Games to play when you're feeling tired

You know those days when you're absolutely knackered but the kids are haring around and bursting with energy?

Get the kids to draw a track on the back of a cheap white t-shirt.

Then you can lie down while they 'massage' you with their cars.

You be the patient and get to lie in bed, your child can be the doctor and carry out lots of tests (while you grab a sneaky snooze).

Arm them with a play doctor's kit and bandages or loo roll, a tub of cheap moisturiser as ointment, then lay back and relax.

Chuck a blanket or duvet over you all to make a den. Snuggle down and watch a movie or bring in books, toys and torches.

The kids can read/play - you snooze in the dark.

Scatter some alphabet flash cards on the floor, then lie on the sofa and call out instructions.

Stand on the letter 'M'! Now jump to the letter 'S'!

A great way to wear out the kids while you have a little rest.

You get to lie down and be the audience, then your kids have to dance, sing and perform for you - encourage them to find fancy costumes and practice their routines first. Oh yes - lots of practice ...

Keep a special box - any box will do, even a shoe box - paint it gold and fill it with colouring pens, new crayons, stickers and fancy card and ONLY bring it out on special occasions. The kids will love it.

Sit in a chair while your child brushes and 'styles' your hair, applies lotion to your legs, gives you hand and foot massages ...

And if you're feeling brave, a manicure and a pedicure - you never know, the result might surprise you.

Pretend you're the queen who needs to be waited on hand and foot - they can bring you pretend food, pretend cups of tea, your slippers and whatever you desire (note - this one might not hold their interest for THAT long, but enjoy it while it lasts!)

You lie down on the sofa, your child has to place an object on your bum and you have to guess what it is.

Hours (possibly) of simple fun - even just using the word 'bum' gets little ones sniggering!

Pretend you're the baby and need putting to bed - they can read you stories, sing you lullabies and stroke your hair until you sleep. Genius!

If all else fails or you run out of ideas and REALLY need a proper lie down with no interruptions, give granny a shout. All hail the grandparents!

Set your little ones up as postmen and give them a long (long) list of things to find and wrap (in newspaper) and then deliver all over the house to various soft toys. Then lie back as they get wrapping and delivering.

Suggest you have a splash in the bath. Yep - whatever time of day it is. Young kids love it when you go off piste and suggest something out of the normal routine. And you all get a nice long soak in the tub. Bliss!