3:44 When Kids Turn to Chatbots for Emotional Support

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:cac8a71c-422a-41be-b8ba-c4f290f0abe6-2" data-testid= "conversation-turn-6" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> In this episode, Susan explores how children are increasingly turning to AI chatbots not just for information, but for emotional reassurance — a shift that can quietly replace human connection. Drawing on insights from psychologist Dr. Zak Stein, she explains why real relationships, with their pauses, limits, and repair, are essential for healthy development, and how endlessly affirming bots can interfere with emotional growth. At its core, this conversation is about attachment — helping parents remain their child's safest place in a rapidly changing digital world.

You can listen to 3:44 When Kids Turn to Chatbots for Emotional Support online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

3:44 When Kids Turn to Chatbots for Emotional Support is an episode from Parenting Without Power Struggles by Susan Stiffelman.

This episode is 15:00 long.

This episode was published on Jan 28, 2026.

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