If you are here, it is probably safe to assume that you are not built to thrive before sunrise. And that is totally okay! We aren’t all early risers.
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I’ve tried. I have read several parenting books, posts on Pinterest that recommend waking up hours before my kids do, and have actually tried setting my alarm with the intention of having some me time before the morning chaos begins.
And if I am being completely honest, sometimes I just need to sleep in bed just a little bit longer.
Before having to break up fights, being climbed on like a jungle gym, or reheating the same cup of coffee that feels impossible to finish. You know what I am saying?
If you feel the same way, hello and welcome! This one’s for you.
You can establish an easy morning routine that brings you peace while also enhancing productivity. You do not have to force yourself to be a morning person to make your mornings smooth. It’s all about implementing a morning routine that fits you.
Here’s how I built a morning routine that doesn’t make me feel like I have to lunge out of bed and hit the ground running. Let me share the 6 steps that make my mornings (and days!) a million times better.
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Why Moms Who Hate Mornings Struggle the Most
Do you remember how quiet and calm mornings were before kids? There have definitely been mornings when I felt like I had to spring out of bed.
The minute you wake up, someone is demanding something. Breakfast, their missing shoe, a shirt that is different than the one you already put time and energy into picking out, and you’re wondering how and when you are going to manage to get yourself ready for the day.
And everyone online suggests waking up hours before your kids do to enjoy the calm before the chaos. If I am being completely honest, some days I really do enjoy waking up before my kids. Sure, scheduled me time is wonderful. But there are other days when I actually want to sleep in.
Here is what you need to know: You do not need a perfect morning routine. Nothing is perfect. Instead, you need an ideal morning routine that feels less stressful and like you are less behind.
So here’s to hitting snooze, catching up on sleep, and still making your mornings feel less overwhelming than before!
Step 1: Digest That There is No “Perfect Morning”
Copying someone else’s ideal morning routine won’t work. What works for one family might not work for another. However, you will be able to pick out aspects that you like and want to try.
With kids to wrangle, lunches to prepare, and limited time to throw your hair in a classic messy mom bun, momming can feel a little challenging in the mornings.
So I want you to let go of the idea of a perfect morning. It will not look Instagram perfect.
A successful morning isn’t about fancy yogurt bowls, multi-stepped skincare routines, or working out before the kids wake up.
Your new goal? A morning routine for moms that feels doable and repeatable. A routine that gives you the calm feeling you are searching for. A routine that makes you feel ready to take on the rest of the day.
Here is one of my favorite mom life hacks that I know we all need to hear from time to time. Stop comparing yourself to other moms. Instead, build a routine that fits you and your family. And ask yourself what actions you can take to simplify your mornings.
Step 2: Prep the Night Before
This has been magical for me. You don’t have to do more work in the morning. You can actually do less and still successfully prepare for the day. Hear me out.
Check the usual morning to-do tasks off your list the night before. Doing this will make your future self seriously thank you!
Here are some things I do at night to make my mornings less hectic:
- Pick out clothes (both mine and the kids)
- Pack lunches and prepare snacks
- Run the dishwasher and put dishes away before I go to bed
- Set the coffee maker timer for the time I want to wake up
Completing these tasks at night can make for a slower morning. Nothing fancy and totally doable.
You deserve better than rushing around the house trying to find a clean shirt and struggling to get everyone out the door at 6:52 AM. Been there!
This is one of my favorite mom life hacks that helps set the day up for success.
It also allows me to be a more present mom. Being able to eat breakfast with my kids and talk, instead of unloading the dishwasher or rushing to pack lunches, feels really good.
Step 3: Create a No-Think Morning Flow
A morning routine does not mean having a strict schedule. Create a simple system that feels easy. Easy enough for you to repeat day in and day out.
Here is what my morning routine looks like:
- Wake up (some mornings early, and others not)
- Make coffee and fill a tall glass of water
- Get ready for the day: keep this short and sweet
- Prepare a breakfast rotation for the kids- Every week I choose 3 quick and easy options to offer my kids.
- Do something for myself- a quiet moment to drink my coffee, sitting in silence for a few minutes, or blogging.
This simple routine has helped me create autopilot for my brain. The less choices I make in the morning, the better!
Step 4: Involve the Kids
Giving your kids jobs and choices absolutely helps make mornings feel less crazy.
Try this:
- Hang a morning routine flip chart (especially if your kids are younger or have special needs) so kids can visually see what they have to do in the morning. Think, eat breakfast, brush teeth, and get dressed.
- I like to give my kids choices between two outfits. This eliminates arguments.
- Create a “grab and go” breakfast area in your kitchen. Whether it is a drawer or an area in your pantry that is easily accessible to your kids is amazing and I wish I created this sooner. You will really appreciate this tip on days when you are running late. I have this lazy susan in my pantry and love it.
If I can wrangle the kids and get them ready for the day without either one of them throwing a tantrum, it is a win!
Step 5: Automate the Chaos
Your mornings will run much more smoothly if you set and forget a couple of things.
These small intentional actions contribute to a seamless morning:
- Unload the dishwasher before you go to bed.
- Organize a morning basket with a brush, hair ties, lotion, chapstick, and other essentials you can easily grab.
- Play music while everyone is getting ready. Music helps keep my kids happy and motivated to move it.
Just a few simple mom life hacks that enhance my mornings!
Step 6: Ditch Guilt
Don’t compare yourself to others and let go of the idea of creating the perfect morning. Some mornings will be easier than others.
Your routine should help you start the day with less chaos. So what if you choose not to wake up hours before your kids do.
It will probably take a minute to get into the swing of things, especially if you have multiple kids. That is just life with kids.
Final Thoughts
Setting up a morning routine that actually works does not mean that you have to become a morning person. It is about being proactive and finding ways to start your day without roadblocks.
Keep it simple. Try one thing at a time in hopes of making tomorrow easier.
You will create an ideal morning routine that works for you and your family, even if it takes a couple days!
If I can go from feeling flustered and overwhelmed in the mornings to actually feeling peace… so can you!
Other Posts You May Like:
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8 ways to ditch mom guilt
10 surprising things i learned as a first time mom (that no one warned me about)
