Too tired to play? Our tips for when you’re feeling exhausted

Being a parent can be a bit of a rollercoaster ride. You might have the most fantastic day with your toddler playing and enjoying time together before a calm meal and bedtime routine. But other days it can feel that nothing is going quite right (for you or your toddler), which leaves you feeling worn out and simply too tired to play. These tips should help. 

Find some of your toddler’s favourite toys and make sure they can reach them – then stay close by and watch, offer a smile and some encouragement.  

While playing with you is great for your toddler, having time playing by themselves gives them a chance to explore their ideas or maybe use their toys in a way you wouldn’t have thought of – watching can be a great way to spot your toddler’s current interests!  

Phone a friend 

If you have a friend or relative who loves spending time with your toddler, why not give them a call and see if they’d like to take them to the park for a while – or play with them at home so you can go out for a walk, do some shopping or whatever you enjoy doing.  

Find some mindfulness activities you can enjoy together 

There are ideas like starfish breathing (sometimes called finger breathing) that you and your toddler could enjoy together, or online children’s yoga classes to watch and do with each other.  

Go for a walk 

It might seem strange to say go for a walk when you’re worn out, but this can be really useful – especially if you’re tired because your toddler isn’t getting to sleep at night. Having time outside, and plenty of natural light, helps to regulate sleep – and if you have somewhere close to home where your toddler is safe to run this might give you a bit of time to sit and rest too.  

Find a routine that works for you and keep it fairly consistent 

Make sure your routine is working for you and your toddler. It is not unusual for toddlers to be reluctant to go to bed – but going to bed at broadly the same time each day can help your toddler to sleep well, and keep calm during the day.  

If your toddler isn’t keen on going to bed at the moment, try allowing a bit of extra time for the bedtime routine – this will help you to keep calm if your toddler refuses at first and give you time to work out the routine together.  

Using picture cards can sometimes help. You could draw a toothbrush and say, “Next it’s brushing teeth, then it’s story,” – having a box or bag for the pictures to go in as your toddler has finished each step might help them to feel in control of the bedtime routine, and make this time of day a bit calmer.  

Time for the things you enjoy 

Sometimes, between all your other responsibilities and spending time with your toddler, it can feel like there isn’t a moment spare for the things you do just because you want to. Make sure you protect that time – arrange to meet a friend, go for a run, sing, write, draw – whatever you enjoy.  

When you make sure you’re looking after your wellbeing, you’re making sure you have the resources to regulate your emotions when your toddler can’t regulate theirs.  

You’re also teaching them how to take care of themselves so they will know, as they grow up, the importance of prioritising their own mental health – so don’t feel guilty for taking time to do the things that support your wellbeing.  

We think this quote sums it up perfectly - “The most precious inheritance that parents can give their children is their own happiness.” Thich Nhat Hanh.