Mom Finds 'Best Use' of ChatGPT for Her Kids

Newsweek

18-07-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A California mom is going viral after revealing how she uses ChatGPT—and parents are desperate to steal the idea.
Holly Blakey posted a reel on Instagram (@breathing.room.home) showing viewers how the AI bot turns family photos into printing coloring pages within seconds.
The text overlay reads: "The best use of ChatGPT I've ever seen."
Split view of screenshot of Holly Blakey's iPhone camera roll (left) and her child coloring (right).
Split view of screenshot of Holly Blakey's iPhone camera roll (left) and her child coloring (right).
@breathing.room.home
"I saw some kids coloring pages like this at a swim meet," the 40-year-old told Newsweek when asked how the idea came about.
By uploading a photo from her camera roll, she asked ChatGPT to "turn this into a coloring page."
Seconds later, it created a clean, black-and-white version ready to be printed and colored in by her kids.
While many people use AI tools for work or productivity, Blakey's ChatGPT usage has always centered on parenting.
"The only other times I used ChatGPT were for curating a bedtime story for my 5-year-old and also creating an allowance contract for my 11-year-old," the mom of three said.
When her kids saw the coloring pages, they were delighted.
"They couldn't believe it," Blakey told Newsweek. "My little one asked if I had ordered it. Then I showed her how I did it on my phone and she wanted to create a bunch in different variations—cartoon style, with bows, etcetera. There's so much you can do with the prompts!"
The first batch of coloring pages were gifted on Father's Day for Blakey's husband to hang up at his office.
"We also printed some out for the grandpas who were so amazed that we were able to create them at home," she said. "We print some out each week to take to swim meets to color. Kids love them."
Blakey's reel has been viewed 4.8 million times and Instagram users are obsessed with the idea.
"This is absolutely amazing!" one user wrote.
"This is genius! Thanks for the idea! Just made a bunch of pages for the kids to color for their dad and grandfathers!" another wrote.
Other users on the other hand, were quick to point out that ChatGPT consumes a significant energy and raised concerns about the environment.
"People don't realize how much energy it takes to use AI for stuff like this. Yes it's fun and cool, but is it worth it?" a third user questioned.
Blakey acknowledged the mixed response online. "I've seen a few comments that were positive; others, have a bone to pick. I mainly stay away from looking at comments all together. It helps that I work and have three kids—it doesn't allow me much time to care," she said.