The Parent’s Guide to API Keys and Safety

“Wait, I’m giving my toddler access to AI that can write code?” Yes. And it’s safer than giving them YouTube. Here’s how to do it right. First: What’s an API Key? Think of it as a password that lets the AI work. You need one, it costs a little money when used, and you absolutely don’t want it public. That’s it. That’s all you need to know. The Basic Safety Setup 1. Set spending limits (2 minutes) Every AI service lets you set monthly limits. I set mine to $10. My toddler would need to build upwards of 500 games to hit that. When the limit’s reached, it just stops working. No surprise bills. 2. Use a password manager (already done, right?) Your API key goes in your password manager, not a sticky note. I use 1Password, but Bitwarden’s free and excellent. Copy-paste when needed. 3. Separate user account (5 minutes) Create a “Family Coding” user on your computer. It only has VS Code and a browser. No email, no shopping sites, no saved passwords. This is your coding sandbox. The Advanced Mo