Games to play with kids when you’re tired

My little one is six weeks now. We’re getting between 2-4 wake ups, but this is always subject to change.

I also have two other children, who really don’t give a shit if I’m tired. They still want to play. I also don’t want them to feel pushed out by the new baby.

So, me and my husband have naturally found a few games we can play sitting down – or even better – laying down!

6 games to play with kids when you’re tired (or breastfeeding!)

Tattoo Parlour

Every party we go to we come home with a pack of tempoary tattoos. Last week, we set our 5 year old up with a sponge, a pack of tattoos, and a bowl of water. We let her go to town on us. Matt even had one on his head. This got us about 20 minutes of rest while still being part of a game.

Shape Hunt

For this game, I drew out 4 shapes on a piece of paper. I then tasked Ida with finding as many of the shapes as she could around the house. I was boob trapped at this point, but I helped her with the ones in the room we were in.

Doctors

Doctors is one of my favourite games to play with the girls. I get to sit down or lay down. I have cream rubbed into my hands, and asked how I am feeling. It’s wonderful.

Hair Salons

The girls had their hair cut recently so hair salons is quite the game at the moment. We get some of the many hair accessories and let them have a play with our hair. Matt once went on a video call with hair clips still in his hair.

Letter Hunt

This requires a little movement initially. Write letters A-Z on post it notes. One letter per post it. Then go around the house and hide each letter. Write all the letters on a piece of paper and send them on a mission to find all the letters on their list.

Father Christmas

Lie in bed and pretend to sleep. Your child or children have to deliver presents to your bed without waking you.