I can’t count the number of mornings I’ve been jolted awake by a tiny, high-pitched voice demanding breakfast. It’s not a peaceful way to start the day.
Before I learned to wake up before my kids, my mornings unfolded like this:
- I’d open my eyes to two little faces staring at me, and I’d already feel defeated.
- As my kids moaned at the side of the bed about being starving, I’d suddenly realize I needed to pee.
- They’d trail into the bathroom as I tried to gather my wits and remember what day it was, their complaints growing louder.
- I’d groggily promise breakfast “in just a second,” which only made them more convinced I was deliberately withholding food.
- By the time we reached the kitchen, I was annoyed and two steps behind, and my kids were cranky.
I knew my mornings needed to change, but the idea of waking up early felt like cruel and unusual punishment. I was a dedicated night owl and dreaded mornings.
Eventually I decided to make a change. I read a book that helped shift my mindset, and I started waking up intentionally well before my kids.
The result felt almost miraculous. Everyone became happier in the mornings. Instead of scrambling, I felt accomplished — able to make breakfast and even wash the dishes beforehand.
Most importantly, we began getting to school on time. Getting lunches packed, backpacks ready, and four little ones fed, pottied, and buckled into car seats is no small feat, but mornings became manageable.
That’s when I became a believer in the power of mornings. Waking up before your kids made me more productive, calmer, and healthier, and that translated into a more organized and joyful home.
RELATED: How to Wake up Early (Even When You’re a Night Owl)
WHY YOU SHOULD WAKE UP BEFORE YOUR KIDS
Consider this: once your kids are awake, they want you. Whether it’s for breakfast, diaper changes, or snuggles, you’re instantly in demand.
On waking, you’re not immediately ready to operate at full capacity. You need a few moments to take care of basics — pee, brush your teeth, and clear your head — before functioning like a human being.
But those few minutes of “business” can turn hungry kids into extremely cranky kids, and a tired parent plus cranky kids usually equals a stressful morning for everyone.
Simply setting your alarm 15 to 30 minutes earlier can change the tone of the entire day. You’ll feel calmer, more efficient, and more accomplished. That small personal time centers you and sets the stage for a better day.
RELATED: 13 Quotes to Motivate you to Wake up Early & Start Your Day With Energy
BARE MINIMUM: WAKE UP 15 MINUTES EARLIER.
I get it — waking up earlier is hard, especially if you’re up at night with a baby, a sick child, or staying up late with your partner. If nothing else, aim for 15 minutes before your kids rise.
In that short time you can:
- Get dressed
- Brush your teeth
- Set your intentions for the day — set priorities, plan, schedule, pray, or journal
These small actions get you mentally and physically ready to face the day before anyone needs you. It also gives you a rare pocket of solitude that feels like a treat when you’re parenting little ones.
If you can manage more, try waking an hour earlier.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOUR KIDS WAKE UP
Giving yourself an hour before the kids wake up can be life-changing. How you begin the day often determines how the rest of it unfolds. Spending that hour on yourself helps you show up as the parent you want to be and accomplish more daily.
An hour of intentional morning time will make you happier, healthier, and more fulfilled — and your whole family will feel the difference.
HERE ARE SOME RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Make your bed: Start the day with an easy accomplishment.
- Get dressed: Put on clothes that make it easier to move — workout gear if you plan to exercise.
- Exercise: A brief workout delivers endorphins, energy, and a sense of achievement. Even 20–25 minutes can transform your day.
- Determine your daily priorities: Create a to-do list, plan your schedule, journal, or meditate to get focused.
- Read something uplifting: Choose a few pages of a parenting book, a self-help book, or scripture to inspire you.
- Work on personal goals: Consistent small steps each morning move you toward long-term goals more effectively than sporadic bursts.
RELATED: 7 Ways to Fit Exercise into Your Morning Routine
AND HERE’S A BIG GIANT DON’T FOR YOUR MORNINGS:
- Stay away from your phone and social media.
Nothing wastes time faster than “just checking” your phone. Treat this morning time as sacred and essential; guard it fiercely. For me that means no news or social scrolling first thing.
YOUR MORNING TRANSFORMATION
When you begin the day in solitude and intentional preparation, you’ll notice clear benefits:
- You start the day with momentum and accomplish more.
- You feel happier and ready for the morning’s inevitable chaos.
- You make steady progress toward your goals because you consistently devote time to them.
I’m not exaggerating: waking before my kids has had a profound effect on my life. It helped me reach fitness goals, reclaim time, and approach my days with more energy and purpose.
My mornings are a sacred pocket of alone time that equips me to embrace the noise, snuggles, and challenges of family life. I get more done and genuinely feel like my days have expanded.
TRY THE FREE MORNING MAKEOVER CHALLENGE
If you need a guided boost, try a free 5-day Morning Makeover challenge. It helps you build a simple, powerful morning routine that brings energy and focus to your day.
Sign up to receive the challenge by email and get a clear plan to jump-start your mornings.
GET STARTED TOMORROW
So what are you waiting for? Set your alarm a little earlier, wake up before your kids, and transform your mornings. Taking time for yourself before everyone else needs you will boost your happiness and productivity.
Even 15 or 30 minutes of focused morning time can dramatically improve the quality of your day. You’ll handle stress better, meet challenges with more composure, and be more likely to pursue your personal goals.
You deserve it, mama.
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