Having small children is exhausting. They have so much more energy than we do. To burn off that energy, we take ours on hikes or swimming or have family dance parties. But then I often say to my husband:
“Tire out the children and you tire out yourself“
But a post I read recently reminded me of some ideas of how to play with your children when you also really, really want to lie down with your eyes closed.
So I present to you: “10 Fun Games for Young Children with Exhausted Parents” – in order of when you’re most tired to least tired
Reverse Bedtime
- Reverse bedtime – the kids get to put you to bed. Here’s what you do:
-Lay down in your bed (the most magical instructions of all)
-The kids are in charge of putting you to sleep, they need to bring you blankets and sing you lullabies and tell you a story.
-You can really get into character by asking for water or a bedtime snack or “just three more stories!”
2. Visit the Doctor/Dentist
Besides boxes, rocks and sticks, if it doesn’t have a screen, my kids next most favorite toy is flashlights. For this game you:
-Give the children any flashlights you have in the house
-Lay down on the floor or couch with your eyes closed
-Kids take turns shining a flashlight into your open mouth, into your ears, etc.
-They can also use any doctor kit supplies you may have around.
If your kids are anything like mine, be ready for some hard truths: “Mommy, why are your teeth more yellow than Daddy’s?”
3. What’s on my butt? / What’s on my stomach?
I saw this idea on Say Yes who got it from the Longest Shortest Time podcast (and it inspired this whole blog post of ideas).
-Choose if you’d rather lay on your stomach or your back, eyes closed, no peeking.
-The kids have to slooowly choose objects around the house that they will then either place on your stomach or your butt and you have to guess what they are.
-Take your time guessing.
4. Light show
Flashlights are really wonderful toys. Here’s another idea with them (Pink Floyd soundtrack in the background is optional).
-Turn all the lights off.
-Lay on your back, this time, eyes are open.
-Give the kids flashlights.
-They are in charge of creating a light show on the ceiling, finger shadows are encouraged.
5. Measurement game
-Give the children a ruler and/or measuring tape.
-Lay down with your eyes closed.
-The children are responsible for measuring how tall you are and how long your different body parts are.
If they’re old enough, they can also fill out a data log on you. (ex. Mommy’s feet are 8 inches long, Daddy’s nose is three inches long).
6. Day Spa
-Give the children your hairbrush, and any hair accessories you have on hand.
-Lay back on the couch with your eyes closed.
-They are in charge of brushing and fixing your hair.
-Ooh and ahh when they are done.
7. Guessing Game
-Lay down on your stomach with your eyes closed.
-Have the children trace different letters or shapes on your back.
-You have to guess what they are drawing.
Variation: You can also ask the children to walk on your back.
My niece walking on my husband and sister-in-laws backs one past Thanksgiving visit.
8. Scavenger Hunt
This game may involve a little pre-planning and some talking.
-Give the children a bag and a list of 10 things they need to find around the house (ex. something red, something fuzzy, something magnetic).
-Lay on your back with your eyes closed telling them you are going to count to 200.
-Children need to run around finding all the objects and can’t come back until they’ve found all of them or you reach 200.
9. Art Studio
-Give the children some art supplies, tell them you are going to be a “still life.”
-Lay down with your eyes closed. (The children can feel free to add props on top of you).
-Have the children draw your portrait.
-Hang it up on the fridge when done.
Variation: If you don’t mind getting messy, give the children washable markers to draw on you (another variation is giving children makeup to apply on your face).
10. Erupting volcano
(Requires some movement)
-Lay on your back with your eyes closed.
-The kids are responsible for covering you with as many pillow and blankets they can find in the house.
-When you’re good and covered – ERUPT – and all the pillows and blankets go flying.
-Repeat until they tire of the game.
Be prepared for the children to want a turn as well.
If you are too tired to move, but still want to play with your kids, I hope you find these games helpful.
😉