10 Activities for Parenting with Tiredness and Fatigue

Parenting is tough. It’s incredible and rewarding but it is also exhausting in equal measures. A chronic illness like Multiple Sclerosis adds another dimension. With fatigue one of the most common symptoms of MS, it can be hard enough to look after yourself, let alone entertain the kids with an endless supply of energy!

When I struggle to be energetic, or I need to recover from a busy day, I stick to a number of really simple activities that keep my son occupied without resorting to unsupervised screen-time whilst I nod off on the sofa.

Activities for staying in

1. Colouring/Painting is a fantastic activity that we can both get involved in. It’s wonderfully mindful and relaxing. It doesn’t need too much setting up or clearing away and you get to keep your creations as keep-sakes or even as presents for family members. Especially seasonal holidays help me with inspiration for what to draw or paint. And if I’m stuck for inspiration, I simply colour in. Noodle has loads of colouring-in books and I have a few myself.
2. Board Games are fun for the whole family without needing to leave your seat. We dig out our old favourites and have a games afternoon. And it’s more than just a heap of fun: kids learn how to be gracious winners and how not to be sore losers – a life-skill. You’re welcome!
3. Lego or Puzzles are another mindful but low-impact activity that can keep my son and I occupied for quite some time. We both get really into it and it is great on grey, rainy days.
4. A movie afternoon. We get popcorn, draw the curtains, grab cushions and blankets to make a cosy space in our living room and make use of that Netflix subscription. I might even have a little snooze while my son enjoys favourite film for the umpteenth time!
5. Join them on their games console. I know, not strictly screen-free but Noodle loves it if I get involved in playing a computer game with him. It does require a little more energy than watching a movie. We usually play something fairly easy like a racing game where the rounds are short and fun.

Activities for going out

1. Soft Play. If you can bear the noise and your kids are old enough to go in without you, this is a perfect way for them to run of some serious steam. My son is an only child, but he makes friends quickly after arriving or we invite one of his mates for company. Except for the occasional cold drink request, I can easily get away with a whole hour to myself. I love spending the time with a nice coffee, reading a book or writing a blog, now that I have found a soft play where the noise is not too overwhelming.
2. Go to the cinema. Much like the movie afternoon, you could squeeze in a sneaky nap. But I gotta say, kids movies tend to be really lovely and often full of jokes designed for the adults that are watching so I have actually always enjoyed staying awake. To avoid big queues on arrival, I always try to buy tickets and reserve our seats in advance. And don’t forget the final toilet stop before you go in!
3. Because we are lucky enough to live near the sea, we enjoy a trip to the beach. I take a blanket and a good book. Whilst Noodle collects treasure, I can just relax. Shells, unusual stones, empty crab shells, sea glass, driftwood; my son is a complete magpie and could spend hours collecting while I chill out and take in some lovely sea air.
4. Another great activity for nature-loving kids is pond dipping. We have a local nature reserve nearby which we often go to for walks and picnics when I’m feeling energetic. But when I don’t have the energy for a long walk, pond dipping is a great alternative. Volunteers usually supervise and help children identify all the exciting things they find in their nets. Check your local nature reserve website for info.
5. Have a picnic with another mum. Especially in the summer holidays, picnics are a wonderful way to get out without too much effort. I don’t make a big fuss preparing the food, sometimes I buy ready sandwiches or just make a quick pasta. If I go with another mum our kids can run around while we sit back and have a natter. Some of my closer mum friends are even happy to do the driving so I don’t have to.

Parenting with tiredness and fatigue is possible and doesn’t need to be complicated.

There are loads of simple activities to keep your kids occupied without being too taxing on our bodies. And it’s often those simple pastimes that our children will remember and cherish for many years to come.

When I know a busy day is coming up, I make sure I plan ahead and build in plenty of rest and pit stops. I try to stay hydrated and avoid eating overindulgent sugary treats that will make me feel sluggish later on. Kids will make the best memories by just spending time with you and you won’t feel under pressure of needing to enjoy every moment of an expensive day out.