A parent's pause: finding play in fleeting moments
A parent's pause: finding play in fleeting moments
Becoming a parent changes everything, including how you game. Those long gaming marathons where you’d lose track of time are replaced by short windows of opportunity—quick moments during nap times or after bedtime. Gaming becomes less about hours of immersion and more about grabbing small breaks to reconnect with yourself. It stops being just entertainment and turns into a way to relax, reset, and handle the chaos of raising a little one.
A personal shift in gaming
When my daughter was born, I realized my old gaming habits weren’t going to work anymore. Spending hours on big RPGs or online multiplayer matches just didn’t fit into my new life. This reminded me of a lesson I shared in a previous blog, "Finding balance: from marathon sessions to quick wins": discovering how shorter, meaningful gaming sessions can still bring joy and satisfaction. This realization became the foundation for exploring new ways to play as a parent. That shift wasn’t just practical—it was empowering. Parenting demands flexibility, and I had to adapt my gaming to match the rhythm of my days. But instead of feeling like I was giving something up, I found joy in these shorter sessions. Even a few minutes could feel like an escape, a way to recharge and reconnect.
How to find your ideal genre
Finding the right games as a busy parent isn’t just about what you used to enjoy—it’s about what works now. These are genres and approaches that worked for me, but I know they might not resonate with everyone. My hope is that they inspire you to think about what brings you relaxation and joy, whether that means exploring new games, sticking with old favorites, or even taking a break from gaming entirely. These tips are meant to guide you in finding what works for your own parenting journey.
Consider your time
Your mood plays a huge role in what kind of game feels right. After a stressful day, you might want the order and structure of a strategy or simulation game. On quieter evenings, narrative-driven or puzzle games can provide a calming, reflective experience. But don’t force yourself into something that doesn’t feel right at the moment. It’s okay to step away entirely if nothing clicks—there’s always tomorrow, and sometimes a break can make gaming even more enjoyable when you come back to it.
Try something new
How much time you have matters too. If you’ve got 10-15 minutes, a puzzle game or a quick round in a strategy game could be ideal. If you’ve got a bit more time, a story-driven game with short chapters might feel more rewarding. Picking games that match your schedule helps you avoid frustration or feeling rushed. And sometimes, it’s worth planning gaming moments for yourself—giving yourself permission to relax without guilt. By setting aside even a small window to play, you’re creating a space for joy and balance in your day.
Think about your mood
Parenthood might be the perfect excuse to explore genres you’ve never tried before. Simulations, for example, can be surprisingly relaxing with their repetitive, simple tasks. Exploration games can give you a sense of calm and discovery, helping you find a moment of peace in a busy day. As your situation evolves, it’s natural for your lifestyle and interests to shift. Finding new genres that align with who you are now can be a way to reconnect with yourself in unexpected and rewarding ways.
Look for flexibility
Flexibility is key when gaming as a parent. Games that let you pause or save easily are a lifesaver when your attention might be needed elsewhere. Turn-based strategies, puzzles, or narrative games often work well because they let you stop and start without losing progress. However, sometimes it helps to choose a game without a deep story—something light that doesn’t demand full immersion. Save those epic, story-driven titles for later, when you can truly appreciate them. For now, focus on games that fit your current rhythm and allow you to enjoy the moment without added pressure.
My personal journey through genres
As I adjusted to shorter gaming sessions, I found myself drawn to certain genres that fit my new reality. Turn-based strategy games became my mental workout. Games like Slay the Spire let me focus and plan at my own pace, with the option to pause whenever I needed. On tough days, narrative-driven games became my go-to. Firewatch, for example, offered a deep, engaging story in manageable chunks. These games reminded me that even short sessions could feel meaningful.
Puzzle and exploration games, like The Last Campfire, gave me a way to unwind and reset. Solving just one puzzle felt like a small win that helped end the day on a positive note. And then there were simulation games like Road Maintenance Simulator, which offered surprising comfort through their repetitive, simple tasks.
Why these genres worked for me
These genres worked so well because they gave me what I needed most: flexibility and engagement. Strategy games kept my mind sharp without adding stress, while narrative games offered emotional connection in short bursts. Puzzles offered a sense of accomplishment through the satisfaction of completing each challenge, and simulations created calm when life felt hectic. These approaches made my limited free time feel meaningful, but they’re just examples of what worked for me. Your ideal genres might look entirely different, and that’s okay. The goal is to find what genuinely fits your rhythm and helps you reconnect with yourself.
Rediscovering joy through play
Ready to reconnect in just moments? Explore how short, meaningful gaming sessions can bring balance, joy, and a sense of calm to your busy days.
Parenthood can feel overwhelming, but it also teaches you to adapt and find joy in new ways. While these genres and approaches worked well for me, it’s important to remember that what works for one person might not work for another. You might find yourself drawn to completely different genres, or maybe gaming itself takes a backseat for a while. Sometimes, stepping away from games altogether can give you the clarity and excitement to return with a fresh perspective later on. These are simply the tools and ideas that helped me find relaxation and balance, and I hope they offer you some guidance on your own journey.
Road Maintenance Simulator
Find calm in the chaos—Road Maintenance Simulator turns simple tasks into a peaceful escape for busy parents.
Slay The Spire
Conquer chaos one card at a time—Slay the Spire turns quick strategy sessions into moments of triumph amidst the parenting whirlwind.
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