age-specific-prompts

name	age-specific-prompts
description	Use age-based prompt selection instead of monolithic prompts to improve tone and context appropriateness for AI-generated content
source	auto-skill
extracted_on	"2026-06-23T00:00:00.000Z"

Age-Specific Prompts Pattern

Problem

When building AI systems that interact with characters of different ages (children, teens, adults), using one large prompt that tries to cover all age ranges results in:

• Poor tone matching (LLM can't decide which age-appropriate behavior to use)
• Inconsistent responses across the age spectrum
• Difficulty maintaining developmental appropriateness
• LLM trying to balance conflicting guidance

Solution

Create separate, focused prompts for specific age ranges and select the appropriate one based on the character's current age. Each prompt includes only relevant guidance for that developmental stage.

Implementation

1. Create Age-Based Prompt Modules

// age-specific-prompts.ts

const PROMPT_4_5 = `You are a {age}-year-old child...`;
const PROMPT_6_7 = `You are a {age}-year-old child...`;
// ... more age groups

export function getAgeSpecificPrompt(age: number, vars: { childName: string }): string {
  let prompt: string;
  
  if (age <= 5) {
    prompt = PROMPT_4_5;
  } else if (age <= 7) {
    prompt = PROMPT_6_7;
  } else if (age <= 9) {
    prompt = PROMPT_8_9;
  } // ... continue pattern
  
  // Interpolate variables
  return prompt
    .replaceAll('{age}', String(age))
    .replaceAll('{childName}', vars.childName);
}

2. Update Context Assembler

Replace monolithic prompt usage with age-specific selection:

// Before
const system = fillTemplate(MONOLITHIC_KID_PROMPT, {
  childName: state.childName,
  age: String(state.currentEvent?.age ?? 4),
});

// After
const system = getAgeSpecificPrompt(state.currentEvent?.age ?? 4, {
  childName: state.childName,
});

3. Remove Obsolete Monolithic Prompt

Delete the old single-prompt approach to avoid confusion.

Age Group Guidelines

Early Childhood (4-5)

• Simple, concrete thinking
• Focus on immediate needs and emotions
• Limited vocabulary, short attention span
• Responds to redirection and comfort

Middle Childhood (6-9)

• Developing logic and reasoning
• Can articulate feelings more clearly
• Understands cause and effect
• Responds to explanation and negotiation

Adolescence (13+)

• Complex emotions and identity exploration
• Can engage in nuanced discussion
• Tests boundaries thoughtfully
• Needs respect and relational connection

Benefits

• Better tone matching: Each prompt is tailored to developmental stage
• More consistent output: LLM has clear, focused guidance
• Easier maintenance: Updates to one age group don't affect others
• Improved user experience: Characters feel more authentic

When to Use This Pattern

• Games involving character aging over time
• Educational apps with age-appropriate content
• Any system generating content for multiple age groups
• When you notice tone inconsistencies across age ranges