13 easy ways to play with your children when you are totally exhausted

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There are some days in motherhood – OK, let’s face it…many a day, when we just feel so utterly and totally exhausted. We can barely keep our eyes open, move our muscles, conjure up a sensible thought. Both our bodies and minds never knew that such a level of exhaustion was possible. And yet, the show must go on.

We might be sick or just doggone tired, and then our little darling’s face pops up into view, full of hope as they ask it we will play with them. How can we refuse them? Although we so desperately want to with every inch of our being. But then the guilt instantly pierces our hearts, and play we must.

For those times when you are feeling totally exhausted and burnt out but can not refuse the plea to play with your child or children, here are some handy ideas of things you can play whilst either blobbing on the sofa or lying on the floor which have saved my life many a time over:

Easy ways to play with your children when you are totally exhausted

  • Doctors and nurses – you are the perpetual patient so of course get to lie down!
  • Any game that you can lie on the floor doing – jigsaw puzzles, cars, trains and the like
  • Hairdressers/crazy hair designs – a good opportunity to sit down (while having your hair tugged!)
  • Drawing games – there are so many you can play many of which are pretty hilarious for both parent and child alike be inspired here
  • Hide and seek – hiding is a great opportunity for a rest if you can find a good hiding spot you can lie down in
totally exhausted
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  • Treasure/scavenger hunt – get them a list of things to find around the house while you stay put
  • Games where you sit down – like thumb wars, rock paper scissors, Simon Says etc
  • Musical statues – as long as you are the music controller you can do this from your sofa!
  • Mum and child yoga – find a floor based sequence you can both do and will help recharge your energy levels or try a fun Cosmic Kids Yoga video.
totally exhausted
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  • Finger/hand puppets – set up a theatre on the floor using an old box which you can lie down and bring your puppets to life through.
  • Bubbles – kids can spend hours chasing and bursting these. Even better if you have a bubble machine.
  • Teddy Bear’s picnic – a legitimate reason for everyone to be sprawled out on the floor if ever there was one.
  • Face pulling contest – hopefully the muscles in your face will not be as tired as the rest of your body!
  • Den building – have your child build a den or cosy corner then snuggle up together and read a book in it.

So next time you are feeling totally exhausted but don’t want to refuse your child’s invitation to play, why not try one of the above for a win-win situation?

Photo by cottonbro, Mikhail Nilov and  Artem Podrez from Pexels

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