I'm Not Teaching My Children Algebra. I'm Teaching Them Common Sense.

I have 2 children.

And I’ve made a decision about their education that might surprise you.

I’m not focused on teaching them algebra or advanced math or even the latest technology skills.

I’m teaching them common sense and discernment.

We live in a world where everyone has a voice. Where anyone can post anything they want. Where information is everywhere, all the time.

And most of it? It’s feeding into the very systems we’re all starting to rely on.

Just because something is on the internet doesn’t mean it’s true.

But that’s exactly the information that’s feeding our algorithms. That’s what’s powering artificial intelligence. That’s what’s shaping the answers we get when we search for information.

Bad data in. Bad data out.

Right now, we’re in a race to teach our children technology skills.

Coding. Digital literacy. How to use the latest tools and platforms.

And sure, those skills have value.

But here’s what we’re missing: We’re not teaching them how to think critically about what they’re consuming.

We’re not teaching them discernment.

→ How to question what they read.

→ How to evaluate sources.

→ How to spot when something doesn’t add up.

How to use their common sense.

Here’s the irony that keeps me up at night.

AI has democratized access to data. We’re now one prompt away from almost any information in the world.

That’s remarkable, truly.

But AI has not democratized intelligence or wisdom.

Just because AI can give you an answer doesn’t mean that answer is accurate.

Just because information is available doesn’t mean it’s valuable.

Just because something sounds authoritative doesn’t mean it’s true.

The AI is only as good as the data it’s trained on. And that data? It comes from the internet. Where everyone has a voice.

What I’m Teaching Instead

So here’s what I’m prioritizing with my own children.

Don’t just accept information because it came from a computer or because it’s on a website or because it sounds official.

Ask: Does this make sense? Does this align with what I know? What’s the source?

If something feels off, it probably is. Your instincts matter. Your ability to spot inconsistencies matters.

These are human capabilities that no algorithm can replicate.

Just because you can use AI to get an answer doesn’t mean you should trust that answer without review.

Outsource tasks. Don’t outsource your critical thinking.

If you have kids, this matters for them.

But honestly? This matters for all of us.

We’re all navigating a world where information is abundant but wisdom is scarce. Where tools are powerful but judgment is still essential. Where answers are easy to find but knowing which answers to trust requires skill.

The professionals who thrive won’t be the ones who can use AI the fastest.

They’ll be the ones who can discern when to trust it and when to question it.

The people who stay valuable won’t be the ones who can find information quickest.

They’ll be the ones who can evaluate that information most wisely.

I want my children to be smart. Of course I do.

But more than that, I want them to be wise.

I want them to be able to think for themselves, to question what they’re told, and to use their judgment.

Because in a world where AI can access all the information, the ability to discern what’s true, what’s valuable, and what’s worth acting on?

That’s the skill that will set them apart.

And honestly? That’s the skill that will set all of us apart.

Here’s my question: What are you teaching the next generation? What skills do you think matter most?

Whether you have children, mentor younger colleagues, or are navigating this yourself, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share in the comments below.

Until next time,

Sol