Are you exhausted during PMDD? Try some low-energy activities for moms with PMDD. They require very little resources and will help you bond with your kids (ages 2 – 8).
If you’re a mom with PMDD, you know how hard it is to keep up with daily life—let alone entertain your kids—when exhaustion, overwhelm, and mood swings take over. You might feel guilty for not having the energy to plan fun activities, but here’s the truth: your kids don’t need grand adventures—they just need you.
The good news? Fun doesn’t have to be exhausting. Whether you’re completely drained and need to stay in bed or have just enough energy for a short outing, there are simple, customizable activities that help you connect with your child without depleting yourself.
I’ve been there—too tired to move, feeling like I wasn’t “doing enough.” But over time, I found small, low-energy ways to engage with my child that worked for both of us.
Feeling Exhausted? You Can Still Have Fun with Your Kids
If PMDD fatigue and mood swings make parenting feel impossible, you’re not alone. Here are 9 simple, low-energy activities for moms with PMDD that will help you bond with your kids (ages 2-8) without draining yourself.
Let’s make PMDD days easier. Read on, tweak these ideas to fit your situation, and most importantly—be kind to yourself.
Low-Energy Activities You Can Do in Bed
When getting out of bed feels like too much, try these cozy, easy activities:
1. Read a Book (or Let Them Read to You!)
📖 Perfect for ages 2-8
- Choose picture books, first readers, or hidden-object books like Wacky Wednesday
- If your child can read, invite them to join you for a quiet reading session
2. Build a Cozy Blanket Fort
🏕 Perfect for ages 3-8
- Ask your child to gather pillows and blankets while you supervise
- Turn it into a fun roleplay: you’re the architect, they’re the builder
3. Create Shadow Puppets on the Wall
🔦 Perfect for ages 2-6
- Use a flashlight to make shadow animals and shapes together
- Encourage your child to experiment with toys or household objects
Low-Energy Activities to Do at Home
If your child needs more movement but you’re still low on energy, try these easy indoor activities. These activities include screens, which is nothing to feel guilty about. You are not “parking” your child in front of a screen. Instead you are using this as an opportunity to connect and engage.
4. Movie & Popcorn Night
🍿 Perfect for ages 2-8
- Pick a kid-friendly movie and make it special with popcorn and snacks
- Engaging with them during the movie makes it a bonding experience
5. Easy Crafts or Sensory Play
🎨 Perfect for ages 2-8
- Set up crayons, play dough, or kinetic sand for mess-free creativity
- Keep a craft box handy so you don’t have to prep when PMDD hits
6. Play a Video Game Together
🎮 Perfect for ages 4-8
- Choose a cooperative game and play in “free play” mode for stress-free fun
- Watching them play and cheering them on counts too!
Low-Energy Outdoor Activities
Fresh air and movement help ease PMDD symptoms. Here’s how to get outside without overdoing it.
7. Go on an Outdoor Bingo Walk
🚶♀️ Perfect for ages 2-8
- Print a free nature bingo card and go for a slow stroll around the neighborhood
- Your child will be focused on spotting items instead of the walk itself
8. Try Pokémon Go (or Another Scavenger Hunt App)
📱 Perfect for ages 5-8
- Download Pokémon Go or a similar app to gamify your walk
- Achievements in the game keep kids engaged while you move at your own pace
9. Have a Backyard or Park Picnic
🧺 Perfect for ages 2-8
- Grab easy snacks from home or take a short grocery trip together
- Even a picnic in the living room works if the weather isn’t great!
- Bring street chalk and soap bubbles for some extra fun
Which Low-Energy Activities Work for You?
These ideas are just a starting point—customize them to fit your energy levels and your child’s interests. Add them to your personalized self-care plan (download here for FREE) so you don’t have to think about them when PMDD hits.
💬 What’s your go-to low-energy activity with your kids? Share in the comments!
