com/the_gerry_white/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrywhitetech/
https://gerrywhite.tech/
https://www.youtube.com/@gerrywhite6197
Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK
Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community!
Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions!
Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and
FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526