The rule behind this: fix the routine first, then add AI. Most of a busy week doesn't need AI at all. It needs fewer steps, or a plain rule.
The four buckets
Delete
The step only looks busy. Nothing gets worse if you stop doing it.
Plain rules
No judgement needed. A checklist, an alarm, a fixed place or a calendar can do it.
AI
It needs some judgement, and the risk is low. An adult uses the AI and checks the result.
Parent decides
The stakes are high. Anything about feelings, health, safety or a big choice stays with you.
How to do it, in four steps
- Pick one routine. Start small, for example a homework evening or a Sunday reset.
- Write down every step, in order. Don't judge them yet. Include the small ones, like "ask three times".
- Put each step in one bucket. If you can't decide between two, pick the one that asks for more of you.
- Act in this order: delete first, then write the plain rules, then try AI on what is left. The rest stays with you.
A worked example: a homework evening
Here is one routine, sorted. Yours will look different, and that is fine.
| Step | Bucket | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Re-copy the timetable by hand every night | Delete | One copy on the wall does the same job. |
| Check three message groups for what's due | Delete | Pick one place for homework news, and leave the others. |
| Remind your child to start | Plain rules | An alarm at the same time each day. No judgement needed. |
| Pack the bag for tomorrow | Plain rules | A checklist by the door. |
| Make 10 extra practice questions on today's topic | AI | It needs some judgement and the risk is low. An adult checks every answer first. |
| Turn a long worksheet into a short checklist | AI | An adult reads the result against the original before using it. |
| Decide whether to push on or stop when your child is tired | Parent decides | It depends on your child, and the stakes are high. |
| Talk about a hard day | Parent decides | This is about feelings. It stays with you. |
Result: two steps deleted, two turned into plain rules, two handed to AI with an adult check, and two kept. The evening has fewer steps, and the ones left are the ones that matter.
Print the worksheet
Print it, pick a routine, and fill it in with a pen. Tick one bucket for each step.
Next: make a learning game with AI for the steps you put in the AI bucket, or compare 131 international schools. Why I work this way.