Did you ever imagine that the story of building your family could have something in common with a chicken video game?
Okay, hear me out! When I read about Outright Games teaming up with Aardman to launch Chicken Run: Eggstraction, it honestly made me smile. Remember the original Chicken Run movie? A band of plucky (literally) chickens hatching wild plans, facing setbacks, but never losing sight of their ultimate goal: freedom. Now, there's an interactive game bringing that same energy and optimism to a new generation.
But what does this have to do with fertility, you ask? Let’s crack this egg wide open—because I think there’s a surprising (and uplifting) lesson here for anyone trying to build a family, whether you’re just starting out, knee-deep in fertility tracking apps, or wrestling with the emotional rollercoaster of “trying.”
Playfulness in the Face of Pressure
If you’ve ever spent time in fertility forums, you know how heavy the mood can get. There’s talk of two-week waits, test sticks, needles, appointments, and of course, the mental load that comes with it all. But watching the promo for Eggstraction, I started wondering—when’s the last time we allowed ourselves to have a little fun while working toward this big goal?
The chickens in the game didn’t give up—no matter how many times the plan went off the rails. They adapted, they experimented, and they even laughed at their losses. What if we could approach fertility with even a fraction of that creative stubbornness? Could it change how we experience this journey?
Unlocking Your Own "Game Plan"
The idea of treating your fertility journey like a game might feel silly at first. But here’s why I think it works:
- It keeps you curious—instead of focusing on “will this work or will I fail again?” you start asking, “what else can I try?”
- It invites teamwork—just like gaming co-op mode. Whether you’re on your own, with a partner, or looping in professionals, you don’t have to play solo.
- It encourages resilience—if Mario can fall down a pit and come back smiling, maybe we can, too.
Of course, this isn’t about minimizing the pain and challenges. It’s about permission to reframe the process. If the stakes are high and emotions are raw, bringing in a little lightness (and yes, gallows humor) isn’t just allowed—it’s healthy.
DIY, But Make It Fun (and Practical)
This is where at-home fertility tools come in—and why I love seeing innovative resources emerge. For example, MakeAMom’s selection of at-home insemination kits is honestly a game-changer (pun intended) for so many people I know. Instead of waiting months for specialist appointments, stressing about insurance or feeling out of control, you can literally take things into your own hands, in your own space.
What makes their approach so refreshing? It’s practical and empowering. Three different kits (for different people and needs!), reusable parts, discreet shipping—these little touches can transform a nerve-wracking process into something much more comfortable. Not to mention, their site is full of guides, success stories, and real-world tips that feel less like a lecture and more like advice from a friend who’s been there.
Chicken Run Energy IRL: Lessons for Fertility Warriors
So, what can we learn from Ginger and Rocky (and now, their game avatars)? Here’s what I’m taking away:
- Be creative in problem-solving: Just because a path didn’t work once doesn’t mean it’s blocked forever. There’s always another approach.
- Embrace community: In Chicken Run, escape only happened when everyone pulled together. Online communities, friend groups, and trusted professionals can lift the weight.
- Celebrate the small wins: Not every day is a big breakthrough, but acknowledging progress—no matter how minor—keeps hope alive.
- Find humor where you can: It’s okay to laugh, even in hard times. It’s how we survive the messy stuff.
Your Next Level: Bringing Play Back Into the Journey
If you’re deep in the trenches of fertility, give yourself permission for some playful moments. Try a new approach, invent a silly ritual with your partner, or even gamify your process—reward yourselves for showing up, for asking for help, for treating yourselves with compassion.
And if you’re looking for options that give you more control and privacy (and maybe even a sense of adventure), check out what’s available for at-home conception. You might be surprised by the variety and success rates—and you’ll definitely appreciate the option to move at your own pace.
Ready to hatch a new plan? Remember, every parenthood journey is unique, and sometimes the most memorable stories come from the wildest detours. If Ginger and Rocky can escape Tweedy’s farm (with a little help from their friends and a lot of persistence), who’s to say what’s possible for your family?
What’s the most unexpectedly funny or creative moment you’ve had during your own fertility journey? Let’s swap stories in the comments—seriously, I want to hear them! 🐔🥚❤️