Expert reveals what skill every child should develop in the AI era

In an era of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence, a pediatric surgeon is urging parents to focus on cultivating a crucial human skill: frustration tolerance. Dr. Dana Suskind argues that as AI becomes increasingly capable of performing complex tasks, the ability for children to persevere through difficulty will be paramount for their future success.

Dr. Suskind, speaking to CNBC, stated that she would not prioritize teaching children to be expert AI users. Instead, she believes the most valuable trait for children growing up with AI is the capacity to continue trying when faced with obstacles. She contends that parents often try to remove all challenges, but these very experiences are vital for development.

"Progress rarely happens inside the comfort zone," Dr. Suskind explained. She asserts that when children, with adult support, navigate minor setbacks independently, they develop persistence and learn not to give up easily. The role of the parent, she emphasizes, is not to solve the problem for them but to guide them through it.

This process of encountering and overcoming frustration also stimulates creativity and independent problem-solving. Dr. Suskind warns that providing ready-made solutions can deprive children of essential learning opportunities. "You cannot innovate without repeated failures nor think critically without facing uncertainty," she noted, encouraging parents to allow children to make mistakes and try again.

Furthermore, children learn to manage frustration through their interactions with parents, teachers, and peers. These relationships contribute to the development of self-regulation, resilience, and empathy. Dr. Suskind concluded by saying she would help a child become an adaptable individual who learns from setbacks and continues to progress, even when solutions are not immediately apparent.