A Mom’s Playbook for Everyday Gaming

Let’s face it: gaming often gets labeled as a dude-centric hobby. We hear about boys diving into Minecraft, husbands glued to their Xboxes, and grandpas battling it out in Angry Birds (or is that just my father-in-law?). But where are all the gaming gals? Well, they’re likely busy being moms.

I’ve always had a soft spot for video games. Back in the day, I could game for hours without a care in the world. But now, with my time consumed by the never-ending demands of motherhood, those marathon gaming sessions are a distant memory. Instead, I’m juggling a million tasks that all need my attention—like a circus performer with a dozen spinning plates.

But just because I’m a mom doesn’t mean I can’t indulge in some playful fun. In fact, I’ve taken some of my favorite games and given them a mom-friendly twist. So, whether you’re a gaming mom at heart or just want to inject a little joy into the daily grind of parenting, here’s a lighthearted guide to real-life gaming—no joystick, computer screen, or mouse required.

If you enjoy: Tetris

Try: Organizing the Tupperware in your fridge

Start by eyeing that elusive container of Cool Whip you stashed away. Navigate through the mountain of plastic containers blocking your path, and once you’ve devoured most of the Cool Whip (or your snack of choice), try cramming the Tupperware back in. Spoiler: you’ll be left pondering how it all fit in there in the first place, only to drown your frustrations in the remaining dessert.

If you enjoy: Frogger

Try: Taking your toddler on a stroll without a stroller

On a sunny day, invite your little one to lace up her sparkly shoes and accompany you on a special walk. Don’t forget the crucial rule: “When we’re near the road, hold my hand!” When she inevitably bolts into the street, prepare for a frantic dash to save both her and yourself.

If you enjoy: Pac-Man

Try: Eating anything while your kids are awake

This one’s pretty self-explanatory. You’ll be on a relentless hunt for food while dodging your kids like they’re pesky ghosts. Sound familiar? It’s basically every mealtime scenario.

If you enjoy: Farmville

Try: Planning an extravagant birthday bash for your child

If you love sinking hours into something that ultimately leads to minimal payoff, this is your jam. From researching elaborate Pinterest ideas for a watermelon ship to organizing a treasure hunt, you’ll find that kids generally care about just three things: cake, gifts, and playtime with friends. By the end, when the kids destroy your masterpiece with their sticks, you’ll realize the effort was all in vain. But hey, at least you can invite all your Facebook friends to the party for good measure!

If you enjoy: Candy Crush Saga

Try: Letting your kid pour her own bowl of cereal

When she spills Lucky Charms all over the kitchen floor, congratulations! You’ve just created a live-action version of the game. Bonus points if you end up with cereal stuck to your sock!

If you enjoy: Words With Friends

Try: Making sense of the chaos in your mind

Attempt to string together the scattered thoughts racing through your head into something coherent. This challenge only escalates once you have kids, and let’s face it, this is a game that never truly ends.

A quick tip: Sharing “extra lives” with fellow mom friends can enhance your skills and boost your spirits. These extra lives might include wine, chocolate, or invitations for a much-needed sleepover.

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In summary, being a mom doesn’t mean you have to leave your gaming spirit behind. You can transform daily parenting challenges into fun and relatable games. Embrace the chaos and enjoy the journey!