20 Surprising Activities I Was Unaware I Was Doing as a Parent

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Updated: Feb. 12, 2021
Originally Published: May 6, 2016

I never realized just how much I move around my house until I got a fitness tracker. I’m not just shifting a little—I’m clocking up to 6 miles a day, burning hundreds of calories without even noticing. I always thought I was simply cleaning up after my kids, but it turns out I was racking up a serious workout just by managing daily chaos. Who knew that chasing toddlers and doing laundry could be so physically demanding?

  1. Laundry Lifting
    Carrying laundry baskets up and down the stairs is a workout in itself, especially when you’re also balancing a toddler on one hip. Sometimes, it feels like I’m in a circus act with a child clinging to my leg.
  2. Chasing Toddlers
    No professional athlete can match the speed of a toddler who just snagged a cookie. It’s a sprint every time!
  3. Handling Tantrums
    Safely lifting a tantruming toddler requires both strength and technique. Trust me, you won’t find this move in any fitness video.
  4. Cooking Madness
    Forget about gourmet meals; I’m dodging kids like they’re charging bulls while trying to whip up dinner. All the while, another one is wrapped around my leg like a baby boa constrictor.
  5. Toy Cleanup
    Picking up toys turns into an all-day task, racking up squats and lunges as I dive for those toys stuck in unreachable corners.
  6. Getting Ready
    I feel like a pinball machine as I bounce around, trying to get everyone dressed and out the door on time. The adrenaline rush burns calories like crazy.
  7. Searching for Coffee
    Searching for misplaced coffee has become an endurance event. It feels like a slow marathon that will last for years.
  8. Bedtime Routine
    When you climb 500 stairs in a week just to get everyone settled for bed, it’s clear that parenting is a workout.
  9. Sweeping Intensity
    The workout level of sweeping the floors depends on how messy they are and how quickly I need to finish before nap time is over.
  10. Finding Kids
    It’s a brisk walk (or jog) around the house looking for kids who have wandered off to explore places they shouldn’t.
  11. Grocery Shopping
    Shopping without a list? Forget it! It turns into a chaotic dash through the store, hoping I’ll stumble upon what I need.
  12. Outdoor Play
    If you have a child who enjoys walking, you can easily rack up miles outside while keeping them entertained.
  13. Carrying Kids
    Whether it’s piggyback rides or carrying them in a pack, all of it counts as heavy lifting.
  14. Searching for Loveys
    When a child asks for their favorite stuffed animal at bedtime, it starts a late-night treasure hunt.
  15. Folding Laundry
    Folding clothes seems like a simple task until you realize you’re just trying to tame piles of garments tossed everywhere.
  16. Retrieving Objects
    Taking something away from a toddler’s tiny grip is a test of strength and patience. Bonus points if you can do it without a nibble.
  17. Redirecting Attention
    Redirecting kids can feel like a full-body workout that happens repeatedly throughout the day.
  18. Tickle Time
    Playing Tickle Monster involves quick sprints and agility to catch your little one before they fall!
  19. Cleaning Up Messes
    Scrubbing mysterious food remnants off the floor requires energy. It’s probably equivalent to a high-intensity workout.
  20. Breaking Up Sibling Fights
    Sometimes, this means lifting two squirming children apart. It’s a test of strength and quick thinking!

So, grab a laundry basket and a toddler (or two), and turn your home into an obstacle course. You can tackle chores while getting fit at the same time—what could be better? If you’re interested in more ideas on home insemination, check out this post. And for the best kits available, visit BabyMaker for their expert solutions. For insights on fertility treatments, March of Dimes is an excellent resource.

Summary

Being a parent is not just about managing kids; it’s a full-body workout that includes everything from laundry and cooking to chasing toddlers and breaking up fights. Embrace the exercise that comes with parenting and turn your home into a fitness zone.

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