What to do with kids when you are SO TIRED?

[flatstanley72]

Looking for ideas on what to do with the kids on days like today when I am SO TIRED. I have an almost-5-yo DD and 2-yo DS. I am up a lot in the night with DS, so am often really tired during the day. We are starting to nightwean, so I'm hoping that will improve soon. I just don't have much energy to do a lot during the day and my kids are high-needs. They don't play well without my direct involvement. DD wants me to pretend play all the time and they are fighting all the time if I try to do anything other than play with them. Any ideas would welcome!

[Natalie12]

I like to read to mine anyway, but it's an especially nice low key activity when I'm tired. Bring out the playdough. That usually works well to keep kids that age entertained without too much parental involvement. Some people also like to do do books on CDs for their kids, and that might work well for you.

Let's see...what else...invite friends over so your kids will have someone else to play with, taking the pressure off you. Make it a friend that you know well so you don't worry about having a spotless house before they come over. 

[anjsmama]

I second the playdough (well, actually we use clay because of wheat issues, but you know)... my DS (3 y/o this week) wants me to DIRECTLY play with him 24/7. I have a lot of medical issues going on right now so I keep the clay hidden for the days I am just SO TIRED. He will do clay on his own sometimes for nearly an hour.... the only thing in his whole life he does for that span of time! Clay, reading to him, coloring "with" him, and then earlier-than-usual naptime is how I handle the SO TIRED days.... just had one today!

Also, I don't know if your 5 y/o naps at all, but if you take them to a park that is relatively safe where they can have a bit of free-range in the AM, you can kind of sit & watch, and it will wear them out for an after-lunch nap and you can lay down too! My mom still did nap days with me occasionally at 5 & 6 years old, and looking back, I guess it was because SHE was tired. Sometimes I slept, sometimes I read. Either way I was safe and content and she was resting. 

[Magali]

Mine are 9 months and 4 years.  I set my 4 year old up with a movie when I am really tired.  A nice quiet one like Land Before Time or something.  Usually he'll sit and watch quietly.  Worse case senario he wants to jump all around me with movie commentary.  And also, about the night weaning...I fully weaned ds when he was 2.5 and he started sleeping through the night!!!  So I hope it happens for you too. 

[OkiMom]

When Im exhausted Ive been known to stick a movie in for the older two while i lay down with the youngest. Usually for 30-45 minutes so I can close my eyes. I do it once or twice a month and I have no guilt over it. Im taking care of them 24/7 and no one is made to be on call 24/7 for months on end. Sometimes those movie times is the only thing that saves me from losing it. Ive also been starting quiet time for them. They go into their room for 20-30 minutes and look at books or play quietly. Its not easy to teach (Ive been working on it for months) but its worth it when it works. That 30 minutes in the middle of a day to veg with a book or do some sewing is a life saver.

[mamaprovides]

My bedroom is child  proofed down to every last corner. all unnecessary furniture has been removed...so on.

My kids are 3 and 1...when I am tired and just can't go on...I put the little on the bed or on side of the room and the 3 year old on the other to avoid fighting...although my 3yr old is very good to me. The each get a sippy cup, a baggie of cheerios or crackers and a small box of toys. lacing beads, puzzles, quiet book, books, no crayons, no playdoh, no choking hazards...nothing that will cause a mess, or fight so on. Everyone goes to bathroom and gets a diaper change and I SLEEP. I have woken up to ALL the clothes pulled out of the closet and drawers on the floor with two kids very pleased with themselves. I will say being well rested makes me more tolerant and we sort our way through.

and I will also set my 3yrold in the room or in front of the tv and sleep while my 1 yr old naps. my 1yr old won't watch tv for more than 2 minutes ( if that long)

Usually the 1 yr old gets bored and sleeps next to me and from time to time the 3 yr old will join me.

Sleep makes me a better mom. It is good for them to be calm and quiet and learn to play alone. I have awoken to them watching the rain or the  traffic and making little games. I have had days where it doesn't work out. Rearing two little kids does not make room for guilt. This too will pass...and it is unhealthy to be tired for long periods of time. I also think it teaches your children that you too need consideration.

[archersmama]

I pull things out that the kids "Think" they are not supposed to have but are really okay. Like measuring cups, tupperwear lids and bowls, spatulas, empty and rinsed out seasoning containers (like Mrs Dash) and I have them play chef with little plastic fruits and veggies.  I'll ask them to whip up mama some yummy soup or a pie. I'll pretend to taste it and tell them how delicious it is. I can lay on the couch and do this on a day that I'm crazy tired and it keeps them busy for a while.

[Adelio]

Wow, mom!!  I really feel for you.  BTDT.  My littlest is almost three and I still feel like that MANY days.  I hate the tv, I really do, but some days it is the only thing I have. 

Sometimes I find some old toy that they haven't used in forever and bring it out.   Then they think they have a new toy. 

It is really hard.  I feel for you!!

[newmamalizzy]

Don't know how it would work with two, but I get a good break by popping DD in the tub.  She totally ignores me when she's engulfed in bubbles!