Horizontal Parenting Is the Newest Playtime Hack for Tired Parents

Between middle-of-the-night wake-ups, early mornings, household chores, and work, it’s no surprise that parents are exhausted. And by the end of the day, playtime might feel like the last thing you have energy for. That’s why one dad is making things easier with a clever hack he calls “horizontal parenting.”

In a now-viral TikTok, mom of two and Wunderkidd founder Elkey Zandstra (@elkeyzandstra) explains that her husband Will is the master of “horizontal parenting,” an unconventional, albeit genius method in which her husband crafts playtime activities that allow him to effectively lie down—sometimes even sneaking in a nap or massage—while still being a part of the fun.

Throughout the video, Zandstra lists off all of the activities Will has created, noting that the whole series “started with an idea he had about a massage roller car.” In the first activity, Zandstra showcases Will wearing a t-shirt with a road drawn on the back, inviting the kids to steer a back massager shaped like a toy car along the paths—treating Dad to a relaxing massage while the little ones enjoy the fun.

Other creative activities include transforming himself into a life-size dress-up doll, becoming a giant tic-tac-toe board, and even building a “whack-a-mole” game by lying under a table. Will also designed a “zen garden” t-shirt covered in sequins, letting the kids rake patterns with a back scratcher while he kicks back and relaxes.

In the comments, parents and people from across the world fell in love with Will’s inventive ideas. “I first thought horizontal parenting means seeing things from your kids perspective or treating them as an equal, but now I realize it just means lying on the floor,” wrote one commenter. “Literally my fav game with my niece and nephews is “the sick aunt” and they just have to take care of me while im laying down,” added another.

Others were quick to point out that not only is this a fun hack for tired of “lazy” parents but it also serves as a life-changing way for people with back pan, limited mobility or disabilities to engage with their children. “It’s actually pretty accessible for individuals who may have mobility limitations. Like they can’t run around and lift but they can still be present with the children,” wrote one person. “My husband has debilitating chronic pain. It limits his ability to play with our baby. These are actually life changing ways he could interact and play with our child! Thank you for sharing,” wrote one parent. Another chimed in, “as someone with back problems who often feels disconnected from my kiddo…. I’m stealing all of these immediately!”

If you’re looking for even more playtime inspiration, check out these 16 fun games to play with baby and get the party started!