Pandemic or not parenting is exhausting, right? However, no matter how dead tired you are, kids expect little time of yours. “Mommy (or Daddy) play with me” a common phrase in many families. Saying a polite no to their request often ends up in a disappointing cry followed by guilt and upsetting both parents-child. Not a great scenario, we would agree. A parent who spent another sleepless night handling infant, juggling home and work almost loses sanity. Another parent who just walked inside the home is bombarded with this play request too. Playing with energetic kids when you are drained out is no way fun. Exhausted parents, we hear you!
Why child seeks “play with me, mommy”?
Children are wired to seek parents, especially during the younger days. They seek comfort, love, and care. As the child grows, their dependencies on parents or caregivers reduce. However, they would still need their parents or primary caregivers.
The words “mommy play with me” often can be translated as connect with me, mommy. Maybe it has been a while since the child has cuddled and received kind warmth from you. The time span and energy vary with each child.
For example, a child Shiv joins kindergarten and is excited. He enters the classroom holding his father’s hand. Once he sees toys and other kids, he quickly leaves the parent and starts exploring the new environment. In another scenario, Akhil too joined the same kindergarten pleasingly. After entering the classroom, he continues holding his father’s hand, observes the setup for a long time, and slowly picks a toy.
Two kids almost the same age and in the same environment yet they respond differently. Yet, both of them would seek their parents after some time. Maybe one sooner than earlier or anything, you can never predict.
Scientifically, play has immense benefits. It helps in the wholesome development of the child. However, parents do not need to spend or invest every waking moment with the child. Give them space to be on their own on a safe premise. If this made you curious, do read “Every child needs alone time” and “My child won’t leave me alone! What to do?”.
At our home, we are huge fans of play. But there are days where we, both parents are drop-dead tired. We want to play anything that does not involve movement. And if you are a parent like us, this resonates with you, this list of ideas is designed for you.
Games for all exhausted parents with energetic kids
1. Video call grandparents or any favorite person.
Grandparents are kid’s favorite people. They have limitless love and patience for their grandkids. This is a lifesaver. With pandemic around for over a year technology is the only way to stay connected with our loved ones living far. Video calls are a brilliant way to connect during this crisis and express our emotions, thoughts. If not grandparents, video call anyone who is the child’s favorite. Let it be a cousin, uncle, aunt, friend, and also help.
2. Bring out puzzles
Being a mother to a puzzle-loving boy we do have some best puzzle set right from the first year till now. On most toy rotation days, that usually happens in a fortnight. At least one puzzle gets dug out and gets loved for days. On a tired evening, one way to unwind is to bring out the puzzles, grab a coffee, and watch the child solve and give input when asked.
One mom-hack on my sleeve, mix 2 or more puzzles and let child identify, sort them and solve.
3. Board games
Another easiest game for family to unwind. We all know, board games help in learning. It helps in developing logic , enhances critical thinking, encourages communication and memory -cognitive skills. We just have to play, laugh out loud and enjoy the moment.
4. Water play
Once a friend suggested give them a mug of water and read a book without interruptions. True to her words, and adding little fun. Keep these handy on your tired days,
- Bubbles. Making one with soap and little water lasts for hours.
- Clean your toys. Little bubbly soap water and dump few toys. Done! Our 4 years old do a decent cleaning job of his scooter and bicycle. Aside from play they are also getting responsible.
- Paper boats. We grew up floating paper boats during monsoon rains. However, we can have a little paper boat fun at home too. Direct kids to make paper boats and let them observe/play/giggle. Recently our 4 years old turned one lazy tired afternoon into science time. As he decided it was time to observe sink or float. Of course, we were not going to say no as we sat lazily near the balcony and he explores for long.
A pet sleeve trick for parents with toddlers, add another bowl, spoon, and old sheet to the list. Spread out the old sheet and give the items. They would explore for a good time while learning fine-and-gross motor skills. The same trick works well with dry kitchen essentials like chickpeas too. In the Montessori world, it is wet and dry transfer.
5. Scavenger hunt
On days with low energy turn into pirates. Ahoy! Sit comfortably on your couch as ask child to hunt something …
- Something that makes sound
- Something that smells nice
- Something that you love
- Something that makes you happy
- Something that is square
- Something that is smaller than your thumb….
6. Pretend play
Our favorite one is doctor and patient. So, momma got cold and the little doctor is the only one to help. If not that, we play café business. Our exhausted parents visit the café and enjoy all the wooden/plastic food served. No one ever has got a sick tummy after drinking hours of pretend coffee in a plastic cup, right?
7. Pillow forts
Fort’s fun can never be out of trend. Grab few pillows, chairs, sheets, anything that kids grab, and make a fort. Most of the time, after a fort is created our child stays busy pretending fort maintainer and organizer.
8. Carton box
No wonder we save a big carton box for a day like this. Empower kids with crayons, color pens, stickers, glue, and other art supplies. Let them create some masterpieces. Oh, you might have already noticed how little crawling babies love toy box more than the toy.
9. Legos and other building blocks
Though I hate to step on a Lego, ouch, but that’s one toy that leaves me sane for hours. We have seen hundreds of planes, thousands of trucks-car models, and spaceships zooming around. We lay an open invitation on a tiring day if our child would like to join instead of movement. And most times, it’s accepted.
10. Stars and moon
For this, we need a stary night. A 90’s kid knows how clear skies used to be. During summer holidays my cousins and I would lay flat on rooftops or terraces to watch stars. We would imagine spotting deer, houses, monsters in the sky. Though we live in a city and stary nights have slim chances. We often take mats to the rooftop and lay down to watch clouds, twinkling stars, and record the moon’s phase.
Later we ask if he is feeling calm or what was best part of day and he pours out his thoughts. All we have to do is keep gadget away and listen to him.
Dear parents, we are imperfect and our children just need us. Not the perfect version we once imagined or dream of. Keep moments like these to connect with your child on a deeper level. Be your child’s listening partner.
Happy Parenting!!!
Good one ya. Not only are they fun, but very informative for expecting