Finding fun, balance and confidence this August

OPINION — Here is what I read in a recent blog post. “August is our month of fun, balance and confidence.”

“Fun” was described as being happy by seeing the sun as one great, big happy face shining down upon us. “Balance” was added by being the time to plan for the school year ahead. Then last was “confidence,” presented as believing in yourself and valuing your own judgement.

Here is a short comment from a new mom. “One expert gave me information about a schedule. Then another equally prominent and highly respected educator recommended a different one. Next a friend gave me a ‘fake’ one. What should I do? Ask AI?”

Not so fast. How about making your own educated and “confident” opinion?

As you probably already know, AI is there to help in many excellent ways, but not in all. That is why we still have to be very careful. AI, with all its valuable information, is not one of us and actually operates at a disadvantage. It cannot be “happy” or have any “fun.” It cannot enjoy “balance” or display any “confidence.” AI is exactly what it says it is, “artificial.”

It is great to know that we are “real” and that we have different amazing qualities. If we stop using them for any reason, we will decrease our ability to have them. We can easily smile with the sun, have fun with family and friends, reach for balance and believe in ourselves with confidence.

Interestingly enough, “fun, balance and confidence” are not in any school curricula. That means it is up to us – parents, grandparents and teachers – to model them when we can. Great that we have August to practice for a busy year ahead.

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