Bring order to the chaos with help from Google
Want to keep the household running smoothly during the break? Google can help with that.
Google Home is your secret to thriving, not just surviving, when school's out for the kids.
There’s nothing quite as magical to kids as the words “no school.” For parents, it’s not as simple: The disruption of routines, the constant demand for activities, and the juggle of work and childcare can leave even the most mentally prepared parent feeling overwhelmed. Google Home is here to help – think personal assistant, camp counselor, and DJ all rolled into one. Here's how you can make the most of your smart home to stay organized, provide some much-needed structure, and even remind you to actually leave the house once a while.
Shared Family Calendar
No more double-booking or missed practices
Field trips, playdates, swimming lessons, and more. Make sure everyone is on the same page (and in the right place!) by sharing your family calendar so it’s easily accessible on your compatible smart displays and speakers.
Tasks
Let Google keep track of your to-dos
Prioritize making memories, not wrangling to-do lists. Quickly add tasks or reminders as they occur to you, and just as quickly move on to something more fun. They’ll automatically sync to your Google Tasks so you can stay organized without missing a beat.
Timers
An oldie but a goodie to keep the peace
The classic lifesaver for managing screen time, transitioning between activities, or even those inevitable sibling squabbles. Every parent knows the power of the timer; with Google Home, setting one up any time you need it is as easy as saying “Hey Google.”
Get out and about with Nest Wifi & Fitbit
Kids are often happiest when they're outside in the sun and fresh air. Nest Wifi and Fitbit can help get them there.
Family Wi-Fi
Sunshine over screen time
Need to peel everyone away from screens? Family Wi-Fi is a parental control feature that lets you pause the Internet to any device on your Nest Wifi Pro, Nest Wifi, and Google Wifi networks. Schedule Internet time-outs in advance or pause Wi-Fi access on demand to encourage the whole family to head outdoors for a backyard adventure.
Fitbit Ace LTE
Move more. Play more.
Fitbit Ace LTE is designed to get kids moving with daily goals and games that reward them for being active. And with its LTE data plan, kids can still stay in touch with calls and messaging - no Wi-Fi required.1
Automations
Put the fun in fundamentals with automations
Smart home automations help your household maintain structure. But they can also be a lot of fun. It's easy to set up automations in the Google Home app. If you're looking for something more advanced, the script editor on Google Home for web allows for even more customization.2
Naptime wind down
Naps can be a daily challenge with your toddler. Make sure the odds are always in your favor with an automation that closes the blinds and turns on the night light at the same time each day to help your little one wind down.2
Naptime cheat code
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2pm
Repeats every day
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Noah’s room blinds
Close 100%
Nightlight
Turn on
Play white noise
Noah’s Nest Mini
Help me script
Try entering this prompt into the script editor’s “Help me script” panel:
Everyday at 2pm if I’m home,
close the blinds in Noah’s room, turn on the night light, and play white noise on the speaker.
Clean-up countdown
Tidying up and putting toys away at the end of each day isn’t everyone’s idea of fun. But it can be. Why not set an automation to encourage kids to race to clean up and get to the dinner table first?2 The winner gets a prize, like extra dessert or the chance to choose the after-dinner board game.
The clean-up game
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6pm
Monday - Friday
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Kids' room lights
Flash 3 times
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“Clean-up challenge time! Get ready!”
Kids’ Room Nest Audio
Play Kids’ Music playlist
Kids’ Room Nest Audio
Help me script
Try entering this prompt into the script editor’s “Help me script” panel:
At 6pm on weekdays, flash the kids’ room lights 3 times, broadcast “Clean up challenge time! Get ready!” and play the Kids’ Music playlist
Dance break
Want to relieve the stress of a long day? When you can see a squabble brewing, or the kids are about to climb the walls, kick start an impromptu dance party to lift the mood.2 It's a surefire way to encourage everyone to let loose, dance, and shake out the sillies together.
Instant dance party
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“Hey Google, let’s get dancey!”
Custom query
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Living room lights
Turn on, set to purple
Play Dance Break playlist
Living room speakers
Help me script
Try entering this prompt into the script editor’s “Help me script” panel:
When I say “Hey Google, let’s get dancey!,” set the living room lights to purple and play my dance break playlist.
Now you're ready to dive in
Google Home isn't just a smart home platform; it's your partner in parenting, your source of fun, and your ticket to a break filled with laughter, connection - and maybe even some precious moments of peace and quiet.
Get inspired
Explore how Google Home brings more comfort, safety and convenience to your everyday life.
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1
Google Account and Ace Pass data plan required. Works with most phones running Android 11.0 or newer or iOS 15 or newer. Requires parent’s help and Wi-Fi for setup. Setup for users under 13 requires parent and child Google Accounts and parent’s use of Fitbit Ace app on parent’s compatible phone. See g.co/fitbitace/info for more information. Fitbit Ace Pass is a paid data plan that is required to access most features. Compatible LTE service (included with paid data plan) not available on all carrier networks or in all areas. LTE service, speed and performance depend on many factors including, but not limited to, carrier network capabilities, device configuration, network traffic, data use, location, signal strength and signal obstruction. Roaming not included. Actual results may vary.
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2
Home automations require additional enrollment and setup, and depend on working internet, Wi-Fi and service availability from Google and third parties that manufacture devices included in the automations. Requires a compatible smart device.