If there’s anything we can all agree on, it’s that being a mother is no easy feat. Not only are you constantly finding ways of being a present and nourishing caregiver, but you’re also combating the world’s criticisms of how you’re doing it. Some methods of parenting are deemed too confining, while others too loose. There’s no perfect way to be a perfect parent, so it’s important to be authentic to your true self.
The term “horizontal parenting” is making its rounds and trending online. It describes a parenting style that allows a parent to entertain their kids as much as possible while lying down. Here’s a deep dive into horizontal parenting and whether or not it may suit your lifestyle.
What is Horizontal Parenting?
Let’s face it, rest is sacred. Especially as a parent, when sleep is elusive and at times non-existent. Horizontal parenting is a life hack that allows you as much rest as possible, while still being a present parent.
The thought is essentially to entertain your children while being flat. Whether you’re playing an interactive game where your body is the base, or watching them put on a show, it’s all about finding creative ways to keep your kids engaged while staying completely horizontal.
Keeping up with rambunctious toddlers is a cardio you may not always have in you.
“When my body feels like it has nothing left to give, a parenting hack that lets me entertain my kid while lying down is appealing,” shares writer and toddler mom Elisabeth Sherman. “My partner and I are both working parents, so when the clock strikes 5 p.m. at the end of the day, we’re ready for a nap. But parenting is a job that never ends, and now that we’ve entered the toddler stage, relaxation is mostly a thing of the past.”
There’s truly nothing wrong with being burnt out from playing with your kids. In fact, it’s a common sentiment and one worth tending to. No parent should ever feel ashamed for taking the easy way out when the responsibilities of parenting become understandably overwhelming.
Pros and Cons of Horizontal Parenting
“Horizontal Parenting: How to Entertain Your Kid While Lying Down” is a novel written by Michelle Woo. It offers creative and practical advice for overworked parents who could use as much rest as they can get. The book details 50 fun and effective games to play with children while completely flat. Its popularity has opened a world for parents who have long been waiting for permission to integrate some rest into playtime. It has also, however, opened up criticisms from those who find the method o be a blanket for lazy parenting.
An obvious pro would be your body getting more time for resting and resetting. Your kids still feel cared for, your bond is still nurtured, and your bones are thankful. A con, however, is that horizontal parenting is marketed as a shortcut or last resort, it’s easy to get so used to it that you no longer prioritize engaging vertically.
What are Horizontal Parenting Examples?
There are countless ways to employ horizontal parenting in your household. Become a canvas and have your child draw on your arms or legs. Let them indulge in their artistic side and give you a manicure with some nail polish. You can also be the audience member of a story time or play, watching all from the comfort of your stomach. You can even set up a treasure hunt, where you will stay in one place, lying on the ground. Come up with different items throughout the house for the kids to find and bring to you.
Your Parenting, Your Choice
Ultimately, it’s important to do you. If you find horizontal parenting to be an easy way out and would rather muster up the energy to be a more active parent, it’s important to honor that. However, if horizontal parenting appeals to you as a solid way to keep energetic kids entertained while recharging your batteries every now and then, why not give it a try? You deserve to run a household that’s authentic and true to you.