You might feel wary about using AI for parenting, and we get it. Nothing can replace your natural parental instinct and love. But we're not expecting AI to give you parenting advice, or replace you being there and showing up for your kids in person – although AI tech can be useful in certain situations, like helping your kids to stay connected to distant grandparents in the digital age. There are, however, ways that AI might be able to help make your busy family life flow that bit easier, which is something we know every frazzled mum and dad might be up for!
So, let's suspend any disbelief for now, in order to explore how to use AI for parenting in ways that are practical and effective, and perhaps even consider how harnessing AI as a tool to make your family life easier might actually be rather empowering. AI is here to stay, so, why not get to know it a little better, and find out how you can maximise its potential?
We'll look at how AI products are already enhancing and supporting everyday family life in your home, and share some of the other ways we’ve found that AI can make life easier for families – from keeping track of schedules and planning meals to more creative uses like helping with homework, creating bedtime stories or suggesting fun weekend activities.
Hopefully after reading this you'll be eager to actively harness the benefits of using AI in family life to provide more time to enjoy the things that matter most; like living in the moment and spending quality time with our families, while simplifying day-to-day tasks and most importantly – reducing stress.
AI is already part of your home
You might be surprised to find that artificial intelligence is already supporting you in the technologies you use every day. AI is quietly working behind the scenes to enhance family life in the form of voice assistants that help manage busy schedules, as well as smart home devices that you couldn't live without.
If you don't believe us, here are some ways AI is already making a difference in your home:
Smart speakers and voice assistants – Whether it’s Echo Dot playing bedtime stories, or Alexa setting reminders, answering endless ‘why’ questions and more, AI-powered voice assistants are already a staple in many homes.
Parental control and content filtering – AI-driven apps help parents manage screen time and ensure kids access age-appropriate content across streaming platforms, games, and websites. For example, features like YouTube Kids’ restricted mode and smart filters on gaming consoles use AI to keep kids safe online.
Smart baby monitors – Modern smart baby monitors, like the Cubo AI Plus, use AI to track sleep patterns, detect movement, and even analyse your baby’s cries to help you understand their needs. Baby breathing monitors, like the Lollipop Baby Camera, use AI tech to remove the need for a wearable monitor in addition to the camera.
Personalised entertainment recommendations – Streaming services like Amazon Prime Video use AI to suggest family-friendly movies, TV shows, and music based on your viewing habits, saving you time scrolling for something everyone will enjoy.
AI-powered home security – Smart security cameras and doorbells use AI to recognize familiar faces, detect unusual activity, and alert you to potential concerns, offering extra peace of mind.
Robot vacuums & smart appliances – Smart robot vacuums use AI to optimise cleaning routes and energy use, making household chores easier and more efficient. And AI is hidden in a variety of smart appliances around the home, from fridges, washing machines and ovens to thermostats, lights, coffee machines and even mops... look into it!
Use AI family assistants to manage schedules, reminders and more
Keeping track of everything, from school events to health appointments, can make parenting feel like a never-ending juggling act. Parents need to be like octopuses, only instead of having eight legs you need eight brains – enter digital calendars and smart assistants! These are some of the easiest ways to use AI to stay organised as a parent, and we bet you're already using something of this nature in your smartphone. You can use tech and AI to easily set up reminders for school pickups or playdates, doctor and dentist visits, or important family events, and ensure that nothing slips through the cracks.
Apps like Google Calendar or Apple’s Reminders sync across all your devices, so no matter where you are, and you can stay organised in real time – this makes them perfect for families as you can share calendars and keep everyone in the loop. These apps don’t fully rely on AI, but they do offer smart features that make scheduling a breeze. For example, if you’re like us and sometimes forget to set things up, you can ask AI-powered smart speakers like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to add events or set reminders using just your voice. And even when you’re on top of things, they offer handy features like automatic event suggestions to help you stay ahead of the game.
For families looking for even more help, AI-powered organization apps like Cozi or Family Wall bring everything into one place. These are platforms that let you create shared calendars, track appointments, and manage grocery lists, all with easy-to-set reminders sent directly to your phone. It's easy to see how these tools can become indispensable AI family assistants, helping you to multitask and be even more of a super mum or dad than you are already!
Using AI feels intuitive because they use machine learning to understand your preferences and offer helpful suggestions based on your routine, making them more personalised and efficient over time. By incorporating AI for families into your scheduling routine, you really can free up more time for what matters most – spending quality time with your loved ones, knowing that the details are taken care of.
Simplify meal planning and grocery shopping with AI
Food is at the heart of every family, and when it comes to food, AI starts to get exciting! Mums are using AI tools like ChatGPT to help with meal planning, recipe ideas, and even grocery lists. It’s an easy way to get creative and come up with meal plans and lists that, on your own, could take days – who has time for that in between school runs, after-school clubs, playdates, and bath time?
If you're not familiar with ChatGPT, you basically type in questions or feed it instructions (prompts) and it spits out everything you need before you've barely had time to blink. It can be a lot of fun depending on what you use it for. You can sign up for a free account, and dive straight in. Try it for yourself!
There can be a bit of a learning curve with AI tools like ChatGPT, and this is because they are still learning and improving as you use them. So you may prefer other, more dedicated options, such as AI-powered meal planning apps like Mealime and Eat This Much. You can sign up for free accounts and choose to upgrade your subscription later for more features. AI-powered apps like these can suggest recipes based on your preferences, dietary needs, and what’s already in your pantry. They take the guesswork out of mealtimes, offering personalised meal ideas to suit your kids' fussy tastes or allergies. These apps even let you create shopping lists automatically, so you’ll never forget that important ingredient again.
Why we like AI for meal planning and grocery shopping:
Instant recipe ideas – Tell AI what ingredients you have, and it’ll suggest meals on the spot. No more staring into the fridge wondering what to cook, or scrolling through Google or Youtube in search for a recipe that might fit what you have in.
Personalised meal plans – Apps like Mealime create weekly plans based on your family's tastes and dietary needs.
Smart shopping lists – AI can generate a grocery list from your meal plan, so you only buy what you need, and avoid those extra snack aisle detours when you're in the supermarket. If you're disciplined enough, it can help you save money instead of overspending, which supermarkets are so good at making us do!
Waste reduction – Get suggestions on how to use up leftovers, so less food (and money) goes to waste.
AI can’t replace the heart and soul you put into your meals (or the blood, sweat and tears), but it can definitely help to keep you inspired and help you stay organised, so you can get on with the fun part – cooking and enjoying meals together as a family!
How AI can support homework and learning
Some parents just love being transported back to their schooldays, but for most of us, helping the kids with their homework fills us with dread. No mum wants their little minions to think that they don’t have all the answers, and dads definitely want to be able to solve every single problem for their angels and cherubs – but when it comes to long division or figuring out the mysteries of phonics you might feel beads of sweat start to form.
Thankfully, AI can lend a helping hand with homework and learning, offering support when you need it most, including helping you come up with creative and engaging activities to keep them busy and productive – phew!
Here's how AI can make homework and learning easier for younger kids:
Interactive learning apps
AI educational tools like Gizmo help kids remember everything they learn, but in way that is simple and fun – like through engaging activities designed to build foundational skills like reading, counting, and recognising shapes. Look for apps that adjust to your child's pace, so that they get a personalised learning experience based on their progress.
Maths games
Your kids will love game-based apps powered by AI like Dragonbox and Khan Academy Kids. They introduce basic maths concepts, such as numbers, addition, subtraction, and problem-solving, and make learning maths enjoyable and stress-free – turning lessons into interactive challenges and games.
Reading support
Not all parents are up to date with the latest kids' books, but AI-driven tools can help by recommending books based on your child’s current reading level. Apps like Ello can help boost vocabulary and comprehension, often featuring interactive exercises and prompts to help kids practice reading in a fun, supportive way.
AI-powered storytelling
We adore this one! Some apps, like StoryBee and Hey Dora, encourage creativity by helping children create their own stories. AI offers suggestions for plots and story elements, supporting the development of narrative skills, vocabulary, and imagination.
Spelling and writing help
AI tools like Kaligo make spelling and writing practice a lot more enjoyable, with instant feedback, corrections, and helpful suggestions as your child writes, so they can improve naturally without the stress. These apps offer fun, interactive ways to practice spelling and build writing skills, all while keeping your little one engaged.
Don’t forget that while these tools give your child the support they need to learn and grow, they can’t replace the key role you play in guiding their development – so this isn't an excuse to leave them to it while you zone out in front of your favourite soap. AI is just here to help make those early learning moments a little easier, not to mention much more fun – but your presence in your child's development is essential.
Find fun family activities and entertainment with AI
Now there's no excuse for kids to be bored at the weekend, or for you to run out of ideas for family fun! AI can literally be your personal brainstorming partner. It can help you discover all kinds of new family activities and entertainment options, whether you’re after indoor games, outdoor adventures, or a cosy movie night.
You can tailor suggestions based on your kids’ ages, interests, and your family’s needs, ensuring that everyone stays engaged. And with personalised recommendations, you won’t have to waste time searching for something that fits. AI helps make planning fun and stress-free, so you can get to enjoying your time together.
Here are some ideas:
Creative playtime – Let AI recommend arts and crafts projects or DIY activities that are perfect for your kids’ skill levels and interests, keeping them busy and creative.
Outdoor adventures – Whether it’s a nature walk, a scavenger hunt, or a visit to a local park, AI can suggest fun outdoor activities that help your little ones burn off some energy.
Family games – AI can suggest age-appropriate board games, puzzles, or interactive games that get the whole family involved, so everyone can have fun together.
Movie night picks – Need help choosing a movie everyone will love? AI can suggest family-friendly films based on your kids' preferences and age groups, making movie night a breeze.
Final word: Is AI for you as a parent?
It’s totally normal to feel unsure about AI – will it mean more screen time? Is it really safe? Could it take away from real parenting? We think that it's important to remember that AI isn’t here to replace you as a parent. It’s just one more tool in your parental toolbox to help make hectic family life a little easier.
So, whether it’s keeping on top of family schedules, making learning fun, or helping with the little everyday tasks, AI can be there to support you if you need it, but not necessarily take over. You're the one in control, you make the decisions. The key is in using AI in a way that works for you and your family. So experiment, have fun, and put it to good use – on your own terms, of course, and in a way that feels right.
Proud aunt to her teen niece, Zara Mohammed is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby. She has 10 years freelance writing experience creating lifestyle content for various platforms, including pregnancy, women’s health, parenting, child development and child mental health, plus lots of fun seasonal family articles and celebrity news.