Build With Me

Helps you introduce your kids to creating apps with AI. It adapts the Learn AI Basics plan-first skill for kids, running on the parent's computer through the parent's Claude account.

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Inspiration

I wanted my kids to see AI as a tool for creating, not just a smart search engine. This hackathon’s plan-first skill gave me the idea to adapt that process for kids.

What it does

Parents install Build With Me on their own computer and use their Claude account. An AI guide helps kids choose an idea, plan it, and build an app. Kids can return to previous apps and keep working on them. Parents choose when and how long kids can use it and receive reports about their sessions.

How I built it

I used the Learn AI Basics skill in Claude Code to plan and build the project. This is its third version. I reused the kids’ screens and guidance from the earlier versions and moved the app from a hosted service to the family’s computer.

It uses React and Node.js and calls the parent’s signed-in Claude Code. The app and saved work are local, while the AI conversations still go to Anthropic.

Challenges I ran into

Defining the scope and finding an affordable way to run it were the hardest parts. My early versions used APIs and preliminary tests became expensive, so I explored other approaches.

A hosted app also meant running a service for other people’s children: managing the server, security, errors, and support. I chose a local tool so each family could manage its own setup, access, and rules, without relying on a server I operate.

Accomplishments I'm proud of

My proudest moment was when my kids came home from school after testing the app and asked to build more apps.

What I learned

I started using the plan-first only very recently, as part of this hackathon. It helped me work through ideas before building. Having written requirements and a technical plan also made later changes easier.

This project was also my first experience building a tool run in local environment. It removes the need for a hosted service, but each family has to set it up and keep the computer running during use.

What's next for Build With Me

The tool itself is free, but it requires a parent’s paid Claude plan. I’m happy with the current scope. After finishing testing, I want to share it with other parents and let their feedback guide future versions.

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