'My concern is that AI makes a lot of things very easy': 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' author on raising kids to read and think

Jeff Kinney, the author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, shares his parenting advice on raising kids to read and think critically. Kinney, who lives in Plainville, Massachusetts, reflects on his writing process and his own experiences as a parent to two adult children, ages 21 and 23.

Kinney initially wrote Diary of a Wimpy Kid for adults, aiming to capture childhood memories through an adult lens. He was surprised when his publisher recognized it as a children's series, leading to cognitive dissonance. However, he was also surprised that kids understood the irony in his books, recognizing Greg as an unreliable narrator.

Kinney advises parents to feed their children's interests by providing books on topics they're passionate about, such as Pokémon cards or sharks. He believes that the most important thing for kids is to feel a sense of accomplishment in finishing a book, rather than feeling burdened by a moral lesson. Encouraging kids to share their experiences and listen to their concerns fosters a stronger parent-child bond, helping them feel seen and heard.

Kinney also emphasizes the importance of envisioning the ideal future relationship with one's adult children. He believes that treating them with respect and understanding from a young age will strengthen their relationship in the long run. He advises against overemphasizing their sports achievements, as it may hinder their growth and development.

In the digital age, Kinney highlights the need to educate children about the manipulative nature of social media. He suggests that social media companies are designed to keep users engaged, often leading to excessive screen time and a rise in loneliness. By helping kids understand these dynamics, parents can encourage them to step away from the screens and engage with the physical world.

Lastly, Kinney expresses concern about the potential for AI to make many tasks too easy for people, including students. He worries that over-reliance on AI could diminish critical thinking skills. To combat this, he advocates for in-person interactions and problem-solving in real-life situations. Engaging with diverse groups of people, such as working as a bookseller, can provide young people with valuable experiences and enhance their ability to think independently.