AI can feel overwhelming, but what if it gave you something you’ve been craving since becoming a mom?
…..Time.
On my MomShine podcast, I sat down with Tina Sharkey—a USC professor, early-stage investor, and lifelong innovator—to discuss how moms can actually use AI to lighten the load and be more present at home.
Spoiler Alert: Tina’s raising two sons, teaching the next generation how to lead with tech, and still managing to take screen breaks—thanks to a few smart AI audio agents.
She’s the former CEO of BabyCenter, a board member at PBS, an early advisor to The Skimm, and a professor of business innovation at USC. She also invests in early-stage companies through Magnify Ventures, focusing on the future of parenting and AI.
But first, consider these eye-opening statistics:
- The meal-planning app market hit $2.21 billion in 2024
- One AI-generated kids’ content channel racked up over 500 million views in a single month
- According to Education Week—62% of parents say they’ve heard little to nothing about how AI can be used in education
So, where do you start? Here are Tina’s favorite no-degree-required ways to let AI make your life easier:
1. Use AI to Plan Your Week Like a Pro
Think beyond spreadsheets. Tools like ChatGPT can take your kids’ sports, school, and screen-time rules—and help you build a calendar that works for everyone.
AI Mom Hack:
“Help me build a weekly calendar for a 12-year-old, 9-year-old, and toddler with school drop-offs, dinner at 6, and screen-free time from 4–6 p.m.”
2. What’s for Dinner? Let AI Figure It Out
No more staring at the fridge in a panic. Just type in what you’ve got, your time limit, and any dietary needs. AI will turn it into a recipe—and even suggest simple prep tasks for your kids.
AI Mom Hack:
“I have eggs, spinach, rice, and cheese. Create a 30-minute meal all three kids can help with—ages 4, 9, and 12.”
3. Travel & Packing Made Easy
Tina shared how AI helped her pack for a trip to Italy, down to carry-on limits, weather, and family activities. Say goodbye to overpacking and forgotten essentials.
AI Mom Hack:
“We’re going to Tahoe in spring with three kids. Create a packing list and meal plan for a 4-day trip.”
4. Create a Learning Coach (That Doesn’t Yell)
Need homework help? AI can act like a tutor, guiding your kids without giving away answers. You can also ask it to spark meaningful family conversations.
AI Mom Hack:
“Create a discussion guide for ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ for a 12-year-old, focused on justice and equity.”
5. Go Screen-Free with Audio Agents
Welcome to Generation A or what could be called ‘Generation Audio.’ Tina uses voice assistants like Google Home or Siri to manage her schedule—no screen required. Less swiping, more presence.
AI Mom Hack:
Set up voice commands for calendar reminders, meal prompts, or weather updates—and keep your phone out of reach.
6. Teach Discernment with Deepfakes & Misinformation
AI isn’t all sunshine and meal plans. Tina reminds us that parenting can’t be outsourced. Use AI as a tool to teach kids critical thinking and discernment, especially for anything they see online.
AI Mom Hack:
Play “Truth or Trick?” at dinner. Show viral videos or images and ask your kids to guess what’s real—and why. Or just role-play. If the teacher said they were extending recess through the afternoon and the audio or video looked real, do you think that’s a real video or message? Have they done that previously, or does that raise suspicions?
Final Takeaway:
| “Use AI to outsource the planning—so you can focus on the doing.” Tina Sharkey |
You don’t have to be a tech expert. You just have to be curious. AI isn’t here to replace you, but it might just be here to help us shine and be more present in doing the things we love.
Listen to our latest episode for more parenting tips and how to use AI to simplify your life with our latest episode 321, Parent Smarter-Not Harder Using AI To Reclaim Precious Time!
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