Abstract
The widespread application of artificial intelligence (AI) in family life—encompassing conversational innovative intelligent assistants, algorithm-driven educational platforms, and smart devices—has created a novel parenting ecosystem, one that traditional parenting models struggle to address. This article explores multidimensional pathways for systematically enhancing parental caregiving competencies in such intelligent environments. Moving beyond the current defect-oriented discourse centered on screen time restrictions, the study synthesizes the latest theoretical and empirical literature to propose an integrated, multi-level framework for parenting competencies. The core concept of this framework is “parental AI literacy,” which is identified as a critical mediating variable capable of transforming passive, restrictive interventions into active, dialogic guidance. The analysis also introduces the HEAT model (Human-centeredness, Equality, Accuracy, Trustworthiness) as an ethical design guideline for evaluating and adopting AI parenting tools. The proposed pathways span three interrelated domains: foundational knowledge acquisition, relational practice transformation, and environmental design optimization. Findings indicate that in the AI era, effective caregiving competencies are not determined by technological avoidance but by technologically empowered and emotionally responsive care approaches that foster children’s digital resilience, critical thinking, and socio-emotional well-being. This research provides a theoretically grounded and actionable framework for intervention designers, educators, and policymakers committed to empowering families in the algorithmic age.
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