Futurist Faith Popcorn recently wrote an article that painted a startling picture of tomorrow’s families: children raised not by overwhelmed parents but by AI tutors, digital nannies, and algorithmic companions. She calls it “The Great UnParenting” – a quiet exodus from traditional child-rearing as artificial intelligence steps in to fill the gaps left by time-poor, stressed-out families.
Here is my response to Faith Popcorn’s “The Great UnParenting” and its implications for the future of holistic healthcare. Reading her article, I felt both recognition and opportunity.
As natural health practitioners, we’re witnessing this shift firsthand. Rather than viewing it as a threat, this represents the greatest opportunity our profession has seen in decades.
The Human Connection Paradox
“Care is becoming a service. Emotional regulation, a feature. Even intimacy is now programmable,” Faith Popcorn observes.
Yet in this rush toward digital efficiency, something profound is being lost – the irreplaceable power of human presence, intuition, and healing touch.
As a former naturopath and clinic owner who now works with hundreds of practitioners, the evidence is clear: as AI becomes more prevalent in child-rearing and healthcare, the practitioner who can offer genuine human connection, intuitive assessment, and personalised healing will become not just valuable, but essential.
Health practitioners are not competing with AI;
we’re providing what it fundamentally cannot.
This is where our ancient wisdom meets cutting-edge reality.
While AI can track symptoms, monitor vitals, and even design suggested health protocols, it cannot:
- Feel the energetic imbalance in a child’s system
- Intuitively assess family dynamics affecting health
- Provide the healing power of compassionate presence
- Address the soul-deep impacts of digital disconnection
- Offer the grounding that comes from an authentic human relationship
The New Patient Profile: AI-Raised Children
Faith Popcorn describes children who are “launching Discord channels, flipping virtual assets on Roblox”, and learning from ChatGPT rather than asking adults for help.
By 2030, will health practitioners be treating patients who have been largely raised by algorithms?
What health patterns might be seen in this generation?
Digital Dysregulation: Children accustomed to instant, perfect responses from AI may struggle with the natural rhythms of healing and patience required for holistic treatments.
Sensory Processing Challenges: Constant digital stimulation could create heightened sensitivity to natural environments, textures, and traditional therapies.
Attachment and Trust Issues: If primary bonding has been with predictable AI systems, building therapeutic relationships with unpredictable humans may require new approaches.
Nervous System Overstimulation: The constant biometric monitoring and digital feedback loops Popcorn describes could create a generation with hyperactive stress responses.
Loss of Embodiment: Growing up with virtual experiences may disconnect children from physical body awareness and natural healing processes.
The Practitioner as the Human Anchor
In this AI-saturated world, natural health practitioners become something precious: sacred anchors to human wisdom, earth-based healing, and authentic relationships.
I’ve learnt that the most successful practitioners aren’t necessarily the most talented clinically; they’re the ones who understand that helping people find you is just as important as helping them heal.
In an AI-dominated future, the importance of practitoners being findable by families seeking genuine human connection will be our greatest competitive advantage.
Healthcare providers will need to evolve to embrace new roles:
Digital Detox Specialists: Helping families recalibrate their relationship with technology and reconnect with natural rhythms.
Nervous System Sanctuary Keepers: Providing safe spaces where overwhelmed parents and overstimulated children can regulate their nervous systems.
Intuitive Assessment Experts: Using our human ability to read energy, body language, and family dynamics that no algorithm can replicate.
Wisdom Keepers: Teaching families the ancient principles of health that remain constant regardless of technological change.
Community Builders: Creating healing communities where families can experience authentic human connection.
It's Time to Prepare Your Practice for the AI-Parented Generation!
1. Master the Art of Slow Healing
In a world of instant AI responses, your ability to help patients embrace the natural timing of healing becomes a superpower. Teach families about cycles, seasons, and the wisdom of being in nature, and the importance of allowing time for deep transformation.
2. Create Digital Wellness Protocols
Develop treatment plans that target the specific health impacts of digital overwhelm. Consider energetic medicines like flower essences for electromagnetic sensitivity, herbal protocols for screen strain, and bodywork techniques for postural imbalances caused by device use.
3. Strengthen Your Intuitive Assessment Skills
While AI excels at data analysis, your human intuition can perceive patterns and connections that algorithms miss. Invest in training that enhances your ability to read subtle energy, family dynamics, and emotional patterns.
4. Create Screen-Free Sanctuary Spaces
Design your clinic, even a virtual one via Zoom, as a refuge from digital overwhelm. Utilise natural materials, soft lighting, and technology-free zones where families can reconnect with the simple joy of being present together.
Yes, a pet peeve of mine is ‘virtual backgrounds’ for online consultations or meetings – as one more unnecessary artificial disconnect!
How about adding some shelves behind you with real plants, soft furnishings, a bookcase, and flowers instead? Humanise your environment.
5. Become Visible to AI-Savvy Families
These families will likely find you through digital searches, but they’ll choose you for your human qualities. Ensure your online presence clearly communicates your philosophy of human-centred healing whilst using AI tools to reach them effectively.
The Opportunity Hidden in the Crisis
Faith Popcorn asks: “Who holds the moral weight when a bot raises your child?”
As natural health practitioners, we hold part of the answer. We become the human healers who can address not just the physical symptoms of digital disconnection, but the soul-deep longing for authentic connection and
“AI isn’t about replacing the human touch in healthcare – it’s about amplifying your authentic voice so more people can discover your healing gifts.
The families most affected by digital overwhelm will be actively seeking what only you can provide.”
This isn’t about rejecting technology – it’s about positioning ourselves as the essential counterbalance. The yin to AI’s yang. The Earth’s wisdom to complement digital efficiency.
Your Next Steps For Practitioner Evolution
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the health impacts of increasing digitalisation on families and children.
- Develop Specialisations: Consider focusing on digital wellness, nervous system regulation, or family healing dynamics.
- Strengthen Your Story: Clearly articulate why human-centred healing matters more than ever.
- Build Community: Create spaces where families can experience the deep nourishment of authentic human connection.
- Embrace Ethical AI: Utilise technology to connect with these families while upholding the integrity of your healing practice.
- Discover Your Own AI Mojo: Enhance your creativity with the rapidly evolving breakthrough AI resources.
The future Faith Popcorn describes isn’t dystopian – it’s an invitation. An invitation for natural health practitioners to step more fully into our role as keepers of human wisdom, guardians of authentic healing, and bridges between ancient knowledge and modern need.
The question isn’t whether AI will change how families operate – it already is.
The question is: will you be ready to serve the deep human needs that no algorithm can meet?
What patterns are you already seeing in your practice that might be related to increased digital dependency?
How are you preparing your practice for this AI-integrated future? Share your thoughts and experiences with the Thriving Practitioners community.
James Burgin combines over 15 years of digital marketing expertise with a background as a former naturopath, clinic owner and flower essence teacher. Through Thriving Practitioners, I help natural health professionals navigate the intersection of ancient healing wisdom and modern technology.
Explore more about preparing your practice for the future with our growing collection of resources here at Thriving Practitioners.
