Start with the rule, not the accusation
"Our rule is: AI can help you learn, but it cannot be the thing that gets turned in. That line matters."
Raising AI KidsFamily Resource · Parent Script
The Shortcut Conversation
How to talk about AI cheating without making every homework session a courtroom.
Separate help from outsourcing
"Using a tool to understand something is fine. Letting the tool finish the assignment so you don't have to think — that's the problem."
Ask to see the work
"Show me where AI helped and where you filled in the rest. I need to know which part is actually yours."
Use the explain-it-back rule
"If you can close the AI window and explain the work in your own words, the learning is real. If you can't, the shortcut cost you something."
Close with what to do next time
"Next time you're stuck, show me before you use the tool. We'll figure out together whether this is a help or a shortcut."
The tone
Curious first. Firm second. The goal is proof of understanding, not a confession. Keep the conversation safe enough that your kid tells you the truth next time.
The homework AI line
AI explains → learning is yours if you can repeat it without the toolAI rewrites → you outsourced the thinking, not just the typingAI fills in the answer → the assignment is done but the learning is gone
Make it yours
Our rule: ________________________________
We will try: ________________________________
Ask a human when: _________________________