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Tips for Rockstar Parenting with Help from Amazon Echo with Alexa

by Bill Sweeney
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boy in lacrosse gear

This post was sponsored by Amazon. All opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Being A Parent

Parenting in today’s complex world really can be tough. I’m not just saying that to seem important or impressive. It’s just a fact, really. There are so many things that parents of today have to consider and worry about, that it can make your head spin. Social media, schoolwork pressures, and so much else. It can really be a lot…for everyone. Sure, some of the work is a product of our own doing, like the myriad of activities we schedule out for them! But, it’s all because we want them to have the best childhood we can manage for them. I know it and you know it, but there’s always a job to do.

As a result of all that has to go into giving our kids all that we can, most parents are always looking for help to not only survive, but thrive—and do it their way! Advice and help is always needed and welcomed, but it has to be on our terms and in keeping with how we want to parent. And there’s nothing wrong with that, right? The chaos can be calming, it can be maddening, it can be frustrating, but it’s always beautiful. From homework to lacrosse to dance to working at home, always remember that it’s all just so good, even when things seem so crazy.

Amazon Echo Amazon Alexa during meal prep

Become That Parenting Rock Star

There are many ways that parents can help themselves balance it all. Some are tried and true and some are very new. Parents quickly learn to be creative and resourceful through trial and error. Either can work and work well and take your parenting skills to the next level. It’s just a question of what works best for you and your family when you are working your way on that seemingly endless road to being a parenting rock star!!

Amazon Echo Amazon Alexa close on kitchen counter

Here are 6 ways to head on down that road with style:

  1. Have your parents come over to help – they love those grandkids and it affords everyone quality time
  2. Be ok with downtime – yes, we want to do it all, but sometimes everyone needs to have some time to just be
  3. Do it your way – yes, seek out help and guidance, but always do things the way you are most comfortable
  4. Get friendly – it’s great to have friends, the more the merrier, to help with playdates, carpools, and more
  5. Do what you all love – when you and the kids are doing this, life it truly more beautiful
  6. Be organized – this is really the key and there are great ways to do this…which I will talk about now

Get Organized

Getting more organized was a real game changer for me and my family. Like I mentioned previously, there is just so much to do in today’s modern family. Juggling a family of five (plus the puppy) can really be overwhelming. It’s all good things and really fun overall, but you have to have a plan. Being organized and having help to get it all done really is the only way to do everything right, do it well, and do it without everyone having a nervous breakdown.

I love tech and I love smart home tech in particular. It just makes the day-to-day a little but easier. One of the most fantastic tools I’ve found to help the entire family truly get organized is the awesome Amazon Echo with Alexa.
Amazon Echo top view

Why We Love Amazon Echo with Alexa

We are Amazon Alexa and Echo people and we love using devices like the Amazon Echo that have Alexa built-in. Maybe it’s the unique, unobtrusive design of the Echo or the excellent microphones designed so that you don’t need to raise your voice when talking to it. It’s the same as when you are talking to someone in the family. Well, actually, there’s much less yelling when talking with Alexa. And Alexa knows just about everything and is always looking to help. It’s almost the same as when I am talking to me kids (it’s not the same at all).

Talking with Alexa is really easy and surprisingly comfortable. Really. Alexa is very personable and understands colloquial speech, no joke.  The Amazon Echo is not just another device in the house, but rather something a little bit more. It offers a much richer and more meaningful interaction than other tech devices.

father and teen daughter using amazon echo amazon alexa

How Amazon Echo with Alexa Helps Us Organize

Alexa can play multiple roles in making lives easier and better. It has the skills that pay the bills, man. Yes, I just said that. Alexa is able to do some amazing things and new skills are added each and every day!! There’s thousands, and many of them are all about getting you and yours organized. That’s 2019 style family life, baby!

With the help of Amazon Echo, you can help the whole family stay on top of their to-dos through reminders and lists. Ask Alexa to remind you to feed the dog twice a day, create a chore to-do list or set a tooth brushing timer to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

Get Down to Business

We sat down and really thought about what we needed to do, what we wanted to do, and what we could realistically achieve. Here are just some of the tools we plan on using to get organized:

  1. Calendars – we had to get everyone on an easy-to-use, shared calendar
  2. Shopping Lists – this keeps everyone happy and organized, no buying needless stuff
  3. To Do Lists – chores and whatever else is clear and understandable
  4. Meal Planning – this really helps with grocery shopping as well as getting the meals ready each day
  5. Schoolwork Planner – we want to make sure all homework, tests, etc. are taken care of
  6. Recipe Storage – makes it easy to keep the meal planning going
  7. Reminders – this is so important as we all need a little help with so much going on

The list seems daunting, but let me explain just a little bit more about how we utilize Alexa to get things organized. Dog walking, help with homework, daily meal planning when you are at a loss for a recipe, and where am I taking the kids next? It’s all there and it’s all easy. So easy.

Reminders

Trying to stay on top of all of your tasks this year? Ask Alexa to remind you so you don’t miss out on a thing. Set repeating reminders for important tasks like taking out the garbage every Tuesday, taking your vitamins every morning and more. This is so key for me (and everyone else). It’s like having a fancy personal assistant telling you what to do and where to be. It’s just a lot more private and a whole lot less expensive.

Named Lists

Create and organize lists to capture everyday ideas, plans and tasks. All we have to do is say “Alexa, create a list” – and we can make a shopping list, a to-do list, a dog walking and feeding list, a list for sports or clubs, and more. You can also sync your list and calendars with supported list skills including any.do, Cozi, Picniic and AnyList. It’s just so connected and so simple…and so awesome.

Amazon Echo Amazon Alexa close on sidetable

Shopping and Meal Planning

How great is it that I can get just about anything delivered right to my doorstep!! I love being able to easily create a shopping list and add to it whenever I remember something that’s needed. Once I’m in a good place with my list, I simply access it via Amazon and, as a Prime Member, can get just about anything, including groceries from Whole Foods, delivered right to my door in no time!! Out of strawberries…on it! Need more paper towels…done! My Amazon Echo with Alexa can remind me to order dog food and track my package all the way to my doorstep. Plus, Alexa can talk me through literally tens of thousands of recipes, just by asking!! It’s an amazing time to be alive, no??

Calendars

I love that we can instantly make updates to our new family calendar with our voices (before I forget!). All we have to do it ask Alexa to add an event to the calendar! Bang, done. I can even send an invite to someone else via Alexa too! Just say “Alexa, what’s my schedule for today?” It’s so simple, there’s no excuse to not include everything…and then never miss anything!!

brother and sister amazon echo amazon alexa dancing

Entertainment

While this isn’t related to organization, entertainment is such a huge part of what Alexa offers…and what you can do to make your days and nights so much better!! There are, again, seemingly endless options to entertain me and my family! Being at home all the time is great but can be isolating, so having news, weather, and music right there is a comfort. Plus, I love how when the kids come home I can play and spend time with them using the Echo, too! Dance party!

Find Out More

You are a parent. All of that cleverness and creativity, coupled with the infinite usefulness of Alexa is an unbeatable combination. It’s a Herculean task, but you can do it and do it well. And remember, you are not the only one…ever. There is a camaraderie among parents, and when you learn new ways that Alexa helps you stay above water, be sure to share that with others!  You literally can’t beat the value you get with Amazon Echo and Alexa-enabled devices.

To find more about how you can use the Amazon Echo with Alexa to your advantage, be sure to check out:

Tips for Rockstar Parenting with Help from Amazon Echo with Alexa was last modified: June 13th, 2019 by Bill Sweeney

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12 comments

Stacie June 14, 2019 - 7:21 AM

We tried a couple of different voice devices before settling on the Echo. This thing is so fantastic. It has a lot more going for it that the other ones we tried.

Reply
Emman Damian June 14, 2019 - 9:53 AM

Amazon Echo sounds like a very promising product! We don’t have it yet in my country but it’s super exciting! I hope to get one soon.

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Anna June 14, 2019 - 1:37 PM

I knew very little about Amazon Echo before reading your post! But as a mom, I can really see the benefits of all the reminders and lists, especially when it comes to homework and daily meal planning! It could be such a lifesaver!

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Elizabeth O June 14, 2019 - 9:01 PM

Amazon Echo and Alexa seems like a great combination. No excuse on forgetting something because you can be organized everyday.

Reply
Rosey June 15, 2019 - 5:56 PM

I like your tips, especially the one to include grandparents. 🙂 I like the tip to make friends too. It’s nice to have a group to draw from for things to do. On that note, my son always says Alexa is our friend, lol. He’s a technology geek. 🙂

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Shannon Gurnee June 15, 2019 - 6:39 PM

We love our Amazon Echo and use it all the time! It makes for a great gift too!

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Carolyn Arentson June 15, 2019 - 10:01 PM

These are such great tips! The Echo sounds amazing!

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Lavern Moore June 16, 2019 - 3:42 AM

These are some great parenting tips. New parents will find them useful!

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Heather June 16, 2019 - 7:50 AM

Great tips. We love our Echo and use it daily. So good to ask questions and have trivia.

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Ntensibe Edgar Michael June 17, 2019 - 4:02 AM

Aaaahhhhh…Alexa is a darling. Ever since I started utilising her last year in 2018, life around my desk is so much easier!

Reply
Krati June 17, 2019 - 4:07 AM

This was a really interesting read! Thanks for all the tips

Reply
Erin June 17, 2019 - 10:12 PM

I love my Alexa! I keep on learning about more and more uses.

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