Games to Play When You’re Wiped Out

Kids are energy vampires. Well they’re everything vampires. One thing at a time. Here are some things I like to do with my toddler when I’m drained is absolutely not.

1. Playing from the couch
   Sometimes I’ll bargain with the kid. I’ll tell him, “I’ll play with you, but you have to bring your toys over here.” He does it. If I’m too tired for even that, I’ll just narrate what HE’s doing with his toys, and he likes that too. It works especially well with his monster trucks because I get to do the monster jam announcer guy voice.  The couch itself can be its own world for the wandering doll or Hot Wheels car, too. Make your sofa part of the game.
2. Playing from bed
   This is especially good for lying down. Kiddo will play with his stuff on the floor by the corner of the bed, where I lean over and play from above. Probably doesn’t work for super high beds. In that case, you’ll have to get the little person up in bed with you and pretend it’s a boat.  Have your kid fish over the side of it while you again just narrate the story. Sillier the better. To keep them giggling means keeping them on the boat and you in bed. Have your little bird build a nest of pillows, or tunnel into the covers like a gopher.
3. Playing from your patio chair
   Trick your kid into feeding you grapes, fanning you, rubbing your feet, and being your server by telling them you’re playing “jobs” or something. Or act like it’s a teaching experience. Who cares as long as you’re getting pampered. Although lets be honest they’ll probably suck at it. Got to start training them some time!
4. Playing from the tub
   Expert level. Fill the bath up with something foamy and have a nice soak while toddler gets a sensory activity with the bubbles. You will be splashed.

 

Some other ideas, arts and crafts (something without a lot of clean up), board games, Play Doh, Simon Says, age appropriate mobile learning games, reading books, telling stories together, and one of my favorites: looking at old videos and baby pictures. Hopefully that eats up some time for you. Get some sleep