From story time to stress relief: How AI is reshaping modern parenting

By Bethany Braun-Silva

In today's fast-paced world of parenting, there's no shortage of to-do lists, lunchboxes to pack, questions to answer and emotional meltdowns to manage. But some parents are finding unexpected relief in an unlikely assistant: artificial intelligence.

From virtual venting sessions to meal-planning help, moms and dads are finding creative ways to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to make parenting a little easier.

"I've used AI to write emails to teachers, plan birthday parties, even come up with bedtime stories," Alicia Robinson, a mom of two in Chicago, told "Good Morning America." "It's like a parenting assistant who never sleeps."

Rather than replace human connection, many parents say AI offers a judgment-free zone, always available when they need it most.

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Karima Williams, a mom and founder of the Crash Out Diary app, which helps parents vent anonymously, told "GMA" she began using AI as a wellness tool during a particularly stressful parenting season.

"My favorite way to use AI is to vent with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant," she said. "There's something freeing about being able to express all those messy feelings that come with being a parent, whether it's being overwhelmed, feeling shame or like you're failing."

Williams said she found it so helpful that she turned it into a product. Her app now allows other parents to engage with Claude in a more interactive, personalized way.

"I created a project on Claude that allows me to process my emotions through a mini-game," she explained. "I choose a persona that matches my mood, then I vent everything out. Afterward, I can save my thoughts or get suggestions for calming activities, like breathing exercises or a quick game to reset."

An 'indispensable' parenting tool

While some parents are using AI as a personal wellness tool, others are discovering its broader impact on daily life, shifting from initial hesitation to daily use.

"The idea of [using] AI felt overwhelming at first," Olivia French, a mom of three based in Fort Worth, Texas, told "GMA." "Now, the idea of not being able to use it scares me."

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French said she uses generative AI for planning camp lunches for her three children, ages 13, 10, and 8, and offloads meal prep for her and her husband, as well as emotional support conversation starters for her teen and tween.

"ChatGPT has become an indispensable tool for parents," Leah Anise, consumer communications lead at OpenAI, told "GMA." "It helps streamline daily responsibilities and spark creativity."

Whether it's generating grocery lists, creating cleaning schedules or planning meals based on what's left in the fridge, parents are tapping into AI for logistical support and much more.

Beyond the basics, Anise says AI is also fueling imaginative parenting. "Parents use ChatGPT to craft calm morning routines, brainstorm scavenger hunts, and even co-write bedtime stories tailored to their kids' favorite animals or themes."

Balancing support with instinct

For some like Hannah Ryu, an AI strategist, co-founder of Oak Theory -- a creative technology studio specializing in UX/UI, web, application design and development -- and a mother of two, AI has helped alleviate the mental burden of motherhood.

"I use it to plan trips with a baby and toddler, find healthy recipes and better understand child psychology," she told "GMA."

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But she's quick to point out that AI is a tool, not a replacement for parental instinct.

"It still hallucinates or makes things up sometimes," Ryu said, adding, "It's really about how you use it and balancing it with your own intuition and trusted expert advice."

That balance is key, especially when using AI for more sensitive parenting challenges, like understanding developmental stages or seeking guidance on emotional topics.

"I don't always get the best answers back when it comes to helping my kids navigate things like failure or rejection," French said, "but [AI] helps get my mom-brain working, so I can have a place to start with harder conversations with my kids."

Anise echoed that caution, noting, "ChatGPT can break down complex topics or help prepare questions for your pediatrician, but it's not a substitute for medical or mental health professionals."

Confronting the 'bad parent' myth

One of the biggest misconceptions, said Anise, is that turning to AI means "outsourcing" parenting.

However, many parents who regularly use tools like ChatGPT say it's more about making space for presence, rather than replacing it.

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In this undated file image, a woman works from home while holding her newborn son.

Ryu agreed. "AI can help take some of the mental load off so you have more time to actually be present with your kids," she said.

And that support is expanding. OpenAI says it has built-in safeguards to make ChatGPT safer for families, including content restrictions and parental consent requirements for teen users.

The company says it limits sensitive content generation in its multimodal products like ImageGen and Sora, Anise said.

While AI tools like ChatGPT can be incredibly helpful, privacy remains a critical concern, especially when discussing your child's health, development or personal details.

According to OpenAI, conversations are not used to train its models when users turn off chat history, and users can delete past conversations at any time. "We're committed to protecting our users' privacy, and give users control over their data," said Anise.

However, it's still wise for parents to avoid sharing sensitive information like medical conditions, birthdays or identifying details.

As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, its role in parenting is only expected to grow.

But experts and parents agree: AI should be an aid, not a guidebook.