Caption: I’m a parent and this is what I really want to ask Alexa to do

Amazon Echo is a new addition to my house.

The kids have been asking for one for months because they loved chatting with Alexa at our friends’ homes.

Their favourite questions are things like ‘Alexa, can you make fart noises’ and ‘Alexa, how are you today?’

They are still young, but it is just a matter of time before they become more tuned in to the incredible things Alexa can do.


Meanwhile, for all the parents out there who are home alone and need a hand with the kids, here are some useful commands for Alexa.

Alexa, ask Silly Things to tell me how to do something silly

This one is great for when the kids are in a funk and wont snap out of it.



Watching a parent being silly normally works.

Alexa, what’s the weather like?

I need to know this before we leave the house every day.

With no time to study the weather forecast, Alexa comes in handy here.

Alexa, flip a coin

This one is ideal for sorting out an argument between the kids.

Alexa, how deep is the ocean?

All those homework questions that stump you? Ask Alexa; she will be your personal tutor.

Alexa, flatter me

Being a parent can be a thankless job, Alexa will give you a boost on those days when you feel exhausted and the kids are being ungrateful.

Alexa, open the Magic Door

This is a choose-your-own-adventure skill that young people will love.

The stories come with interactive sounds, choices, characters, and more. It’s perfect for bedtime as the kids have to be silent to hear what is coming next.

Alexa, ask Laugh Box for a baby laugh

This is guaranteed to make the kids laugh and get the whole family giggling.

There are multiple options, from baby laughs to more sinister options.

Alexa, start sheep count

Ideal for bedtime.

It may not get the kids to sleep, but it will help them to wind down at the end of the day.

Alexa, start the bedtime audio book for 30 minutes

This should just be long enough for you to enjoy a glass of wine and the kids to fall asleep.

Alexa can’t do everything yet but there are definitely some commands that parents everywhere wish could exist. For example:

Alexa, when the kids ask you to put on the TV, ask them to tidy their rooms first please

Alexa, repeat after me: Jack, did you brush your teeth? Say this 20 times and then follow this by saying, tell me the truth

Alexa, next time the kids ask me to buy something, respond by saying do you think mummy is made of money?

Alexa, when they ask for the TV to be turned on, please tell them not to sit that close, it will ruin their eyes.

What skill do you wish Alexa could have?

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