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.” 🪵😂

 

 

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

This episode of Marriage Unhindered with Doug Hinderer and his daughter Monica (a licensed therapist) gets&nbsp;real about something we seriously need to talk about: chatbots as your kid&rsquo;s new imaginary friend. 😬
&nbsp;
Check out the whole hour <a href="https://relevantradio.com/2025/04/protecting-kids-from-chatbots/">here</a>.
&nbsp;
<hr data-start="394" data-end="397">
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
🤖 So, What&rsquo;s the Big Deal with Chatbots?
&nbsp;
They&rsquo;re basically AI-powered &ldquo;friends&rdquo; that kids can talk to, confide in, and even name.
&nbsp;
Monica explains that unlike traditional imaginary friends: which help kids grow in creativity, empathy, emotional regulation, and even spiritual development...&nbsp;these AI buddies don't require any imagination. Kids just consume instead of create.&nbsp;🧠✨
&nbsp;
<hr data-start="1237" data-end="1240">
&nbsp;
🚨 Real Talk: Why This Matters
&nbsp;
Imaginative play is how kids practice being human; they learn how to express themselves, manage emotions, and even understand deeper concepts like God. 💭
&nbsp;
But now, instead of making up adventures, kids are outsourcing imagination to a screen. 😐
&nbsp;
Guess what? 51% of teens have already chatted with AI bots... but only 37% of parents even know.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<hr data-start="1652" data-end="1655">
&nbsp;
🧒 So... What Can We Do?
&nbsp;
Doug and Monica offer some super practical&nbsp;wisdom for parents:
&nbsp;
&nbsp;-Delay the Smartphone Invasion
&nbsp;
One caller (shoutout John in Boston! ☎️) didn&rsquo;t give his kids smartphones until high school...and even they thanked him later. 🙏
&nbsp;
-📵Model Moderation&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Kids learn tech habits from us. So yeah, put your phone down too. (Oof, that one hurt. But it&rsquo;s true. 😅)
&nbsp;
-Prioritize Real Human Interaction
&nbsp;
Enroll them in activities. Invite friends over. Be the house with the snacks. 🍕🧃 Make real community irresistible.
&nbsp;
-Faith + Imagination Go Hand-in-Hand
&nbsp;
Imagination helps kids understand the invisible: like the reality of God, angels, and grace. So, preserving that part of their brain is super important. ✝️
&nbsp;
<hr data-start="2486" data-end="2489">
&nbsp;
Chatbots aren&rsquo;t the enemy; they&rsquo;re just tools. But if we don&rsquo;t teach our kids how to use them well, someone else (or some-thing else) will. 😬
&nbsp;
So be aware. Be present. And maybe kick them out to the backyard once in a while and say, &ldquo;Go find a stick and use your brain.&rdquo; 🪵😂
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The&nbsp;best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

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