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5 Smart Ways I’ve Used ChatGPT as a Parent This Summer
I’m still the parent. But ChatGPT is helping with the prep work.
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Hi there,
I don’t have time to try every new parenting trend.
But over the past few months, ChatGPT has quietly made its way into my routine — not because I’m chasing efficiency, but because I’m juggling work, summer, and two boys with very different needs.
Hi, I’m Lakshmi, mom of two tweens (9 and 12), and today we’re getting into how parents can actually use ChatGPT to bring a little more ease, and a lot less chaos, into everyday life.
Let’s get started! ⬇️
1. When You Need a Summer Schedule but Don’t Want to Overplan
Some days, you just need a loose rhythm, enough structure to stop the endless scroll, but not so rigid it feels like school.
Prompt: “I have a 12-year-old and a 9-year-old at home for 3 days. Can you suggest a flexible daily plan that includes 2 hours of outdoor activity, 1 hour of independent reading, 1 hands-on creative activity, and some downtime? We live in a suburban area and the weather is 90°F. Also include one family activity per day that doesn’t require too much setup.” |
You won’t follow every line, but even a simple outline can make the day feel more intentional.
2. When I Didn’t Know What to Cook (Again)
Most weeknights, I’m trying to make dinner in 25 minutes with two different preferences yelling at me. I needed meals that didn’t require a whole new grocery run.
Prompt: “Give me 5 kid-friendly dinner ideas I can make in under 30 minutes. One of my kids is vegetarian, and both dislike anything with a ‘mushy’ texture. I already have rice, pasta, canned beans, eggs, spinach, paneer, tortillas, and basic spices at home. Skip recipes that require baking.” |
What I got: Actual meal combos I could use right away, without browsing 14 food blogs to find one that doesn’t require six kinds of cheese.
3. When My Kid Said, “I’m Bored,” and I Was in a Meeting
I didn’t want to micromanage their time, but I did want them to think beyond YouTube shorts. So I handed over my laptop and said, “Type this in.”
Prompt (for kids to use themselves): “I’m 12 years old. I’m bored at home. I like science experiments, baking, photography, and silly games. I have 1–2 hours of free time today. Can you give me 5 fun ideas I can do mostly on my own, with stuff we probably already have at home?” |
Did he do all five? No. But he tried two. And he came up with them himself, which meant no pushback.
PS: What Teens Say They Do and Don’t Use ChatGPT For.
4. A Family Outing Planned in Under 10 Minutes!
If you’ve got an open Saturday but no mental energy to figure it out. Try this:
Prompt: “Suggest a one-day family outing for 2 adults and 2 kids (ages 10 and 12) in [insert city]. We like low-cost activities that are a mix of active and relaxing. Ideally includes something outdoors, a lunch spot with vegetarian options, and one activity that’s new for the kids. Avoid tourist traps.” |
You’ll have an agreeable plan, ready! (with some big and small tweaks of course). And no spreadsheets were involved.
5. When Your Kid Wants to Learn a Skill (and You’re Not Sure Where to Start)
Kids today aren’t just watching videos, they want to make them. This prompt gives them a learning path that feels creative and doable.
Prompt: “You have the IQ of 180 and experience teaching digital skills to tweens. Create a 60-day beginner-friendly lesson plan for a 12-year-old who wants to learn video editing. Use tools like CapCut, VN Editor, Davinci Resolve, or iMovie. Break it down by week with 1 concept, 1 hands-on challenge, and 1–2 free resources. Keep it fun, self-paced, and age-appropriate.” |
This kind of roadmap gives them autonomy, and saves you from having to play teacher.
PRO TIP: The trick, I’ve learned, is to be specific. Add the ages. Add what you already have at home. Add what you don’t want. You’ll get better answers.
That’s all for this week, parents! See you again next week, same time 💗
Inside the Laid-back Parent’s Internet History this week:
🔖 READ: I’m a Mom Who Uses ChatGPT for Help—Here’s What I’m Learning.
🔖 READ: Study Finds Parents Relying on ChatGPT for Health Guidance About Children.
How are you using ChatGPT at home (if at all)?Choose the one that feels most true right now: |
Note for My Fellow Laid-Back Parents 📧
If you’re not building elaborate routines or turning your summer into a STEM bootcamp, same here.
ChatGPT hasn’t changed how I parent. But it has made a few things easier.
It gives me ideas when I’m out of them. It helps my kids start something without me hand-holding every step. And sometimes, that’s enough.
Take what helps. Leave what doesn’t. You’re doing fine.
— Lakshmi 💛
