'I use it to make my meal plans.' 3 ways ChatGPT is helping mums.

I know. I know. Artificial Intelligence is here and wants to take our jobs. 

But, what if (stay with me) we can use its power for good?

I have been tinkering with some of the AI bots like ChatGPT for the last few weeks, and look, there’s been some hilarious fails. 

My 5yo daughter requested a picture of a blonde girl with a black dog:

Stuff of nightmares. 

Terrifying. 

What I have learned is a lot of it comes down to HOW you are phrasing your requests. 

So here are three ways I am using AI to actually help run my family. 

1. Meal planning

I asked: 'Can you make a meal plan for two adults and two children for a week spending only $250 at Coles in Australia. Please include a shopping list and individual item prices.'

Within seconds, AI generated this response: 'Certainly! Here's a meal plan for a week for two adults and two children, along with a shopping list and individual prices. Please note that prices may vary, and it's always a good idea to check for any sales or discounts at your local Coles store.'

Meal Plan:

Day 1:

• Breakfast: Toast with peanut butter and sliced bananas.
• Lunch: Ham and cheese sandwiches with carrot sticks.
• Dinner: Spaghetti with Napoletana sauce and a side salad.
• Snack: Apple slices with yoghurt.

Day 2:

• Breakfast: Oats with berries and honey.
• Lunch: Tuna salad wraps with cucumber slices.
• Dinner: Chicken stir-fry with vegetables and rice.
• Snack: Popcorn.

Day 3:

• Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with whole wheat toast.
• Lunch: Grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup.
• Dinner: Beef tacos with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and salsa.
• Snack: Carrot sticks with hummus.

Day 4:

• Breakfast: Yogurt with granola and mixed berries.
• Lunch: Turkey and avocado wraps with baby spinach.
• Dinner: Baked salmon with roasted potatoes and steamed broccoli.
• Snack: Cheese and crackers.

Day 5:

• Breakfast: Pancakes with maple syrup and sliced strawberries.
• Lunch: Chicken salad sandwiches with mixed greens.
• Dinner: Vegetable curry with basmati rice.
• Snack: Banana smoothie.

Day 6:

• Breakfast: Fruit and yogurt parfaits with honey and granola.
• Lunch: Quesadillas with cheese, spinach, and salsa.
• Dinner: Spicy sausage and vegetable stir-fry with noodles.
• Snack: Celery sticks with cream cheese.

Day 7:

• Breakfast: Vegemite or jam on toast.
• Lunch: Egg salad sandwiches with lettuce.
• Dinner: Homemade pizza with desired toppings.
• Snack: Watermelon slices.

Shopping List (with individual prices):

1. Bread - $2.50
2. Peanut Butter - $4.00
3. Bananas - $2.00
4. Ham - $4.00
5. Cheese - $5.00
6. Carrots - $2.00
7. Spaghetti - $2.00
8. Napoletana Sauce - $4.50
9. Lettuce - $2.50
10. Apples - $4.00
11. Yogurt - $6.00
12. Oats - $2.50
13. Berries (frozen) - $4.00
14. Honey - $4.00
15. Tuna - $3.00
16. Wraps - $4.00
17. Cucumbers - $2.00
18. Chicken - $10.00
19. Stir-fry Vegetables (frozen) - $4.00
20. Rice - $3.00
21. Popcorn - $2.50
22. Eggs - $4.00
23. Tomato Soup - $2.50
24. Beef - $8.00
25. Taco Shells - $3.00
26. Salsa - $3.00
27. Carrots - $2.00
28. Hummus - $5.00
29. Yogurt - $6.00
30. Granola - $4.00
31. Turkey - $6.00
32. Avocado - $4.00
33. Spinach - $3.00
34. Salmon - $12.00
35. Potatoes - $4.00
36. Broccoli - $3.00

Immediately I was struck by how quick and efficient this is. We all know the mental load of meal planning and how that task usually falls to mums. But once I started interrogating the list, I noticed some issues. Not sure about your local supermarket but every item is about 25% more expensive where I live. 

Also, this depends on buying ready-made sauces and soups, rather than making from scratch. 

Now, I use it to make the plan that I can edit and then fill my cart online, opting for specials etc and managing to control the cost. It’s a new Sunday ritual. 

You can follow up and ask for recipes if needed. 

But when will there be a robot to push the swings? WHEN?! 

2. Writing short stories using my kids’ names and favourite things.

I asked: Can you write a story about a girl named Zoey and her unicorn, Pip. Make the story short with simple words a 5-year-old could read.

Zoey and Pip. 
One day, Zoey and Pip went to a park. 
There were trees and flowers. 
They saw a pond. 
Near it, a baby bird had fallen from its nest. 
Zoey said, "Don't worry, little bird. We'll help you."
Zoey made a nest for the baby bird. 
Pip used his magic horn to sing a song.
The baby bird's mummy came and saw her baby in the nest. 
She was happy. 
Zoey and Pip smiled.
The sun set.  
Zoey and Pip love to help. 
They were happy. 
The end.

Probably not going to win a Pulitzer, but it's a fun wind-down activity and I have since started asking to include details, like the names of Zoey’s friend, her favourite toy or a specific thing that happened that day. She is sufficiently awed. 

3. Writing songs about chores.

The pro tip I learned from watching the educators at daycare is to sing instructions. “Everybody come sit down” or “Everybody pack away.”
So I had high aspirations for a catchy melody I could sing that would elicit the same level of concentration as an episode of Cocomelon, but, channel that energy into picking up the mountain of mess we make on the daily. 

I asked: Write a short song about a boy named Elliott who cleaned up his toys. Make it two verses and one chorus.

(Verse 1)
Little Elliott, oh so neat,
Cleaning up his toys, what a treat.
He gathers them with care and pride,
Putting them away, side by side.

(Chorus)
Clean up, clean up, Elliott's on the go,
Tidying his room, watch his toys all in a row.
He sings a happy song as he goes,
Cleaning up his toys, that's how it goes.

(Verse 2)
Blocks and cars, scattered on the floor,
Elliott picks them up, no toys left to ignore.
He sweeps and wipes, making things shine,
Tidying up his room, it's looking fine.

(Chorus)
Clean up, clean up, Elliott's on the go,
Tidying his room, watch his toys all in a row.
He sings a happy song as he goes,
Cleaning up his toys, that's how it goes.

OK I am not a song writer, but I am 99% sure you can’t rhyme “goes” with “goes.” 

Also, this song sucks. 

We’re sticking to "Everybody pack away" for this one. 

Give it a try, share your AI wins and fails in the comments below. 

As women our bodies are constantly changing! Tell us about your experience and go in the running to win one of four $50 gift vouchers.