As a stay-at-home mom to two little ones, aged five and three, I often feel pressured to engage in playtime since I’m with them all day. They constantly ask me to join in their games, but honestly, it feels like a chore. I dread the endless dictation from my daughter about how to play or the physical exhaustion of crawling and chasing after my son—activities I never enjoyed as a child myself. It’s not that I don’t want to cherish these moments with them; it’s just that the type of play they crave feels draining. This leads to a heavy dose of mom guilt because I think I should enjoy it. What can I do?
Trust me, you are not alone in this feeling. As a mom of four, I can assure you that playing isn’t something I miss from their early years. It can be hard to have fun when your child is telling you exactly how to play or when you’re on the floor, all you can think about is how much you need to vacuum.
Finding Enjoyable Activities
One approach I found helpful was identifying activities I could enjoy more. For instance, I loved the little doctor kit they had. I would lie on their bed while they pretended to examine me with their toy tools. I could close my eyes for a few minutes while they were happily occupied—definitely a win-win! I also enjoyed “playing restaurant,” where I’d sit back and let them serve me snacks from their toy kitchen. Another favorite was when they painted pictures on my back using dry brushes. I could guess what they were drawing while taking a mini-nap; it was delightful!
Delegating Playtime
Another strategy was to find relatives or friends who loved playing and could take over the role of playmate. I was fortunate to have a fun-loving brother who enjoyed wrestling and a partner who could handle horsey rides. Did I delegate some of that playtime? Absolutely!
Quality Time Beyond Play
Lastly, I sought out quality time that didn’t revolve around traditional play. We took walks, baked cookies, read books, or watched funny animal videos online. They still got my attention, and we all enjoyed it more. Honestly, how fun would I have been as a playmate when I was secretly dreading it? You can’t maintain a façade of excitement forever.
Having been there myself, I can assure you that a lack of playtime does not harm your relationship. What truly matters is that your kids feel your presence. It’s less about the activities and more about the time spent together. For more insights on home insemination and parenting, check out this helpful blog post that dives deeper into navigating these feelings.
If you’re looking to explore home insemination options, Cryobaby is a great resource. Additionally, if you’d like to learn more about intrauterine insemination, this Cleveland Clinic article is an excellent resource.
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In summary, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by playtime demands as a parent. Finding ways to engage with your kids that feel enjoyable to you is key. Remember, the most important thing is the quality of the time spent together, not necessarily the activities you choose.
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