What your child is learning in school isn’t enough

The things your child is learning in school are not the things that are most likely to lead to their success in the future. Who could have predicted the shifts we’ve seen since Chat GPT-3 was released to the public in November 2022? While AI still has its bugs, it won’t be long before these bugs are squashed. We’re going to be using more and more technology in our lives - and our children are going to need different skills to navigate it than we’ve used in our careers.

The 56 foundational skills for future success

A report from consulting firm McKinsey’s research arm described 56 foundational skills that will help people thrive in the future of work. Eleven of these skills are related to digital fluency and citizenship, software use and development, and understanding digital systems. The other 44 skills have nothing to do with digital knowledge or capabilities. These skills (and how to help your child learn them) are the topic of this episode. There's a key topic that's missing from these skills: content knowledge. The McKinsey researchers are assuming that we can quickly learn what we need to know - or that we actually don’t need to learn very much content, because our new AI tools will do that for us (as soon as they stop making up legal cases). But children spend 90+% of their time in school…learning content. How are they going to get the rest of the skills they’ll need? Well, they’re going to get them from you…or not at all. Not sure how you’re going to make this happen? Need help?

Ready to Support Your Child's Natural Learning

Whether this episode has you considering unschooling, reinforced your commitment to traditional schooling, or left you somewhere in between, one thing is clear: every child deserves to have their natural curiosity and love of learning nurtured. The challenge for parents isn't choosing the "right" educational path, but knowing how to support meaningful learning wherever your child is. The Learning Membership gives you the tools to nurture your child's development whether they're in traditional school, homeschooled, or unschooled. You'll discover how to:

Turn everyday moments into rich learning opportunities (just like Laura does with her daughter)
Support your child's interests and curiosity without becoming the "teacher" parent
Create a home environment that enhances rather than competes with whatever educational approach you choose

Inside the membership, you'll find research-backed strategies that work alongside any educational setting, helping you become the parent who nurtures learning rather than forcing it. Your child's curiosity is precious - don't let it get lost in debates about educational methods. Click the banner to learn more. Other episodes mentioned:

Jump to highlights 01:27Introducing today’s topic 03:06According to the McKinsey report, children need cognitive, interpersonal, self-leadership, and digital skills to thrive in a tech-driven future 06:22The first of the four categories of skills, the cognitive category, focuses on skills like communication, critical thinking, mental flexibility, and planning 18:01 The second category, interpersonal skills, focuses on working with others effectively, including inspiring and understanding people, and building strong relationships, and effective teamwork. 27:29 The third category, Self-Leadership, covers self-awareness, self-management, and goal achievement, stressing the importance of integrity and adaptability. 42:48 The final category is Digital, encompassing Digital Fluency and Citizenship, Software Use and Development, and Understanding Digital Systems—key for evaluating and effectively using digital resources. 53:39 McKinsey's AI-age skills focus on tech, missing crucial areas like art, languages, and spatial awareness. A well-rounded education needs both tech and human connection skills. References Abdelnour, E., Jansen, M.O., & Gold, J.A. (2022). ADHD diagnostic trends: Increased recognition or overdiagnosis? Missouri Medicine 119(5), 467-473.

Dondi, M., Klier, J., Panier, F., & Schubert, J. (n.d.). Defining the skills citizens will need in the future world of work. McKinsey & Company. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/06/technology/tiktok-fake-teachers-pennsylvania.html?searchResultPosition=1

Interaction Institute for Social Change (2016, January 13). Illustrating equality vs. equity. Author. Retrieved from: https://interactioninstitute.org/illustrating-equality-vs-equity/

Kantor, J. (2014, August 13). Working anything but 9-5: Scheduling technology leaves low-income parents with hours of chaos. The New York Times. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/08/13/us/starbucks-workers-scheduling-hours.html

Paycor (2024, March 12). Predictive work schedule laws: A city-by-city guide. Author. Retrieved from: https://www.paycor.com/resource-center/articles/predictive-work-schedule-laws-a-city-by-city-guide/

Rajah, N., Bamiatzi, V., & Williams, N. (2021). How childhood ADHD-like symptoms predict selection into entrepreneurship and implications on entrepreneurial performance. Journal of Business Venturing 36(3), 106091.

Singer, N. (2024, July 6). Students target teachers in group TikTok attack, shaking their school. The New York Times. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/06/technology/tiktok-fake-teachers-pennsylvania.html

Slater, D. (2023, August 17). The Instagram account that shattered a California high school. The New York Times. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/17/magazine/california-high-school-racist-instagram.html

Skinner, E.B. (2023, April 26). The true cost of a $12 t-shirt. The New York Times. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/24/opinion/fast-fashion-apparel-worker-conditions-rana-plaza.html

TRT World (n.d.). The many times McKinsey has been embroiled in scandals. Author. Retrieved from: https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/the-many-times-mckinsey-has-been-embroiled-in-scandals-43996

White, G.B. (2015, June 3). All your clothes are made with exploited labor. The Atlantic. Retrieved from: https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2015/06/patagonia-labor-clothing-factory-exploitation/394658/

219: The skills your child will need in the age of AI

Your Parenting Mojo - Respectful, research-based parenting ideas to help kids thrive

219: The skills your child will need in the age of AI