For as long as I can remember, I’ve utilized an early morning routine to my advantage — even back in high school and college when it wasn’t cool (or normal) to wake up even one minute earlier than absolutely necessary.
Fast-forward a couple of decades… and early morning hours are still “prime time” for me.
Dave and I do enjoy sleeping in on the weekends, but during the week, the benefit of starting our day before the kids is worth the inconvenience of an early alarm.
I should mention that during seasons when babies kept me up all night and early mornings were not doable I didn’t force myself to wake up as early.
But now that our children are older and more independent, early mornings feel like a luxurious gift. They are good for my mental, physical, and spiritual well-being (and my productivity!)
In short, early mornings = better days for myself and my family.
But How Early is “Early”?
For the last several years, Dave and I have set our weekday alarms between 4:30 and 5:30 am — depending on what our schedule looks like for the day, how we feel, and when we get to bed (read more about our early mornings).
After we’re out of bed, my mornings usually go as follows…
1. Get dressed and ready.
- Go to the bathroom
- Brush my teeth
- Drink a bunch of water
- Make my bed
- Get dressed
- Do my hair (here’s an old video of how I styled my short hair)
- Apply mascara and a little bronzer
Even if I don’t do anything else on my list below, my goal is to be dressed and ready for the day before the kids get up, so I need at least a 20-minute head start!
2. Start on my to-do list.
I know so many people who enjoy a “quiet time” when they wake up… and although I’ve tried this numerous times throughout my life, my brain is just way too busy in those early morning hours for any type of quiet time.
Instead of trying to force a quiet time when everyone is sleeping, I get a jump start on my to-do list and save my quiet time for after the kids are at school.
Here are a few of the things I work on in the early morning hours.
- Start a couple loads of laundry (one upstairs, one downstairs)
- Weed through my emails — respond, file, and delete as necessary
- Put clean dishes away (if we wash dishes at night, we just let them drip dry overnight)
- Defrost or prep something for dinner (like putting food in a slow cooker or preparing part of the meal).
- Update my digital photo books or our finance tracking workbook, work on a blog post or another quiet computer project
- Look over my to-do list and mentally prepare for my day
3. Make breakfast and lunches.
Around 6:20, I take a break from my to-do list and head to the kitchen to make breakfast, pack lunches, and fill water bottles while listening to a favorite podcast or audiobook.
I like to make a hot breakfast but we do smoothies, cereal, and yogurt parfaits at times too.
I’ve also started packing lunches during this time (instead of the night before.) The process feels less like a “chore” if I do it while listening to something enjoyable.
4. Wake the kids up, eat, get to school.
I wake the kids up at 7:00 and they make their beds and head downstairs for breakfast.
NOTE: the younger 3 sleep in their clothes and I do their hair while they eat breakfast. It’s a little unconventional, but it saves a TON of time each morning!
After they eat, they brush their teeth, pack up their lunches/backpacks, and head out the door around 7:35.
5. Go for a walk + quiet time.
Once the kids are at school, I take the dog for a long walk (which tires him out for the rest of the morning) and then enjoy a short quiet time.
For 15-30 minutes, I read through a devotional, work on a Bible Study lesson, and/or read a chapter or 2 in whatever book I’m reading.
6. Begin my daily routines.
I currently have about 6.5 hours per weekday while the kids are in school — and since I’m often asked what I do now that the kids are in school, here’s a very generalized “bird’s eye view”.
MONDAY = laundry, cleaning, errands, groceries, meal prep (and general catch-up after the weekend)
TUESDAYS = all my online work
WEDNESDAYS = volunteer at school for most of the day in various capacities
THURSDAY = volunteer at church in the morning, laundry, yard work, extra projects
FRIDAY = volunteer at school in the morning, prep for the weekend, catch up on anything I didn’t get to during the week
My goal is to have NO housework, laundry, chores, or errands to run between Friday afternoon and Monday morning — often, I even prep much of our food for the weekend on Friday so I don’t need to spend too much time cooking (read more about our low-key relaxing weekends here).
Give earlier mornings a try!
If you’re in a season of life where you are getting enough sleep, I encourage you to set your alarm a bit earlier and take advantage of those early morning hours.
Sleeping in will always be more appealing, but if you can force yourself out of bed, you’ll be able to capitalize on hours of uninterrupted time every week. Just think about what you could accomplish!
RELATED READING: How to get excited to wake up earlier.
Early mornings have an immensely positive ripple effect on my entire day, which then affects my mood, which then affects the tone of our home and my family’s mood.
Needless to say, they are 100% worth it!
Have you ever tried to implement an early morning routine?
Do you wake up before your kids?
Do you find that the day runs smoother when you wake up earlier?
JoDi says
Are you still using Blurb for your photo books? I want to start creating some, and I’m glad they were mentioned in this post because I’ve been meaning to ask for a while what you currently use!
Disclaimer: Don’t let your kids read the next part if they ever read your blog! The best way to wear out a young dog is to have another young dog for him to play with.
Andrea says
Yes, definitely still using Blurb for my photo books. They are getting expensive, but I always wait until I get a 30 or 40% off coupon. Our kids love looking at them and I do enjoy making them too.
There are so many photo book-making programs out there though — just find one that works for you.
And no, we will NOT be getting another dog!
Toni says
Thanks for updating/sharing! My kids are 4th & 1st grade and I’m still trying to nail down a consistent weekly routine. How far/long do you walk the dog to wear him out? We have a 6 month old pup!
Andrea says
Hi Toni, I take the dog for about a 30 minute walk every morning, and then another 15-20 minute walk mid-afternoon. Dave usually takes him for another 20 minutes after dinner.
Our dog has VERY short legs though (like 4 inches!) so 30 minutes of walking is quite a workout for him. I know others with bigger dogs who walk for an hour!
I started with just 5-10 minute walks 3 times per day when he was really little. Sometimes he’d just lay down and wouldn’t/couldn’t walk any future — then I’d carry him 🙂
Now he’s a great walker and loves going for “long” walks!
Nellie says
Friend of mine have an aquarium. Their kids are allowed to leave their beds when the aquarium lights turn on, 7 am. The lights are on a timer, of course. And the kids can see the aquarium from their beds. Complicated – I know, but still a neat idea.
Andrea says
that’s awesome!
Tracy says
Do you have an evening routine too?
Andrea says
yes, we sure do!
Here’s our kids’ bedtime routine
And this post shares more about how we plan ahead the night before
Tracy says
Thank you!
Debbie says
Wow! You really wake up early. I can see how doing so can set your day right. I’m a task oriented person and it seems like as soon as my feet hits the floor, on non-working days, I’m starting to put a load of laundry or something of that sort. During this holiday season I got to thinking if this quality is more helpful or harmful to me. Yes, I know there are tasks that needs to get done so that’s unavoidable. However, do I have to do it as soon as I get out of bed? Wouldn’t slowing down a bit, having some coffee and sitting in quietness even for just 5 minutes, provide my mind and body calmness and get my attitude right for the day? It’s just something I’ve been thinking about.
Andrea says
great thoughts!
For me, with young kids at home, I actually feel like I get a decent amount of time to just “sit” during the day — sitting while reading books to them, sitting while playing games, sitting while watching TV with them, doing crafts, or even just watching them play.
I feel this time does allow me to relax and reflect — so when the kids are sleeping, I want to utilize that time to get as much accomplished as possible so I can be more “chill” the rest of my day.
Obviously, your daily routine is different than mine, but I DO think it’s important to work in some time to just sit and think/reflect each day!
Jen says
It won’t surprise you to hear that I am a morning person too! There’s such a feeling of accomplishment when I’ve gotten so much done by 7 a.m.! This morning, I was up at 5, worked out, made husband’s lunch, ate my own breakfast, emptied and filled dishwasher, walked dog and made a loaf of banana bread by 7 a.m. Like most, the rest of my day goes so much smoother if I get going and check things off first thing!
Andrea says
Yeah, yeah… I know you’re a morning person too 🙂
We would be a deadly combination at 5am — we would accomplish more by 7am than most people do in a full day 🙂
Katie says
I’m curious what you wear when staying home for the day? I just can’t get myself to put jeans on at 5am. I usually shower, put my pjs back on and finish hair/makeup. I’m looking to find some “house clothes” that if someone came over I wouldn’t be in pjs but still comfy?
Jen says
Hi Katie! I don’t have small children at home anymore, but I do work from home. Usually, I wear sweats/shorts and a sweatshirt or loose fitting shirt while I’m home. This way, I’m “presentable” (to the UPS man! LOL!) and can run out quickly if I need to, but I’m also comfortable (and warm!) while I’m working. I wouldn’t want to wear jeans all day!
Andrea says
Hi Katie,
I swear I responded to this yesterday — but now I can’t find my response (sorry if you do actually get 2 responses!)
I have a few pairs of jeggings and 2 pairs of black insulated leggings I wear pretty much every day — with a variety of very comfortable (but cute) longer, loose-fitting tops.
Sometimes I put my robe on over top of my clothes for a while in the mornings, and I always slide my slippers back on. It’s super comfortable for me, nice and warm, but I can be “ready” in 30 seconds by just throwing my robe off.
Stel says
I usually am an early riser, but recently my husband started training very early, so our wake-up time has moved to 04:30, which is killing me, as my day extends to at least 22:00.
I though this morning I might just as well go walk the dog that time of the day! Might maybe prepping lunch/dinner is s better option.
Andrea says
wow — that’s a long day!
Beth says
Liked this blog…although I’m now an empty nester, it helps me understand what our 4 children are going through with our Grands.
I get so much more accomplished in the mornings. Swimming at 5:20, home to Bible Art Journal with my Alexa playing Anthony Burger music, breakfast, Devotions, then plan the day.
This morning it was mop the kitchen floor, vacumn, dishes, make cookies an d make some crate seats. Every day after the early morning routine is different. Most days I work in time for our previous Grands. If husband is working that day, I may have lunch with a friend or take a bike ride.
Life wasn’t always this simple, but very flexible after you retire.
God is good.
Beth says
Precious Grands
Andrea says
wow — your daily routine sounds dreamy to me! Someday, I’ll be super productive again — but for now, my morning routine is working well considering my stage of life!
Enjoy your grandkids — my parents tell me that being a grandparent is super fun 🙂
Elizabeth says
So delighted to finally meet another ‘morning person’. Thank you for the organizing tips, most helpful.
Michele says
Still here; still reading your blog daily. I just never comment anymore because my morning routine has been hijacked for the last 23 months by my soon to be two year old.
Andrea says
haha — no worries! My morning routine was hijacked for 3 years thanks to Nora so I totally feel your pain! I promise, you’ll get your routine back eventually!
Susan says
I am TOTALLY with you! i am a morning person to a fault. If I get up late I feel like i accomplish nothing all day but run run run without stopping until bedtime. Getting up early helps me be ready fro the day, look at my chore charts, keep things running smoothly and keeps me feeling like I’m on top of what needs to get done.
AND! i can have peace and wuiet to my self before my little girl wakes up. We have anew baby coming in a couple months so -every baby is different, but looking forward to the months when baby sleeps and I can sleep and we can all be on the same schedule.
MomofTwoPreciousGirls says
Ha…I call my children Hobbits. They like second breakfast and elevensies!! I love my morning time!
susie says
Yea! Now enjoy it till the new baby comes and tweaks it again!
Melanie Gibbons says
I’m right there with you! I have always been an early riser, even in high school and college. It’s a challenge for me right now with a little one (2 months) and your post gives me hope that one day I can get my routine back! My mom was the same – she started getting up even earlier when we were little so she could start the day with some peace. The day always flowed easier for her (and us, I’m sure), and I bet I’ll be the same! My routine will have to be different since I’ll have to work, but morning routine will definitely be part of our lives!
Andrea says
yes, don’t expect anything miraculous with a 2 month old… and congrats, by the way! But eventually, it will come back (and then you’ll lose it again if you have another kid) and then it will come back again 🙂
Tara says
Wow. How I wish I would have been born with the morning person gene! I’ve struggled for as long as I can remember (even as a child) with facing the morning and it’s been a struggle to get up and going most days. I didn’t understand why until after my first child and a huge anxiety/depression episode. I’d been struggling with cyclical depression most of my life along with adrenal fatigue, hormonal imbalances and long term anemia.
I spent so many years feeling like a lazy loser and wondering why getting up in the morning and getting things done just seemed literally impossible. I’m really thankful that, with the help of my nutritionist, naturopath, and acupuncturists, I’ve finally been able wake up more naturally and with a bit more gusto (a bit). And I can even wake up without an alarm before 9 am most days. This is a miracle and probably the direct result of lessening insomnia. Either way, I’ll take it.
Facing my day at home with 2 kids and homeschooling, I’ve learned that if I can’t wake up early, I can still get a little time in for me. My hubby (who is more of a morning person) mercifully wakes up before or with the kids and makes a simple breakfast for them and eats with them. Then they get to watch a learning show or two. I wake up by 8am and have set up my devotional books, Bible and prayer journal in a cupboard by the toilet. Nobody bothers me in the restroom anymore, so that’s where I spend my time with the Lord and get centered for the day. I’ve also found a workout video that I love and helps me feel great. It’s 20 minutes long and oftentimes I’ll get up from the restroom and do my workout in my room before I ever appear outside my bedroom or eat anything. Those two things being done helps me feel so much better.
Just like waking up early works for you, I’ve finally found a way to work around not being a morning person. To all the other moms out there who don’t do early mornings, it’s not hopeless. You have to get creative, but you can figure out ways to make space for yourself in the morning.
Andrea says
Thanks for sharing what works for you Tara — I’m sure there are many people out there in your boat (who hate mornings) so hopefully this will help them!!
Debbie says
Thank you for sharing about your “normal” day. I have to applaud stay-at-home moms because it does take discipline to wake up at a certain time or things in the home front falls apart. I’m not a morning person, but my husband is. If I didn’t have to go to work, I’d probably not wake up or sleep at a decent hour. My husband is out the door by 4:45 am. My morning routine is to wake up at 5:25 am and make the bed, put on work out clothes, get 30 minutes in of exercise, make breakfast, pack my lunch, clean up the kitchen, and shower and get dolled up to get to work. I used to wash my hair every other day but discovered it’s better to only wash it 2x a week. This cut down my dolling up significantly since I have long hair, and I eventually got used to not always having “good smelling” hair. If I give in to staying in bed a little longer, I would promise myself I’d exercise after work but end up being too tired to do it once I get home. It really makes me feel better about myself and how my day is starting if I follow this routine. Once in a while I can even squeeze in some cleaning of the bathroom, laundry, etc. before I head out the door. My only wish is I could also have some quiet time/devotional of 10 min before I even jump into my routine. Because I’m not a morning person there’s just no way my body would want me to get up earlier than I already am.
Liane says
My mornings are nearly identical… Except no kids any more.
Husband up at 5 leaves at 5:30. I get up at 6 and have to have that first coffee, then shower. And I do the same beauty routine. Only I have collar length hair so it takes an hr. to dry if I do it wet right from shower. But I put on my moisturizer and clothes and then head to kitchen for a quick small breakfast. Since we eat zero grains and no dairy it does require cooking or reheating. But I’m not really hungry. So eat little amts. Then start the daily laundry since having a front loader means for long loads of up to 2 hrs for heavy dirty stuff. Then make the beds, unload dishes, tidy bath rooms, and then finally dry my hair. Ever since I can remember I have had this rule to dress and makeup before anything else. So I put on some BB Cream which is also sun screen (I love Boscia) and some illuminator (like blush only a gel). Mine is made by NARS. Mascara and colored lip gloss. I like to use up all the free samples from Sephora so brands change. Walk the dog next and then I’m ready for the day by 8. I may have a small protein snack before errands especially if I may miss lunch. Can’t walk to errands here, so I load up the car with my shopping bags or my dry cleaning or stuff to take to the thrift stor and I’m off. After lunch is my free time but husband is home at 3:30 so the next few hrs are not quiet, as he is usually hammering or sawing or using the compressor so,that time is for folding laundry. Even tho I no longer have kids in the house I find if I stay in my pjs too long nothing happens.
Yesterday I have to make an emergency dog food run and while doing thT saw three women all without youngsters in tow and not with each other either dressed in flannel lounge pants and bedroom slippers buying a handful of groceries (all highly processed and expensive) in the quick check. I have always treated the quick check as the aisle for when you discover you need Advil right now and there is none, or for some obscure ingredient that escaped attention on the weekly grocery list. These women seem to have this routine, and we have ours. I don’t know what leads to,thT sort of terminal disorganization but I am glad I never got that bad. I only left my house I. Pjs once about 40 years Go. I had to drive my husband to the train and believe it or not thT day was the only time I have in my entire life of having a car since 1967 that I ran out of gas. I learned well. Rabat same week a fellow la lechwe leafue member handed me a little book called Sidetracked Home Executives which is the only book I value as much as my Bible since they both changed my life.
Thanks for sharing your morning. I remember pregnant days and baby days and no sleep nights – I don’t think we ever forget those. I did it all over with my first grandchild when my daughter and her baby girl moved back home for a while. It’s harder when you are older.
Liane says
My post was a random mess of iPad spell checker and general typos and yes I can spell, Bo I do apologize for the awfulness of my post which I would have edited if I could have.
Cathy says
I have the Side Tracked Home Executives book and love it . Do you still use the card system?
Andrea says
Hey Cathy, I’ve never heard of that book — sounds interesting though. Also, what do you mean by the “card system”?? Maybe I’m totally missing something here, but I’m not sure what you’re referring to…
Cathy says
Sidetracked Home Executives is by Pam Young and Peggy Jones. Flylady based her system on this book. The authors recommend using 3 x 5 index cards to manage home tasks. I have had the book for 7 years and reread it every year because the authors are so funny. I plan on implementing a version of their system this summer for my 12 and 7 year olds to follow. I was also excited to see someone mention this book. Congrats on your pregnancy and I love seeing pictures of Nora and Simon on your blog.
Liane says
Hi Cathy and Andrea,
Hope this helps. I still have my first edition SHE book! I had to buy a new one since it was falling apart. I started on the 3x5s in 1979 a full ten years before Flylady blew onto the scene. I do not care for her or her methods. Too scattershot for me.
For those who are totally unfamiliar, the SHE system was a method of writing every task onto a colored 3×5 card, one task per card, and then those were organized into work periods, depending on whether or not you worked outside the home. The basic system asked you to create a weekly plan. I still keep to the same weekly plan that I started in 1979. What changed was that I focus on a certain area of my home each morning instead of spending 2 partial days (called moderate cleaning days and heavy cleaning days).
After several years passed, the authors decided that you could group tasks on a card if they were done on the same frequency and in the same room. So as an example clean the bathtub and clean the toilet could be grouped. I implemented this and was immediately able to hand off a stack of cards to my adult daughter who did the chores on the card and refiled it in the recipe file box the cards lived in.
Another idea that SHE authors Pam and Peggy came up with was the idea of zones, based on Peggy’s husbands observation of how their garden sprinkler timer worked. For this to work you assign a group of rooms to a week of the month, which in reality ignores the fact that some weeks are only a day long. So I never adopted that way of dividing into zones. I merely set monthly tasks that repeat to repeat every four weeks. Ditto for semi annual tasks and seasonal related tasks. I set those up using my google calendar.
For the weekly tasks, I use an app called home routines on my ipad. I set up 6 zones that change daily and divided my house accordingly so that the work I do is consistent across those rooms. Example – bedrooms on Mondays. Bathrooms on Tuesdays. I work an hr total each day. The weekly stuff adds about 20 min to my 10 daily routine more or less. I also have seasonal and semi annual things I do on Saturdays when I have DH for the heavy lifting.
ShellyL says
I’m familiar with the Sidetracked Home Executive book and its principles. Very good book, although I am still working on putting all the tips into play. I’m excited to see someone mention it.
Avia says
I find that and hour of extra sleep doesn’t do me near as much good as an hour of getting ready/getting stuff done/quiet time. My youngest is 4 months old so she is still up early with my sometimes but I know the day will come when I can have that consistent time again. Glorious!!
Melissa D. says
Through the years, and three kids, I have trained myself to be a morning person. I think as mom’s we tend to give so much of ourselves to our families and I do so happily. It took me a while though to figure out that I needed to make time for me and the things that make me happy as a person, not a mom! I get up at 5am each day so I can workout, pray, shower and be ready to get everyone up and ready for school. Years ago, the thought of 5am would have made me cringe. Now, it’s simply what I do. And, I agree, the day runs smoother when I stick with the routine!
Melissa D. says
I forgot that I wanted to ask you… Out of curiosity, if you needed a specified workout time when do you think you’d fit it in with a shower after?
Andrea says
honestly, I feel like i’m not the person to ask for that because I’ve never been the type to regularly workout at a specified time (or ever for that matter!) If I did workout, it would most definitely be at night since I take my shower before I go to bed every night (it helps me sleep better). So, I guess yes… if I did workout, I’d want to take a shower afterward — but I also probably wouldn’t do this in the morning.
Rachel says
I’m always the first one up in my house! During the weekday, I have to get up first because it takes me the longest to get ready and on the weekends, I naturally rise several hours before the rest of the family.
I use that time on the weekends to relax and rejuvenate (coffee, workout class, watch Netflix, etc.) so I can take on the week ahead and recover from the previous week. I also don’t want to make any noise by doing chores and wake anyone up. My husband and daughter are not morning people at all, so I like to leave them undisturbed as long as possible in the mornings.
Crystal H says
Andrea….I have to ask what you use the Vaseline for? Lips? Sorry I am just a curious person 🙂
Andrea says
yes, sorry — I thought that was obvious but maybe I should have clarified. I use Vaseline in place of chapstick or lip gloss — I have for YEARS!
Crysal H says
Thanks for the reply! I assumed but I never know what new tips/tricks you might have for us! Are you still using the oil cleansing method on your face as well?
Andrea says
Yes, definitely still using the oil cleansing method EVERY night! It’s amazing and I’ve “recruited” so many family members to also use it. It’s been just over 4 years now and I don’t think I’ll be changing my face “washing” method any time soon!
Stefanie P says
I am curious too!
Kelly says
I’ve always been a morning person, but unfortunately so are both my boys! My husband, a teacher, also gets up at 5:30, and I usually drag myself out of bed at 6:00. When we just had one son and I was still teaching, I would get up at 4:45 or 5:00 in order to be at work by 6:30. Once I started staying home- with two boys- I was surprised that I had such a hard time waking up! I can attest to the fact that being home with your own children is more draining than teaching 26 very needy first graders all day! = )
My current goal is to be dressed with hair done (ponytail usually) and teeth brushed by 6:15, when my 5 year old knows he can come in to our room. We then go get the little one (2.5) out of his crib. I realize I will have to tweak things soon once he realizes he can climb out! = ) I know if I could get up earlier, have my coffee and unload the dishwasher in peace, it would be nice, but for now I aim to get dressed and brush my teeth in peace! Even that makes a huge difference in the day!
Evie says
For years our coffee maker lived in my bathroom. Smartest thing I ever did! Think about it… 😉
Andrea says
smart!
Kelly says
I have contemplated making a little mini- kitchen upstairs with the coffee maker and mini fridge for my half and half… = )
Andrea says
I used to keep all Simon’s bottles and formula in the bathroom right by his bedroom when he was waking up often at night. It worked really well 🙂
Andrea says
yes, my kids are often up earlier than I’d like — but they are also finally going to bed earlier as well — so I have more free time at night which is GLORIOUS!
Leanne says
I am a morning person– I would much rather forgo sleep than feel rushed…. I intentionally wake up before my boys to drink coffee, read my bible, start laundry, and make a to do list! the day goes so much better that way!
I’m not necessarily “social” in the morning… the boys now know not to talk to me until I’ve drank at least one cup of that glorious brown liquid!
I found morning time even more essential when I had 3!!
loved this post!
lydia @ frugaldebtfreelife says
There is a quote from “The Office” for every occasion! Love it.
Andrea says
agreed!
Stephanie says
Ah yes the get up before kids do. This is part of my life for probably a total of 6 months throughout the whole year. The other 6 they wake up at the same time…..I have given up getting much done before they are awake because by 6 they are in their light sleep and will wake up if I start the shower, or a load of laundry, or it seems almost anything.
The only thing that keeps me sane is to know what we are having for breakfast already or else I will be such a crab. Sometimes I wish my crabbiness would keep them from getting up….but it doesn’t. Haha
Andrea says
yes, I can’t start any laundry or clean out the dishwasher before Nora wakes up otherwise I’ll wake her up. That’s why I just get ready and do computer work — both of which are essentially quiet. Once she’s up, I can make a little more noise without disturbing Simon.
Erin S. says
I haven’t been a morning person but about 4 months ago I realized that if I got up before the girls to shower and get dressed our days are infinitely better. So while I don’t really want to be awake by 6 on my days off, the payoff is huge.
Andrea says
Crazy enough, but I actually get up LATER now than I did before kids. I’m also more tired I guess, from chasing them around and being pregnant. But I find that as long as I give myself a little window of “alone time” before they get up, I’ll be SOOOO much happier. So yes, I totally agree with you… even when I’m too tired, the payoff of waking up earlier is huge!
Paulette says
I’m with you, Andrea! With 4 daughters and working outside the home, I functioned better if I could start my day before the girls. I was mentally ready for the barrage that came once their feet hit the floor and much more cheerful with them. The entire day and mood of our home was better if I started before everyone else. Thank you for the post!
Jennie says
Paulette, that’s amazing! I am pregnant with our third and I work outside the home as well. I get nervous about being able to manage three kids and work outside the home. I don’t hear about it very often, normally there is a stay at home mom with 3+ children. It’s refreshing to see that I won’t be alone 🙂
Have a great day!