Gaming often carries the stereotype of being a male-dominated pastime. We frequently hear tales of boys engrossed in Minecraft, husbands glued to their Xboxes, or grandfathers mastering Angry Birds (or is that just my dad?). But where are the female gamers hiding?
They’re busy being moms, that’s where.
I’ve always enjoyed video and computer games, indulging in them frequently before motherhood claimed my time. Now, much of my day revolves around the intricate art of not messing up my kids, leaving me little time to immerse myself in a digital world for hours on end.
Instead, I find myself juggling the countless demands of parenting, each vying for my divided attention. Yet, I remain a gamer at heart. While my gaming sessions may be shorter, I’ve adapted my favorite pastimes into real-life activities with a motherly twist.
If you’re a gaming mom at heart or simply want to infuse some fun into the daily grind of motherhood, you’re in for a treat. Here’s your guide to real-life gaming—no game controllers, computer screens, or mice required.
If You Enjoy: Tetris
Try: Organizing the Tupperware in Your Fridge
Set your sights on that elusive container of Cool Whip hidden in the back, beyond the reach of your little ones. Remove the seemingly endless stack of Tupperware blocking your way. After indulging in a generous portion of the Cool Whip, attempt to return the containers to their original positions. You’ll likely find yourself baffled by how they all fit in there in the first place, only to drown your irritation in the remaining dessert.
If You Enjoy: Frogger
Try: Taking Your Toddler for a Stroller-Free Walk
On a sunny day, encourage your child to lace up her light-up shoes for a special stroll with mom. Emphasize the importance of holding hands near the street. When she inevitably escapes your grasp and sprints towards traffic, jump around like a fool, trying to rescue both her and yourself from oncoming cars.
If You Enjoy: Pac-Man
Try: Eating While Your Kids are Awake
This one’s straightforward. Picture yourself frantically searching for food while being chased by energetic little ones. Sound familiar? That’s every mealtime scenario for a mom like me.
If You Enjoy: Farmville
Try: Planning an Over-the-Top Birthday Party
If you have a penchant for investing time in something that yields little reward, this is your game. From my observations, kids primarily care about three things at their parties: cake, presents, and playtime with friends. So, you’ll spend hours researching how to craft a watermelon into a pirate ship replica, practice until perfect, and set up a treasure hunt that your child will undoubtedly cheat at. And when the kids inevitably ruin your watermelon creation, you’ll realize how much time you wasted planning.
If You Enjoy: Candy Crush Saga
Try: Letting Your Child Pour Their Own Bowl of Cereal
When your little one spills Lucky Charms all over the floor, you’ll find yourself in your very own live-action game. Extra points if you end up with marshmallows stuck to your socks!
If You Enjoy: Words With Friends
Try: Formulating a Coherent Thought
Attempt to organize the mess of thoughts swirling in your mind into something logical. This task becomes exponentially harder after becoming a mom, and you might find yourself playing this game for years to come.
Final Tip:
Sharing “extra lives” with fellow mom gamers is an excellent way to bolster your skills. These extra lives can include wine, chocolate, and invitations for much-needed sleepovers.
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In summary, motherhood may not afford you the time for traditional gaming, but it presents plenty of opportunities for real-life adventures that echo your favorite games. Embrace the chaos and have fun!