KIDSAFE: How to Prompt ChatGPT‑5 for Kids’ Learning
Practical prompts parents and teachers can use to get clearer, safer help from large language models.
Imagine it’s 6:05 p.m. The dishwasher is humming, a homework worksheet flaps on the table, and your 9‑year‑old is staring at a pile of pancakes you promised would make fractions click. You type into ChatGPT‑5 while standing in the doorway: one quick prompt, one anxious hope it helps. That moment—part coach, part parent—is where better prompts change everything. How I get strong results from ChatGPT‑5: Think like a coach. Give context, set a role, define the format, ask for next steps. With memory on, store only what you truly need and keep privacy in mind.
KIDSAFE prompting is a simple checklist to write prompts that are clear, useful, and privacy‑conscious for family learning tasks.
KIDSAFE — the checklist
K — Kontext Short explanation: Give the model the situation: who, where, and why. Keep it brief but specific. Say age, learning style, time available. Example: “Context: 9‑year‑old, visual learner, pancakes on the table.” Prompt template (one sentence): Context: [child’s age], [learning style], [what’s available].
I — Inputs Short explanation: List attachments, photos, worksheets, or a short text you’re pasting. If you upload an image, say what it shows. Example: “Input: photo of our pancake stack.” Prompt template: Input: [photo of X] or Input: [text of worksheet].
D — Direction Short explanation: Say the teaching goal and any constraints (what to teach, what to avoid). Be explicit: “teach adding fractions” not “help with fractions.” Example: “Direction: teach adding fractions with different denominators using pancakes.” Prompt template: Direction: [goal and constraint].
S — Steps Short explanation: Define the structure you want—explain then quiz, show reasoning, provide analogies. Ask for step‑by‑step where logic matters. Example: “Steps: show the reasoning, then a 5‑question mini‑quiz with answers.” Prompt template: Steps: [explain → activity → assessment].
A — Audience & tone Short explanation: Tell the model who will read it and how to speak—warm, playful, strict, third‑grade reading level, etc. Example: “Audience: warm, concrete examples, third‑grade reading level.” Prompt template: Audience: [age, tone, reading level].
F — Facts & sources Short explanation: Ask for alignment to standards or sources when accuracy matters and request citations for fact‑based answers. Example: “Facts: align to common 3rd‑grade standards.” Prompt template: Facts: [standards or sources, cite sources].
E — Evaluate & edit Short explanation: Ask for multiple versions, length limits, or a checklist to review the response. End by asking what to do next. Example: “Evaluate: give two versions—short and long—so I can pick.” Prompt template: Evaluate: [short/long; word cap; next steps].
Privacy note:
Avoid names, exact addresses, photos with identifiable faces, and don’t store private details in memory unless necessary.
Good / Better / Best (KIDSAFE)
Good: “Help with fractions.”
Better: “My 9‑year‑old is stuck on fractions. Explain with pancakes.”
Best (KIDSAFE): “Context: 9‑year‑old, visual learner, pancakes on the table. Input: photo of our pancake stack. Direction: teach adding fractions with different denominators using pancakes. Steps: show the reasoning, then a 5‑question mini‑quiz with answers. Audience: warm, concrete examples, third‑grade reading level. Facts: align to common 3rd‑grade standards. Evaluate: give two versions—short and long—so I can pick.”
Prompting tips that never fail
Set a role: “You are a patient 3rd‑grade math coach.”
For math/logic: ask for step‑by‑step reasoning and show work.
When uploading an image: say exactly what it shows (e.g., “photo of pancake stack with three whole pancakes and one half”).
When facts matter: ask for sources or standards.
Always end with: “What should we do next?”
Troubleshooting quick fixes
Too generic? Add constraints: time, props, or learning style.
Response too long? Cap the word count: “Give this in 120 words.”
Too confident or junk facts? Ask for uncertainties and sources.
Too advanced or too simple? Specify reading level or grade.
Repeating or rambling? Request a structured format: outline → draft → refine.
Three ready‑to‑copy KIDSAFE prompts
For a 5‑year‑old story (copy): “Context: 5‑year‑old, loves animals, bedtime at 7 p.m. Input: none. Direction: write a 7‑minute bedtime story about a shy fox making friends, keep sentences short. Steps: 1) hook, 2) problem, 3) small action the child can do tonight. Audience: warm, playful, kindergarten reading level. Facts: none needed. Evaluate: provide two shorter endings to choose from.”
For a 9‑year‑old fractions lesson (copy — same as Best above): “Context: 9‑year‑old, visual learner, pancakes on the table. Input: photo of our pancake stack. Direction: teach adding fractions with different denominators using pancakes. Steps: show the reasoning, then a 5‑question mini‑quiz with answers. Audience: warm, concrete examples, third‑grade reading level. Facts: align to common 3rd‑grade standards. Evaluate: give two versions—short and long—so I can pick.”
For a 15‑year‑old research project (copy): “Context: 15‑year‑old, high school sophomore, 2 weeks to finish. Input: thesis statement draft (below). Direction: expand into a 1,200‑word research outline with 5 source suggestions and citation links. Steps: give outline, then paragraph drafts for each section. Audience: academic but clear, high‑school reading level. Facts: cite credible sources; include a short bibliography. Evaluate: give a checklist for revision and a 200‑word summary.”
Try KIDSAFE the next time you ask ChatGPT‑5 for homework help, a story, or family planning. Use the checklist, paste a prompt from the ready‑to‑copy section, and watch how clearer instructions change the answers. Then come back and tell me what worked—and finish the exchange with one prompt: “What should we do next?”
Avoid using real names, exact school or home addresses, or images that show faces. Only store memory information that needs to persist across sessions and remove any identifying details.
Fridge checklist for KIDSAFE Prompts
Say the child’s age and learning style.
List inputs and describe images.
State the exact teaching goal.
Request steps and show reasoning.
Set audience and reading level.
Ask for facts and sources.
Ask for an edit or next steps.
Try one of the ready‑to‑copy prompts above and then ask: “What should we do next?” Share what worked.
About the Author
Warren Schuitema is a father, AI enthusiast, and founder of Matchless Marketing LLC. Passionate about leveraging technology to simplify family life, Warren has firsthand experience integrating AI solutions into his household. He has been testing tools like Cozi Family Organizer (Cozi), Ohai.ai (Ohai.ai), and other tools to coordinate schedules, automate household tasks, and create meaningful moments with his family. He has also created a handful of useful customGPTs for uses in family situations, such as meal planning, education, family traditions, and efficiency in the home. He is also an AI Certified Consultant that has been trained by industry experts across multiple areas of AI.
With a background in demand planning, forecasting, and digital marketing, Warren combines his professional expertise with his passion for AI-driven innovation. His practical approach emphasizes accessible solutions for busy parents looking to reduce stress and strengthen family bonds. Warren lives with his family, where devices like Google Home, Amazon Echo, and other AI-powered assistants help streamline their lives, showing that thoughtful technology can enhance harmony and efficiency.
