If you’re a mid-career parent, you already know this part: work has quietly become more mental than it used to be.
Writing emails. Explaining decisions. Documenting things “just in case.” Thinking through problems when you’re already tired. Doing all of that while juggling kids, life admin, and a brain that never really shuts off.
This page is for people who suspect AI could help, but don’t know where to start and don’t want to feel talked down to.
What you’ll get
Five short emails over five weeks. Each one shows you how to use AI for a specific situation:
- Getting past the blank page when you’re stuck
- Writing something firm without sounding like a jerk
- Handling customer support without losing your mind
- Getting the tone right when you’re frustrated
- Using AI safely at work
No hype. No jargon. No homework. Take what’s useful and ignore the rest.
One email per week. Unsubscribe anytime.
Is this for you?
Yes, if: You’re a parent in the middle of your career, you don’t work in tech, you write a lot and are tired of staring at blank screens, and you want practical examples instead of theories.
No, if: You want to master every AI tool, you enjoy productivity hype, or you’re looking for prompts to copy-paste and forget. If this is you, I suggest LinkedIn.
Who’s behind this
I’m Michael. I’m a marketer in Toronto with two teenage boys.
I’ve been using AI since it became accessible because it helps me think more clearly when my head is already full. I’ve tested what works, filtered out what doesn’t matter, and figured out where the risks actually are.
AI is here to stay. You’re going to have to jump in the pool sooner or later. This series will teach you how to swim.
You’re not behind. You’re just overloaded.
This series is part of Like a Dad, where I write about parenting teenagers, life in Toronto, and navigating modern work without losing your mind.
Getting Started with AI Tools
These posts cover the basics—what AI can actually do for parents and how to use it without the hype.
- What AI Actually Does for Parents (And What It Doesn’t) – The honest breakdown of where AI helps and where it’s just noise.
- Parents Did Things Before AI – A reminder that we weren’t always helpless. Context before you dive in.
- The AI Cheat Sheet for Parents Who Don’t Speak Tech – Plain language explanations without the jargon.
- Can ChatGPT Solve Your Meal Planning Struggles? – I tested it for a week. Here’s what worked.