Gaming is often perceived as a male-dominated activity. Consider the common stereotypes: boys glued to Minecraft, husbands engrossed in Xbox, and grandfathers playing Angry Birds (or is that just my dad?). But where are the female gamers? Likely busy with motherhood.
I’ve always enjoyed video and computer games, indulging in them frequently before I embraced motherhood. Now, my days are filled with the overwhelming responsibility of raising my children, leaving little room for hours spent gaming. Instead, I juggle countless tasks that require my divided attention.
Though my gaming sessions have diminished, my passion for play remains. I’ve adapted some of my favorite games into real-life activities that reflect the joys and challenges of motherhood. Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast or just seeking ways to inject some fun into parenting, here’s “A Mother’s Guide to Real-Life Gaming” — no console, computer, or mouse required.
If you enjoy Tetris, try:
Organizing your fridge’s Tupperware
Identify a container in the furthest corner of your fridge, perhaps that elusive tub of Cool Whip you’ve hidden from curious little hands. Then, excavate the 47 plastic containers blocking your path. After indulging in the majority of the Cool Whip, attempt to return the Tupperware. Chances are, you’ll find yourself puzzled about how it all fit and will end up diving back into the remaining Cool Whip to soothe your frustration.
If you enjoy Frogger, try:
Taking your toddler for a stroll without a stroller
On a pleasant day, encourage your little one to lace up her light-up shoes for a special walk. Emphasize the importance of holding your hand when near the street. When she inevitably escapes your grasp and dashes into the road, spring into action to save her (and yourself) from oncoming vehicles.
If you enjoy Pac-Man, try:
Eating with your kids around
This game is straightforward. You’ll find yourself racing to grab whatever food is available while dodging the speedy, mischievous spirits of your children. Sound familiar? It’s a daily routine for most parents.
If you enjoy Farmville, try:
Planning an extravagant birthday bash for your child
If you relish spending excessive time on a project with minimal payoff, this activity is for you. Kids typically care about cake, gifts, and playing with friends at their parties. Therefore, invest hours researching Pinterest for ideas like carving a watermelon into a pirate ship replica. After planning a treasure hunt, your child will likely scout the hiding spots ahead of time, ruining the excitement. When the kids inevitably smash your beautifully crafted watermelon ship during play, you’ll know you’ve succeeded in wasting your time.
If you enjoy Candy Crush Saga, try:
Letting your child pour her own bowl of cereal
When your child inevitably spills Lucky Charms everywhere, you’ll have your own live-action version of the game. Bonus points if you find cereal pieces stuck to your socks later.
If you enjoy Words With Friends, try:
Formulating a coherent thought
Take the chaotic fragments of thoughts in your mind and try to arrange them into a sensible structure, which becomes increasingly challenging after becoming a parent. This is a game most mothers play daily and will continue until their children grow up.
Final Tip:
Building alliances with other mother gamers can enhance your skills. These life boosters may include, but are not limited to, wine, chocolate, or sleepover invitations.
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This article is also part of our exploration of parenting and gaming, which you can read more about in our other blog post.
In summary, while gaming may traditionally be seen as a male pastime, mothers can integrate gaming concepts into everyday parenting, adding a layer of enjoyment to their daily routines.