That first splash in puddles after rain taught me more than any weather app ever could. Building on that splash of real-life experience, I’ve noticed something similar happening in the tech world: today’s buzz about AI turbocharging software development feels like that “5-minute meal” promise—glorious in theory, messy in practice. Turns out, even experienced developers find themselves moving slower with these tools. And friends? That’s the most hopeful news for our kids all year.
Why Is Everyone Raving About AI’s Speed Boost?
Picture this: developers cranking out code while sipping coffee as AI handles grunt work. McKinsey paints a rosy picture—products racing to market, fewer bugs, more room for real innovation. Inbal Shani’s exactly right: “improvements in the quality of products” as AI digs into data and spots flaws we’d miss. IBM’s research backs it up too—better architecture designs, smarter testing, less guesswork.
It’s like swapping a paper map for GPS on family road trips. Suddenly, instead of panicking at wrong turns, you’re noticing wildflowers. Who wouldn’t want that for our kids’ future careers?
What Made Experienced Developers Slow Down with AI Tools?
Then came that study—Metr’s surprising findings showing experienced developers actually took 19% longer using AI tools. Not faster. Slower. Turns out, they got tangled in second-guessing suggestions, trying to figure out why the AI was acting weird, or chasing “perfect” outputs that distracted from the core task.
Sound familiar? It’s that moment when your toddler insists on rearranging their snack plate into “art” before eating. What looks like wasted time is actually them figuring out their own rhythm. Maybe AI isn’t about speed after all—it’s about depth.
How Does AI’s Slowdown Benefit Kids and Parenting?
Here’s where my dad-energy kicks in: if AI’s making professionals slow down to think, shouldn’t we celebrate our kids taking their time too? Ever noticed how your child gets completely absorbed in simple activities? That jiggle of focus when your child builds a tower for 20 minutes only to knock it down? Precisely how brains wire resilience.
Deloitte’s research nails it—“the future lies in collaboration between humans and AI.” For kids, this means swapping “coding bootcamps for preschoolers” for curiosity sparkers: What problem would you solve with a robot friend?
or testing ideas with pipe cleaners first. Real magic isn’t in speed—it’s in the messy, patient draft that leads to brilliance.
What Are Dad-Tested Ways to Turn Tech Bumps into Growth?
After seeing how AI’s speed promises crumble, I’ve tried three simple shifts:
- Treat “slow” as sacred: When my kid struggles with a puzzle, I wait. Not too long—just past the “I quit!” point—because that’s where grit grows. Same for developers reviewing AI code: quality needs breathing room.
- Debug like LEGO builders: Instead of racing to fix tech hiccups, ask:
What’s the silliest thing that could happen here?
Makes bugs feel like games, not failures. Ever noticed how different cultures approach play? Some stack bricks tall, others build wide—both teach patience. - Balance screens with sidewalk chalk: Swap one app session for tracing shadows on pavement. Why? Because watching ants carry crumbs teaches more about problem-solving than any “smart” toy.
It’s not anti-tech—it’s pro-thought. Like that time your “smart” thermometer failed and you realized, Hey, my neck knows it’s hot outside. Sometimes the best tool is just being present.
What’s the Silver Lining in AI’s Slowdown for Families?
Funny how life works—when the weather’s gray and muggy like today, we slow down. Might linger over warm rice-ball triangles, or notice how spiderwebs glisten. AI’s current slowdown isn’t a flaw; it’s forcing us to ask what truly matters. For kids? It’s freeing them from “shoulds”: Should they learn to code by age seven? Should their projects look polished? Nah. Let them build a cardboard spaceship that collapses gloriously. The future needs humans who ask “why?” not robots who rush.
So next time tech drags its feet, take a deep breath. That’s your cue to see what your child’s building in the dirt—where real innovation takes root.
Source: How AI is transforming software development for the better, TechRadar, 2025/09/05 14:23:00