This episode of Marriage Unhindered with Doug Hinderer and his daughter Monica (a licensed therapist) gets real about something we seriously need to talk about: chatbots as your kid’s new imaginary friend. 😬

Check out the whole hour here.

🤖 So, What’s the Big Deal with Chatbots?

They’re basically AI-powered “friends” that kids can talk to, confide in, and even name.

Monica explains that unlike traditional imaginary friends: which help kids grow in creativity, empathy, emotional regulation, and even spiritual development... these AI buddies don't require any imagination. Kids just consume instead of create. 🧠✨

🚨 Real Talk: Why This Matters

Imaginative play is how kids practice being human; they learn how to express themselves, manage emotions, and even understand deeper concepts like God. 💭

But now, instead of making up adventures, kids are outsourcing imagination to a screen. 😐

Guess what? 51% of teens have already chatted with AI bots... but only 37% of parents even know. 

🧒 So... What Can We Do?

Doug and Monica offer some super practical wisdom for parents:

 -Delay the Smartphone Invasion

One caller (shoutout John in Boston! ☎️) didn’t give his kids smartphones until high school...and even they thanked him later. 🙏

-📵Model Moderation 

Kids learn tech habits from us. So yeah, put your phone down too. (Oof, that one hurt. But it’s true. 😅)

-Prioritize Real Human Interaction

Enroll them in activities. Invite friends over. Be the house with the snacks. 🍕🧃 Make real community irresistible.

-Faith + Imagination Go Hand-in-Hand

Imagination helps kids understand the invisible: like the reality of God, angels, and grace. So, preserving that part of their brain is super important. ✝️

Chatbots aren’t the enemy; they’re just tools. But if we don’t teach our kids how to use them well, someone else (or some-thing else) will. 😬

So be aware. Be present. And maybe kick them out to the backyard once in a while and say, “Go find a stick and use your brain.” 🪵😂

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