The Best Ways to Entertain Kids When You're Exhausted

My body battery’s at 6%, but there are five hours left in the day. The kids are full of energy, and I am running on fumes.

Here's my survival guide for those days when you're just plain exhausted:

• 1. Get Outside by Water or Trees.

  Even on the most tired of days, a little time in nature can work wonders. Forests and beaches with pounding surf (also waterfalls and even water fountains) contain negative ions, which are believed to produce biochemical reactions that increase our levels of serotonin. I get a mood boost, and my kids are entertained by the simple wonders of nature—digging in the sand, skipping rocks, or just running around. It’s a win-win.

  2. Make Art.

  When my kids are dysregulated and I’m exhausted (they go hand in hand, am I right?!), I turn to a favorite art project. I keep a Pinterest board of art and science projects that I can easily call on for inspiration. (Some of my favorite places for inspo are @sibster, @northwoodsfolk, @littlepinelearners, and @thespacegal).

  This week, they turned a box into a fort, and I didn’t stop them when they glued their @nativeshoes shoes to the roof. I figured I could wash it off when I had more energy… choose your battles, right? 🤷🏼‍♀️

  3. Read Books!

  This is my absolute go-to. "Who wants to read ten books?" has never resulted in anything other than "MEEEE!!!" I get to lie horizontally on the couch or my bed while an hour passes with no tantrums or bickering. Hello?! 🏆

This is the ultimate low-energy, high-reward activity. It’s a chance for connection and quiet time all at once.

What buys you sanity while the time passes? And don’t say the sleeping game—my kids are already onto me with that! 😆

More real talk for your "Mom Life"?

You’ve found the perfect survival guide for an exhausted day. For more tips on how to manage the beautiful, messy, and very real parts of motherhood, check out our full collection of Mom Life posts.