The Idea

A few weeks ago, I decided to experiment with something small but personal: automating how I keep track of my sons schoolwork. Like most parents, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve asked, “Do you have any homework?” — only to find out later that a task was due the next day. He had in fact missed two deadlines in the past term. It wasn’t about micromanaging him; it was about helping him build better habits, while giving me peace of mind.

The Automation

The setup is simple. Each morning, an automation checks my sons school portal for upcoming assignments, due dates, and completed tasks. It then compiles a short daily summary — and sends it to me.

That’s it. No dashboards, no complex interfaces. Just a clear, concise update that tells me exactly what’s on his plate.

By being notified directly, I can stay across his schoolwork without hovering over him. It means I can see when something’s at risk of being missed and gently prompt him before it becomes a last-minute scramble. It also lets me have a more supportive role, rather than a reactive one.

The Impact

This tiny piece of automation has changed more than I expected. Mornings are calmer. There’s no back-and-forth about homework. He knows I’m aware of what’s due, and I know he’s on top of it.

It’s also changed how I think about AI. We often associate automation with improving productivity, cutting costs, or managing business processes — but what about using it to improve our personal routines?

AI doesn’t have to feel “corporate.” It can live quietly in the background of our homes, helping us manage the invisible load — the small, repetitive, often forgotten tasks that chip away at our time and attention.

Everyday AI in Action

This project reminded me why I love working with automation. The technology itself isn’t the magic — it’s what happens when you apply it thoughtfully to real life.

If AI can check my son’s homework, it can just as easily:

• Remind you to water the garden when rain isn’t forecast.
• Monitor your fridge and add items to a shopping list when you’re running low.
• Keep track of bills or appointments before they slip past.

These are the quiet, practical ways that AI can make life smoother — not by replacing effort, but by removing friction.

The Bigger Picture

For me, this experiment wasn’t just about schoolwork. It was about understanding how automation fits into our everyday lives in a human way. It showed that AI doesn’t need to be grand or complicated to be powerful.

Sometimes, the real value of technology is in helping us reclaim a little more time and calm — to spend less of our day chasing reminders, and more of it being present.

That’s what the future of AI should look like: not loud or intimidating, but quietly helpful, woven into the fabric of our lives, making things just a bit easier, one small automation at a time.