What Is Horizontal Parenting? See the Viral Video Sparking Playtime Ideas for Tired Parents

What is Horizontal Parenting?

To define it simply, horizontal parenting is finding ways of keeping your kids entertained and engaged with you while you lie down. As we see in Zandstra’s TikTok video, the practice tends to take little effort for the parents—a monstrous bonus—while the kids are still happily engaged.

What Zandstra effectively pointed out is that horizontal parenting is a type of restful-parenting. While there is the benefit of little to no movement and the comfortability of lying down, it can actually be quite a creative endeavor. What makes this concept so entertaining for littles is when parents make a game out of it. Zandstra’s husband demonstrates this idea in several ways. For example, in one instance he wears a shirt with a racetrack on it, and the kids play with toy cars on the track. In another, they set up an intense game of whack a mole.

The key takeaway from Zandstra’s video is that there are many ways to engage with your little ones that can actually take little effort on the parent’s part. Essentially, it’s a win-win all around. Check out more of the creator’s ideas that are highly creative and effective:

Why People are Loving the Horizontal Parenting Ideas

Commenters on Zandstra’s video are loving the concept, too. One of the most prominent praises of the concept is the benefits it has for caregivers with chronic pain or fatigue who still want to engage with the kids in their lives. One responder pointed out how ingenious Zandstra’s husband’s ideas for interactive play were for her spouse with chronic pain. @islandflowerfarm shared, “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!” Several other commenters shared similar thoughts.

Other commenters shared fond (and often hilarious) memories of doing similar things with their parents or siblings as kids. Plus, parents and other family members shared their ingenious horizontal parenting ideas for playtime on the floor. @ognevillelongbottomcorgi shared their game and said, “I made up a game called lasagna where we get on the couch and cover ourselves with blankets and pillows AND THEN SIZZLE TO COOK LOL.”

If the comments tell us anything, it’s that we can still be creative with playtime while being incredibly comfortable. On top of that, the whole horizontal parenting thing may be game-changing for many people. @agentweirphrey insightfully added, “I mean I know [it’s] funny and like bonding for your family, but you stumbled upon a need in our society, thank you for providing solutions.”

The Benefits of Horizontal Parenting

The parental benefits of horizontal parenting are pretty obvious. For once, you don’t have to be on your feet to engage with your children. It offers a restful few minutes of relaxation. On top of that, the types of activities done in this position typically don’t come with a lot of mental engagement. However, the kids still feel entertained with a fun activity to do. The concept gives parents permission to take a break, relax a little, and still spend quality time with their littles without a ton of effort they may not have.

While it may have always been something certain parents did, horizontal parenting is becoming a new and fun parent-child bonding experience. Yes, engaging play is an important part of the well-being and development for kids. But self-care is important for parents, too. This form of rest-based parenting may be the best of both worlds—a means of taking care of ourselves while our children are safely enjoying themselves. If you’re sold on the concept, allow me to continue with some horizontal parenting hacks and ideas to try in your own household.

Horizontal Parenting Ideas

While the purpose behind horizontal parenting is to not overthink it, it tends to work best with a little effort put in. Zandstra’s video highlights several clever ways to keep kids entertained while you relax in a flat position. In addition to those ingenious techniques, consider the following:

The Storytime Snuggle

This first idea is as simple and sweet as it sounds. Cozy up with your kiddos while lying down and telling stories. Whether it’s from a book or you come up with fun stories of your own, everyone will love this quality time.

The Toy Toss

Because kids can easily be entertained by the simplest of activities, try “the toy toss.” Simply play with soft toys and balls by tossing them around the room and having your kids bring them back to you. Does it sound like fetch? A little. But kids love it, too.

The Floor Art Studio

Artistic kids will love this one. Set up coloring pages or their favorite art supplies on the floor near you and get creative. You can even color or craft with them so they feel extra engaged.

The Treasure Hunt

There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned treasure hunt. For this fun game, the parent will stay in one place, lying on the ground. They’ll then come up with different items throughout the room for the kids to find and bring to them. Do some work ahead of time and hide fun objections throughout the room. If you have more than one kiddo, this can even become a fun competition.

Beauty/Barber Shop

Parents or caregivers can sit or lie down, and kids can brush their hair, do their makeup, or paint their nails. While you might not want to leave the house with your new “look,” the kids will love it.

Night, Night

Parents pretend to be the kids getting put down for nap time or bedtime. Let littles read you a story, kiss your forehead, and tuck you in.

Other Horizontal Parenting Tips

To make the most of your time on the floor, keep a few things in mind:

Prepare materials in advance

Once you’ve found your comfortable spot on the floor, the last thing you’re going to want to do is get up. That’s why it’s best to have everything you and your kiddos need for interactive play in close proximity. If you’ve chosen an activity that requires some props—like Zandstra’s genius dress-up game—get them prepared so they’re ready for little hands.

Choose the Right Toys

One of the pillars of horizontal parenting is relaxation for the parents. This means picking softer and quieter toys that won’t make excessive noise.

Engage Everyone

If you’ve got more than one kid, you likely know how big of a no-no it is to not include everyone in the game. Consider choosing games and activities that are engaging for everyone, whether that’s making a fun competition, taking turns, or working together on something.

Ideas for Different Age Groups

Take into consideration the age of your kids and provide age-appropriate activities. Try some of the following:

• Toddlers: Peekaboo, singing songs, reading, racetrack T-shirt
• Preschoolers: Learning games like color and shape identification, crafts
• Older Kids: Interactive games, competitions, scavenger hunts, storytelling, board games

The Horizontal Parenting Book and Products to Make it Easier

Since this rest-based parenting technique is a “work smarter, not harder” approach, there are some products to spark some horizontal parenting ideas. When you’re ready to go all in on horizontal parenting—or just want to try it out—consider picking up some supplies to make the experience a dream.