Why AI Can’t Replace Parenting: Doctor’s Guide to Raising Kids in the Tech Era

AI Can’t Substitute Human Care in Early Childhood, Top Pediatric Surgeon Warns

A recent episode of the “Big Brains” podcast features Dr. Dana Suskind, a surgeon‑pediatrician at the University of Chicago, who stresses that technology should amplify, not replace, parental involvement during a child’s formative years.

With artificial intelligence reshaping work, education and daily communication, families now confront a new dilemma: how does growing up in a world saturated with smart devices affect development? From AI‑powered baby monitors to interactive stuffed animals that run large language models, children encounter algorithmic assistance at every turn.

Professor Suskind argues that, while AI can simulate speech, reasoning and even creativity, it lacks the relational depth and responsive interaction that are essential for healthy brain growth. In her forthcoming 2026 Penguin Random House title, Human Raised: Nurturing Connection, Curiosity & Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI, she contends that the earliest years are more crucial than ever and that caregivers cannot be outsourced or replaced.

During the interview, Suskind outlines practical steps for building a societal framework that genuinely supports parents, ensuring that human connection remains a fundamental right rather than a “luxury good.”