Hey, They Call Me Connie…

If you’re a solo parent, congratulations! You’re simultaneously the CEO, janitor, chauffeur, chef, and emotional support system of your household. You don’t have the luxury of outsourcing bedtime negotiations to a partner, nor do you have a spare set of hands to turn off the lights after collapsing into bed. This is where smart home devices step in: because if technology can replace your ex (or at least your ex’s ability to turn off the lights), then I say, let it.

Top Budget-Friendly Smart Devices: Because Kids Are Expensive Enough

Look, I get it. You didn’t choose the solo parent; it chose you. And with it comes the financial burden of keeping another human alive while somehow avoiding ramen-based meals every night. Thankfully, the smart home gods have blessed us with budget-friendly options that make life easier without requiring a second mortgage.

1. Smart Plugs: The Magical On/Off Switch for the Overworked

Kasa smart plugs are like having an obedient butler that never judges your life choices. Need to turn off the TV after your kid has “accidentally” watched an extra hour of YouTube? Done. Want to schedule your coffee maker to start brewing the moment your alarm goes off because mornings are a battlefield? Also done. A set of the Kasa Smart Plugs costs around $19-$30 on Amazon, which is cheaper than the therapy you’ll need if you keep doing everything manually.

2. Voice Assistants: The Co-Parent You Deserve

There are two types of people: those who own a voice assistant and those who haven’t yet realized they need one. As a solo parent, this device isn’t just a convenience—it’s an ally. Google Nest Mini and Amazon Echo Dot are both solid choices, with prices hovering around $30-$50 (aka, cheaper than one DoorDash order you swear you won’t make again). These devices can:

• Set timers so you don’t burn dinner (again).

• Answer your kid’s 500 daily questions so you don’t have to pretend to know the capital of every country.

• Play music to drown out tantrums (yours or theirs).

3. Smart Doorbells: Because You Don’t Have Time for Surprise Visitors

Ever had a solicitor ring the doorbell just as you finally got your kid to sleep? Enter the Google Nest Doorbell, a gift from the universe that lets you screen your doorstep like a VIP club bouncer. You can see who’s there and decide whether to answer or pretend you’re in the middle of a Very Important Solo Parent Crisis (which, let’s be real, you probably are). These run about $150-$180, but if they save you from just one unexpected in-law pop-in, they’ve paid for themselves.

How These Devices Save Time and Energy (a.k.a. How I Keep My Sanity)

The best part about smart home tech is that it makes everyday life slightly less chaotic. My lights turn off when I say, “Goodnight,” which feels powerful. My doorbell helps me avoid awkward conversations. And my voice assistant reminds me of appointments before I miss them, preventing yet another panicked scramble to the pediatrician’s office.

Solo parenting is a lot, but smart home devices help even the odds. And if my Google Nest Hub ever learns how to make a grilled cheese, I may just propose.