40 Tweets Getting Real About What It’s Like To Be A Parent In The Era Of Siri And Alexa

Parenting in the age of Siri and Alexa comes with a whole new set of awkward moments. Kids can ask a voice assistant almost anything, and sometimes they start treating those devices like the smartest adults in the room.

That shift can lead to funny, frustrating, and very relatable family moments, especially when children trust a virtual helper more than the people actually raising them. In this roundup, parents and kids alike get real about what happens when smart speakers become part of everyday life.

Some of these tweets are hilarious, and a few hit a little too close to home.

#1 Must say please.

armenberjikly

#2 Alexa, don't you dare!

BunAndLeggings

#3 A proud moment.

gfishandnuggets

#4 Set timer for 1 minute.

BunAndLeggings

#5 Poor Alexa.

HomeWithPeanut

#6 She doesn't have eyes!

PetrickSara

#7 An accurate list.

AngryRaccoon2

It's not all bad news, though. Parents still get to call the shots, so technology overuse can certainly be rectified.

"We get to decide how much and what kind of tech to allow in our homes," Molly said. "If the screen time status quo isn't working in your house, confidently make a change."

Molly says she has firm rules in place for her own children. "During the week, we only use digital entertainment after dinner, and we use it together," she said.

"We'll watch a family show or movie, but not every night. Other nights, we play board games, card games, or baseball or football outside."

"We have six kids, ages 12 and under," Molly said. "None of our kids have phones."

Molly acknowledges that her rules may not work for everyone, but she says they have improved her family's home life. "Certainly, this plan isn't ideal for every family, but eliminating daily video gaming and tablets has transformed the culture of our home in the best way."

#8 Alexa? Siri? Anyone?

ObiWanPunobi

#9 Seriously, what now?

RodLacroix

#10 Alexa, play outside.

simoncholland

#11 The answer is... never.

MumInBits

#12 How can I help?

momsense_ensues

#13 Hey Siri, do you know Santa?

simoncholland

#14 An understandable mistake.

momtransparent1

#15 That's a funny joke!

emiloewen

#16 Stop ignoring me!

sarcasticmommy4

#17 Precisely!

Lhlodder

#18 Ask Miss Siri.

Discourt

There's no denying that technology has a place in our lives, and it's essential for children to learn how to use it. It can have a positive effect, but it can also have a very negative impact on kids.

"Our family loves technology, but too much of it was bringing out the worst in our kids," Molly said. "Putting tech in its proper place in your home will require a little trial and error."

"But allowing kids to develop skills and habits outside of the digital world will yield dividends for their mental, emotional, and social well-being," Molly explained. "Interestingly, many tech giants are some of the most screen-restrictive parents!"

So, what is the best way to regulate screen time? Molly says the easiest way is to "relegate it to specific days and windows of time."

"In our house, we don't isolate and consume digital entertainment," she said. "If the kids only get a half-hour or an hour of video games per week, and it's always on Sundays, they won't even ask for it on the other days."

If the kids already know the answer will be "no," chances are they won't waste their time asking. "It's not even an option," Molly said.

"Good parents can have different screen time plans that suit their unique family," Molly said. "But whatever that plan is, create firm boundaries."

"In the long term, you'll find that your kids turn their boredom into opportunity. We also need to ditch the idea that our job is to entertain our kids."

"We are not...[truncated]

This is also like the AITA where someone considers skipping Thanksgiving dinner to protect their mental health from family chaos.

#19 It was an accident.

ParentNormal

#20 We get it, Siri!

pro_worrier_

#21 It's a concern.

DadandBuried

#22 She's not wrong.

Smethanie

#23 Mute!

RodLacroix

#24 Hey Siri, where do babies come from?

BabySideburns

#25 Seems like a reasonable question.

outsmartedmommy

#26 Her real-life assistant.

storiesofamom

#27 She knows what I mean.

Pork_Chop_Hair

Molly suggests trying a "tech fast" to get kids motivated to engage in other activities. "Invite them to sit with you and create a list of fun activities to try during the fast," she said.

"Go for a walk, ride bikes, play a board game, write a letter, write a story, or do a puzzle. Roll up your sleeves to get them started, then watch where they gravitate when they have free time."

"Feed those interests. Budding artist? Grab some new colored pencils and a fresh sketch pad. Potential bookworm? Head to the library. Building enthusiast? Grab some Legos."

Molly says encouraging a child's personal interests is very important. "Feed their interests and talents, and watch your amazing kids blossom!" she said.

#28 She deserved it.

TheRealDratch

#29 Siri knows all.

UnfilteredMama

#30 Just another confused family member.

ogbrenna

#31 We don't have Alexa.

msemilymccombs

#32 Thanks, Alexa!

mom_tho

#33 Stop being mean to Alexa.

BunAndLeggings

#34 Part of the family.

mommajessiec

#35 A fair point.

HonestToddler

virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa can be beneficial for families. "When used appropriately, these tools can enhance learning and engagement," he states on his website, michaelthompson-phd.com. "They can help children explore their interests, like asking questions about their favorite characters or even telling jokes." He also notes that these devices can assist with homework, saying, "If kids have a question about science or need help with pronunciation, turning to a virtual assistant can be a great resource." He concludes, "The convenience they offer often outweighs the potential risks, provided parents set appropriate boundaries."

#36 You're welcome.

daddydoinwork

#37 Don't listen to them.

AndyHerald

#38 Alexa, help a girl out.

pro_worrier_

#39 Hey Aunt Siri!

mommy_cusses

#40 Add to cart.

lifeattiffanys

So, what's your take on technology for kids? Do you think it's necessary to place strict boundaries on tech use, or do you think technology use (and overuse) is no big deal?

It's true, technology is indeed extremely valuable to a child's education, and it's essential for them to learn in today's tech-savvy era. However, it's also crucial for kids to learn about real life and how to communicate with real people in real situations.

It has been found that less screen time in the toddler years corresponds to lower rates of ADHD by the age of 7. Hands-on play and learning to read books are as important-if not more so-as learning to use technology.

It's something that each parent needs to determine for themselves and their children, but it's an inescapable problem in today's society. Technology is here to stay, and so are Siri and Alexa!

Want more boundary drama? Read the AITA about an overbearing sister-in-law intruding in family affairs.