Parents of the Year
We were never given a manual on how to parent. It is easy to get overwhelmed to know the right thing to do. There is so much contradictory information out there and everyone has their own advice. Parenting is a rewarding but messy, confusing, infuriating, guilt-inducing, and overwhelming journey. While it's easy to get lost, Andrew Stewart, a real dad, and Dr. Caroline Buzanko, a real mom, child psychologist, and parenting expert (who also happens to be married to Andrew) will help you get back on track. In each episode, Andrew and Caroline have open and honest chats about everything parenting. Join them in honesty, laughter, and tears (Caroline is a bit of a cry baby) as they help you navigate this journey of parenting. And, every so often, you may get some gems of expert advice. Our goal is to make your parenting journey less stressful, more forgiving, and more awesome. Please join us every Wednesday for new episodes of Parenting of the Year.
Parents of the Year
197. Are you using ChatGPT for parenting… and is it helping or hooking you?
Andrew and Caroline start this episode the same way many parents start a “normal” day: northern lights, a bank visit that ate two hours, and a reminder that adulting is its own full-time job. Then they try something parents are doing more and more—asking AI for parenting advice.
They put a “nice British voice” to the test on real-life sticking points: kids refusing chores, screen-time blowups, bedtime anxiety, and the constant tug-of-war between boundaries and burnout. The advice isn’t wild… but the tone is the story. Why does AI feel so comforting? When does reassurance turn into a crutch? And what happens when “helpful” starts replacing your village?
If you’ve ever Googled a parenting question at 2 a.m., this one will hit. Expect laughs, some blunt truth about consistency, and a practical way to use AI without handing it the keys to your home.
“Homework” ideas!
Homework 1: Pick one non-negotiable and make it boring
- Choose one daily expectation (dishes in sink, teeth brushed, screen off at X).
- Say it once, neutrally.
- Follow through with a consequence you’ll actually do (pause screens, delay dessert, Wi-Fi off).
Resource: a one-sentence script you can print:
“When ___ is done, then ___ happens.”
Homework 2: Build a screen-time runway (no surprises)
- Give a two-step warning: “10 minutes” + “2 minutes.”
- Add a simple handoff action: “screen off → device charges here → we move.”
Resource: set two phone alarms labeled “10” and “2,” or use a visible kitchen timer.
Homework 3: Write your “calm plan” for when you feel yourself boiling
- Pick a pattern interrupt you’ll use every time: step into hallway, cold water on wrists, 10-count down, slow exhale.
- Practice it once when you’re not mad, so it’s there when you are.
Resource: a note on your phone lock screen: “Pause. Breathe out longer than you breathe in.”
Homework 4: Bedtime anxiety ladder (reduce reassurance over time)
- Keep routine steps in the same order nightly.
- Decide on a “stay time” (3 minutes), then shorten it every few nights.
- Use one consistent line at the door: “I’m nearby. You can do this.”
Resource: a simple bedtime checklist your child can tick off (paper on the wall works great).
Homework 5: Use AI without letting it “parent for you”
Try a prompt that forces clarity and reduces the cheerleading:
- “Give me 3 options for handling screen-off meltdowns for a child aged __. Include exact words to say, one consequence I can enforce, and what not to do. Keep it short. No pep talk.”
Resource: save that prompt as a note called “Parenting Prompt” so you don’t spiral-scroll when you’re stressed.
Bonus Homework (from the bank + Manulife moment): Make a 30-minute “family admin” file
- One page: mortgage info, insurance contact, school logins, emergency contacts.
- Put it in a folder labeled “If I get hit by a bus.”
Resource: shared note app doc + one printed copy.
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