AI for the rest of us. If you can send a text, you can do this.
You don’t need a degree in Engineering to make AI work for your family (though I happen to have one, and I promise: this is way easier). Here is how to get started in 60 seconds:
1. Pick your “Assistant” Download ChatGPT (OpenAI), Claude (Anthropic), or use Google Gemini. The free versions are incredibly powerful and more than enough for everything we do here. We may use some automation or shortcuts on your phone as well to mix things up a bit.
2. The “Golden Rule” of Prompting Talk to the AI like a smart, helpful intern or au pair or a high school babysitter. Give it a little context (e.g., “I have two daughters and a busy work week”) and a clear task. The more specific you are, the better the result.
3. The Copy-Paste Method Whenever you see a Sanity-Saving Prompt in my posts, simply highlight it, copy it, and paste it directly into your AI app. Fill in any bracketed info—like [Ages] or [Ingredients]—and hit send.
4. Refine (Don’t start over!) If the answer isn’t quite right, just talk back to it! Tell it: “Make that cheaper,” “My kids won’t eat broccoli, swap it for peas,” or “Make that shorter.”
That’s it. You’re ready to win back your time.
Pro-Tip for the Busy Parent:
Keep your AI app on your phone’s home screen right next to your WhatsApp or Messages. The next time you’re stuck on a school email or a meal plan while waiting in the carpool lane, it’s right there waiting to help.
The Prompt Parent 