AI: The Good, the Bad, the Lived Experience |
The Good: It’s hard to admit, but I’m not the best mom. I’m not the best at patience, or even empathy with my own kids (four young adults). I get mad. Frustrated. Even tired sometimes. I’ve been known to yell. More than once. And on any given day, there is likely at least one having a hard time and reaching out to mom. That’s me, and sometimes I’m just, honestly, tapped out.
So what does this have to do with artificial intelligence (AI)? AI absolutely helped me be a better parent.
I have a 23-year-old working through what I perhaps not-so-lovingly called "Failure to Launch." They graduated high school in the pandemic and are still finding their way. And they text anything and everything to avoid phone calls (sooo old school!).
A few months ago, we agreed they’d look for work (or, alternatively, apply to community college) to earn an allowance. They texted asking for money with a lengthy rationale about why they hadn’t done what they promised. To be honest, it’s a small allowance, but it’s “earned” by what we contracted: moving forward on the job or work or volunteer front, updating the resumé, meeting with a school advisor, applying to classes, what have you.
I felt… let’s say, reactive after reading their why-they-hadn’t-done-their-part text. I had the urge—nay, let’s call it a craving—to fire off a retort about no more excuses, I’ve heard it all before, blah blah blah. And trust me, I can be an expert at biting retort. Not proud of it, just........