I’ve spent a lot of time professionally experimenting with AI chatbots, and I’ve discovered a surprising everyday use: parenting. As a parent to a young child and an uncle to several nieces and nephews, I’ve found ChatGPT to be a valuable tool. It’s not a replacement for a caregiver, but it’s an excellent resource for finding new ways to entertain kids or simply manage the juggling act that is parenting.
Bedtime Stories
Every parent knows the feeling: it’s bedtime, you’re exhausted, and you’ve read every book you own in a single day. You want to offer something new, however, your own creative well is running dry. That’s where ChatGPT comes in. It can generate content, even when your imagination is depleted. Need a story about a robot who loves pancakes?
Try these prompt ideas:
- “Can you tell me a bedtime story about a dragon who loves tacos and befriends a unicorn who dislikes rainbows?”
- “Create a bedtime story about a gentle giant who learns to make friends despite everyone being afraid of his size.”
Jukebox Lyricist
My son loves music, and I enjoy introducing him to new songs or creating original ones. However, my improvised lyrics don’t always resonate, particularly with his older cousins. Instead of listening to the same children’s songs on repeat, I use ChatGPT to revitalize old tunes. I’ve asked the AI to write songs for my son, with pretty solid results, such as:
- “Write me a song about a dancing giraffe named Gerald who loves ice cream to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”
- “Give me lyrics to a song about a puppy who dreams of going to space to the tune of Hush Little Baby.”
Here is an example of the latter:
“Oh little pup, looking at stars above
Dreaming of rockets, and moonbeams you love
Wearing your helmet, wagging your tail
Puppy astronaut ready to sail!”
Snack Time
Snack time with babies and toddlers can be challenging when you’re trying to balance healthy options and palatability. ChatGPT aids with ideas and advice. Try asking it, “What are healthy snack ideas for children aged one, three, and five that they can also help make?”
Some successful suggestions have been banana sushi rolls (banana slices rolled in granola), apple slices with peanut butter and cinnamon, and make-your-own berry yogurt parfaits.
DIY Games
On rainy days, keeping kids occupied indoors can feel like a struggle. I turned to ChatGPT and asked for a game that didn’t require screens or intense cleanup.
I asked, “Come up with a simple game for young kids that doesn’t require much setup or clean up.” The response was “Sock Toss Basketball,” which employs laundry baskets and balled-up socks as a simple game.
You could also try “What’s a quick indoor activity for kids using only paper and markers?” The answer might be making indoor treasure maps that children decorate with their favorite toys and treats.
Dealing with Boo-Boos
Kids inevitably get scrapes and sniffles. Keeping their spirits up and making recovery bearable can be difficult. ChatGPT offers ideas to help.
Ask it, “How can I get my young child to take their medicine without complaining,” and you’ll get ideas like creating a fun routine around the medicine or incorporating it into a bedtime story.
The same is true for applying a bandage or sunscreen. Parenting can be overwhelming, and there’s no shame in looking for advice from parenting forums or books. ChatGPT is just another helpful tool that you can use for specific advice whenever you need it.
