Happy Monday Super Parents!

I’ll admit, a few nights ago, my youngest looked up at our smart speaker and, with the most earnest little voice, asked it to read "bedtime facts about sloths." 

Big surprise, right? The speaker, in its calm, Australian tone (that’s what we went with for Alexa….), obliged. It was a sweet moment, a tiny slice of modern family life. But as I tucked her in, a thought pinged in my mind: how much is it really listening? And more importantly, what are we doing to make sure those voices in our homes are safe ones?

The truth is, AI voice assistants are weaving themselves deeper into our daily routines, from helping with homework to setting timers for dinner. They feel less like technology and more like…well, part of the family. But this comfort brings a critical need for awareness, particularly when it comes to our kids. What happens when these helpful companions blur the lines of privacy, or inadvertently expose our children to more than just sloth facts?

Recent headlines underscore these concerns, and frankly, they should grab our attention. 

Just this week, California lawmakers pushed forward legislation setting new requirements for AI systems interacting with children, particularly those acting as "companions." 

Read about it here:  https://techcrunch.com/2025/09/11/a-california-bill-that-would-regulate-ai-companion-chatbots-is-close-to-becoming-law/ 

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is also launching inquiries into AI chatbot safety, specifically looking at how companies protect children and teens from potentially negative impacts. This isn’t fear-mongering; it's a call for clear-eyed pragmatism.  

Get the details in the article here: https://abc7.com/post/ftc-investigating-ai-companion-chatbots-amid-growing-concern-harm-kids/17800903/ 

So, let's talk about wake-word hygiene and microphone privacy. 

These aren't just tech buzzwords; they're essential family conversations. Do our kids understand that "Hey, Google" or "Alexa" isn’t just a magic phrase, but a trigger for active listening? Do we, as parents, truly grasp when those microphones are active and what data might be collected? Many of these devices are designed to mimic human conversation, which can lead children, especially, to form trusting relationships. Sound wild? It's happening.

This is why having open, honest conversations with your children about AI is crucial. It's about setting clear guidelines, understanding the "do's and don'ts," and teaching them to critically evaluate information, even when it comes from a friendly-sounding voice. It’s about being proactive. 

🧠 Want to Make AI Work For Your Family?

If this week’s topic hit close to home, you’ll love my upcoming live class:

🎓 Bring the Power of GPT Into Your Home — Safely and Effectively

📅 Thursday, September 25th 

🕑 2-Hour Workshop 

💵 $47

You'll walk away with your very own Family GPT — a safe, smart AI tool tailored to your household’s needs. This hands-on training is designed specifically for parents who want to protect their kids while still getting the time-saving magic of AI.

🔗 Click here to reserve your spot now

My recent blog post, "When a Chat Thread Turns Dark: How Parents Can Respond to AI, Screens, and Teen Distress", dives into similar territory, offering a practical guide for navigating these complex digital interactions with our kids. The principles of vigilance and open communication apply universally across AI interactions.

Now for a quick poll! I'm genuinely curious about your take:

Poll: Do you have a smart speaker in your kids’ rooms?

• Yes, all the time.

• Yes, but only during the daytime/supervised hours.

• No, never.

🎤 Ready to Make 2026 Your Breakthrough Year for You AND Your Family? 

Join Me at the Goal Achievers Summit — Orlando, Dec 29-30! 🌟 This isn’t just another conference. It’s a two-day, life-changing reset for people who are DONE playing small and READY to make big moves. Expect:

• 40 world-class speakers (yours truly included!),

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Wishing you a week filled with connection, curiosity, and joyful moments,

Warmly,

Warren Schuitema