Playing Through the Burnout: Realities of Raising Little Learners
I started journaling today. Yes, I added another task to my already too-long to-do list. I crave structure and flourish in organization, and right now, my mind feels like it’s full of browser tabs I neglected to close. Sometimes I just need to organize my thoughts and intentions in order to focus on the day ahead. My daily affirmation today was: I can be a great mom, even when I’m not feeling great.
The reality is, I’ve spent the last three days battling a head cold that’s left me running on empty. And guess what? Summer is here. The season of sunshine, popsicles and the pressure to be the lead organizer of my children’s daily entertainment. Somewhere along the line I convinced myself that summer means I need to do more, give more and spend more to make magic happen. Lately, I’ve been more of a supervisor than a playmate - waving from the couch instead of diving into the building blocks.
And here’s the thing: whether it’s illness, busyness, or burnout - it happens to all of us. More often than we care to admit.
The good thing is, even in our lowest energy moments there are ways to keep our little ones engaged and feeling loved without overextending ourselves. Low-stress, low-mess, low-engagement play is still valuable play. Our kids don’t need over-the-top crafts or elaborate sensory bins every day. They need connection, comfort, challenge and a sense of our presence.
Take reading, for example. There’s something incredibly calming and bonding about curling up under a blanket fort with a stack of books. It’s soothing for them and restorative for us. If your voice is shot or you’re too tired to be animated, let them “read” to you. The favorite go-to books they’ve nearly memorized? They’ll happily take the lead, and you can simply listen - eyes closed, heart full.
Music can be another game changer. If you just need a break but don’t want to use screentime as a crutch, cue up a playlist of their favorite movie soundtracks or TV theme songs. You’d be amazed how much excitement these familiar songs can bring them without the need for the screen. Add in a few interactive songs like “Freeze Dance” or “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes,” and you’ve suddenly got an energy-burning activity that requires almost nothing from you.
If the weather allows, get outdoors! Let’s face it - a little Vitamin D works wonders. Fresh air and sunshine aren’t just for the kids — they’re beneficial for us too. Whether it’s a quick walk around the block or laying on a picnic blanket in the backyard, a change of scenery and a healthy dose of nature is all kids need sometimes. If you have access to a yard, garden or nearby park, a nature scavenger hunt could keep little minds active with minimal effort. Just scribble a few common things on a loose piece of paper (a leaf, a rock, a bird) and let your kiddos track how many they can find. If you have a patio, deck or balcony and could use nothing more than to sit back and watch while you sip an afternoon coffee, never underestimate the power of bubbles or chalk. Step it up a level by spraying down the area with water and supplying your little ones with paintbrushes to turn a chalk doodle into a watercolor masterpiece. Pro parent tip? Just get the bubble machine. It’s a $15 miracle that will make you wonder why you ever bothered blowing them yourself.
Some other low-maintenance outdoor wins:
Water tables (or a big plastic bin with cups and spoons)
Spray bottles for ‘cleaning’ outdoor furniture
Collecting flowers, leaves, or interesting rocks
Sidewalk obstacle courses with chalk, hula hoops, etc.
At the end of the day, it’s okay (more, than okay) to scale down your engagement. Our kids don’t need us to be Pinterest-perfect or endlessly entertaining all the time. They just need us to be us - and when we’re not feeling 100% like ourselves, its okay to step back and take some time to get back to where we need to be. Some days are for high-energy adventures and others are for quiet reading in the dark with a flashlight. Take a few days to prioritize your rest and choose simpler moments. You aren’t failing your kids. You are modeling self-care, balance, and embracing the beauty of slowing down.
Your kids will thank you. Maybe not with words, but with their quiet cuddles, their laughter during a bubble dance party or their little hands bringing you a book and saying, “this one again?” Even when you’re not at 100%, you’re still everything they need.
