Dr. Carrie Mackensen Warns Parents About AI Chatbots at Conference

Dr. Carrie Mackensen, a clinical psychologist and parent coach, has issued a warning to parents about the potential dangers of AI chatbots to their children's development and the parent-child relationship. The warning comes as part of a three-day virtual conference, "Raising Kids in the Age of AI," which will take place from October 5 to 7, 2026.

Dr. Mackensen, who is a founder of Successful Parent and has worked with individuals and families for over 25 years, will be one of the key speakers at the conference. She will address the concerns that AI chatbots, designed to agree with children, can have on their cognitive development and emotional well-being. According to Dr. Mackensen, these tools, while available 24/7, can create a "frictionless validation" that may harm a child's identity and weaken the parent-child bond.

During her session, Dr. Mackensen will guide parents on how to navigate the use of AI chatbots. She will explain how relying on AI for tasks can limit the brain pathways children build through effort, reasoning, and writing. Additionally, she will discuss how AI-polished schoolwork and curated online images can create a gap between what children present and who they actually are, potentially leading to imposter feelings and lower self-worth.

Dr. Mackensen will also emphasize the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining open communication at home. She will help parents understand what AI use is appropriate at each age, from no independent use under 13 to preparing teens for independent use by 16 to 18. The conference will feature a lineup of experts, including Dr. Laura Markham, Dr. Shefali Tsabary, and Dr. Aliza Pressman, among others.

The conference is free for parents and will be hosted by Happily Family founders Cecilia and Jason Hilkey. In addition to Dr. Mackensen's session, the event will include six expert interviews and a 90-minute panel discussion, valued at $297. Every preorder includes lifetime access to the Parenting in the Digital Age Summit, featuring the expert interviews and the panel discussion.

Dr. Mackensen's book, which is expected to be published on February 23, 2027, aims to provide parents with a science-backed roadmap for raising emotionally resilient and connected kids in a digital world. The book is part of her mission to change the relationship families have with digital devices and reclaim connection.

Parents are encouraged to attend the conference and preorder the book to gain valuable insights and tools for navigating the challenges of raising children in the age of AI.