Tired AF? Here Are 5 Games to Play with Your Kids when You Just Can’t Even

How can you find the energy to play with your kids when you can’t even find the energy for your own hobbies? Instead, try these easy tired AF games.

Let’s be real: being a parent is a full-time job with overtime, no weekends off, and forget about a PTO policy. One of the most exhausting aspects? Playing with your kids. Yes, it’s wonderful and heartwarming, and absolutely necessary to your child’s development. But sometimes, when you’re tired AF, the thought of another round of hide and seek is enough to make you want to hide in your own bed and not come out. So, what do you do when your kiddos are bouncing off the walls and you’re feeling like a zombie? Fear not because here’s a list of five games that are fun for the kids and easy on your tired soul.

Why Are Parents So Tired of Playing with Their Kids?

Before we dive into the magical list of low-effort, high-fun games, let’s talk about why we’re so exhausted in the first place. First off, we’re humans. Not superheroes, not robots. Humans who need sleep, quiet, and a break every now and then to fight off the parental burnout.

• Lack of Sleep: Kids don’t care about your sleep schedule. They wake up at ungodly hours, have nightmares, and refuse to nap when you desperately need a moment to yourself.
• Work: Whether you’re working from home or commuting, balancing a job and parenting is a monumental task. By the end of the day, your brain is mush.
• Never-Ending Chores: There’s always something to clean, something to fix, or something to find (because kids keep losing their own shoes).
• Mental Load: Keeping track of everything—from doctor’s appointments to school projects to whether or not you have enough milk for breakfast—is exhausting. Your brain never gets a break.
• Emotional Drain: Managing tantrums, sibling fights, and the general emotional needs of tiny humans is draining.

Being tired is completely normal, and it’s okay to admit that sometimes, you just can’t muster the energy for an intense play session. That’s where these games come in.

The Ultimate Tired AF Games List

1. The “Mummy” Game

Let’s get the obvious joke out of the way—no, this isn’t about your newfound identity as the living dead. This game involves lying down (yep, you heard that right). Have your kids pretend you’re an ancient mummy that needs to be wrapped up for a grand exhibit. Give them some toilet paper or crepe paper and let them go wild. They’ll be entertained, and you get to lie down. Win-win.

2. Coloring Contest

Bust out the coloring books and crayons. Have a friendly competition to see who can color their page the best. You don’t even have to get up from the couch. Plus, coloring is surprisingly relaxing, and it’s a creative outlet for the kids.

3. Animal Safari

Tell your kids the living room is a jungle and you’re on a safari. Your job? Be the lazy photographer. Sit back with your phone and snap “photos” of your little animals as they crawl, hop, and roar around. Bonus points for using an old fedora and a cheesy accent.

4. DIY Storytime

Grab a pile of your kids’ favorite books and have a cozy storytime session. Better yet, lie down and ask your kids to make up a story to tell you. They’ll love the creativity, and you get to rest your eyes and just listen. If you’re really tired, pretend you’re a publisher listening to their new book pitch.

5. Puzzle Time

Puzzles are fantastic because they engage your kids for a decent chunk of time, and you can sit and sip on that much-needed coffee. Spread out a big puzzle on the floor and watch your kids get absorbed in finding the right pieces. Your job is to occasionally say, “Good job!” or “Try that piece over there.”

Why These Games Are Better Than Typical Kid Games

So, why should you embrace these low-energy games over more active ones? Simple. They’re not just about giving you a much-needed break; they’re about fostering creativity, independence, and even some quiet time.

• Encourages Creativity: Games like “Mummy” and “DIY Storytime” let your kids use their imagination and come up with their own ideas. This is critical for their cognitive development.
• Promotes Independence: These games don’t need constant parental input. Kids learn to play more independently, which is a valuable life skill.
• Less Chaos: High-energy games often lead to overstimulation and, let’s face it, a messy house. These games keep things calm and controlled.
• Quality Time: Even when you’re tired, these games allow for meaningful interaction with your kids without you feeling like you’ve run a marathon.
• Restorative for Parents: You can actually recharge while playing these games. This means you’re less likely to snap or feel overwhelmed, making for a happier family dynamic.

Parenting Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

It’s okay to admit when you’re tired and need a break. These low-effort, high-reward games are perfect for those days when you’re just too exhausted to play another round of tag. They’re fun, engaging, and best of all, they allow you to rest while still being a super parent. So next time you’re feeling tired AF, try out one of these games and give yourself permission to relax. You deserve it.

Support Tired AF Playtime with These Three Books

^{Shaelyn Topolovec earned a BA in Editing and Publishing from BYU, worked on several online publications, and joined the Familius family. Shae is currently an editor and copywriter who lives in California’s Central Valley.}