Are you a parent seeking more peaceful mornings? In this post, discover five compelling reasons to wake up before your kids.
As a mom to an almost 3 year old, I have a lot of experience fighting for “me time” and carving out a few hours for the things that I like to do.
I started waking up before my kid when she was around a year old, and I’m always giving other moms this suggestion. Find out the five reasons why you should be waking up before your kids!
How Late Do Kids Sleep?
Let’s get into how late kids sleep. I feel like I hear moms saying that their kids wake up at six am, and to that I say God Bless. For the most part, Baby M wakes up between 7:30-9. The caveat is she dropper her nap early (18 months).
Here is a brief overview of how late kids sleep.
The wake-up times for children can vary widely depending on their age, individual sleep patterns, and family routines. Here’s a general breakdown of wake-up times for kids:
- Babies (0-12 months):
- Newborns: Newborns typically have an irregular sleep schedule, waking up every few hours to feed and change diapers. They don’t follow a fixed wake-up time, obviously.
- Infants (3-6 months): Infants start to develop a more predictable sleep pattern. Many will wake up for the day between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM, but this can vary. It also depends on what happens during the night.
- Older Babies (7-12 months): As babies grow, their wake-up times may become more consistent. Many will continue to wake up around 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM, but it varies.
- Toddlers (1-3 years):
- Toddlers tend to wake up early, often between 6:00 AM and 7:30 AM. However, some may rise even earlier or sleep in a bit later. Sleep needs vary by individual and like my Baby M, the nap-or-no-nap can have an effect.
- Little Kids (4-6 years):
- Preschool-aged children typically wake up between 6:00 AM and 7:30 AM. They may have more consistent wake-up times, especially if they have a structured daily routine.
- Big Kids (7-12 years):
- School-aged children generally wake up earlier on weekdays due to school schedules. Wake-up times can range from 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM or even earlier for those with early school start times.
- On weekends or during vacations, some big kids may sleep in a bit later, often until 8:00 AM or beyond.
- Preteens (12-15 years):
- On weekdays: Wake up early for school, usually around 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM.
- On weekends or during holidays: May sleep in until 8:00 AM or later.
- Teens (16-21 years):
- On weekdays: Varies widely based on school schedules, but many still wake up early for school.
- On weekends or during holidays: May sleep in, with wake-up times ranging from 10:00 AM to noon or later.
It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and individual variations are common. Some children may naturally be early risers, while others may prefer to sleep in. Additionally, factors like bedtime routines, sleep quality, and daily activities can influence wake-up times.
Unpopular Opinion: Stop Doing Chores While Your Kids are Asleep
Whew, I feel so strongly about this. Disclaimer that I’m a stay-at-home-mom and parents that work out of the house might feel differently.
Your kids need to see chores being done. They don’t need to go to bed with a messy house and wake up with a clean one. They need to see that it takes work to run a household and that cleaning is a part of the day. There are no maids in my house. I give Baby M a spray bottle of water and a towel when I clean. She walks around the house “cleaning”. Even at a young age, she understands that the house is something that we all need to take care of as a family.
Another point is that being a parent is hard and we deserve “time off the clock”. I start straightening up in the afternoon, and by the time my husband is doing the nighttime routine with my daughter, all that’s left is the kitchen.
I’m not opposed to doing a load of laundry or rearranging a cabinet after hours, but I try to use my rest time as my rest time.
My last point is that kids don’t need to be entertained all the time. They need to make their own fun and use their imagination. I’m always telling Baby M that there’s no such thing as boredom, just space to get creative. Something that helps little kids feel motivated to solve their own “boredom” is making toys accessible and age appropriate.
5 Reasons You Should Get Up Before Your Kids
- Enjoy a Quiet Cup of Coffee:
- Mornings can be a peaceful oasis of solitude. Getting up early allows you to savor a hot cup of coffee or tea in tranquility, setting a calm tone for the day.
- Catch Up on Hobbies:
- Those early hours are an ideal time to indulge in your hobbies and passions. Whether it’s reading, painting, or crafting, early mornings offer uninterrupted creative time.
- Work on a Personal Project:
- Have a project that’s just for you? Early mornings provide a dedicated, distraction-free window to make progress on personal goals, whether it’s writing a book or learning a new skill. I’ve been listening to Cal Newport’s podcast and it gets into “deep work” and stretches of distraction-free focus sessions to produce your best work.
- Indulge and Recharge:
- Use this time to pamper yourself. Watch your favorite TV show, cook a delicious breakfast, or simply unwind and recharge, ensuring you start the day on a positive note.
- Prioritize Physical Well-being:
- Sometimes I’ll take a morning walk with my energetic Vizsla, Bodhi, or engage in a workout routine or yoga. Prioritizing physical self-care in the morning sets a healthy tone for the day.
- “Eat the Frog”:
- Tackle the most challenging or important task on your to-do list first thing in the morning. This practice, often referred to as “eating the frog,” helps you build momentum and accomplish key objectives early in the day.
What I Do Before My Toddler Wakes Up
I wanted to give an example of some of the things I do before my toddler wakes up. I obviously don’t do all of them, but here’s a short list.
- Work on my blog
- Read (I’m reading The Terror and I realized that I can only read it during the day because it’s…terrifying)
- Watch TV
- Take my dog for a walk
- Scroll endlessly on Pinterest
- Do Yoga
- Journal
- Shower
- Do my nails
- Cook myself a nice breakfast
Again, notice how none of these are mom-centered.
Do you wake up before your kids?
What do you think about doing housework while your kids are awake?
Let me know below!
O.
Niamh - Grab a Cuppa
As a fellow parent, I can completely relate to the daily juggle of finding “me time” and creating a balance between parental responsibilities and personal interests. Waking up before your kids can indeed be a game-changer, and I couldn’t agree more with the five compelling reasons you’ve shared.
The idea of enjoying a quiet cup of coffee or tea in the early morning hours resonates deeply. Those moments of solitude provide a peaceful oasis before the busyness of the day begins. It’s a chance to recharge and set a calm tone for the rest of the day.
Using the early morning hours to catch up on hobbies and passions is a brilliant suggestion. Whether it’s diving into a captivating book, indulging in a creative pursuit like painting or crafting, or engaging in personal projects, these uninterrupted moments of creative time can be incredibly fulfilling. It’s a way to nurture your own interests and maintain a sense of personal identity amidst the demands of parenting.
Prioritizing self-care and indulging in activities that bring you joy is essential. Whether it’s watching your favorite TV show, cooking a delicious breakfast, or simply unwinding, these moments of self-indulgence help you start the day on a positive note. Taking care of your physical well-being by engaging in morning walks, workouts, or yoga sessions is an excellent way to prioritize your health and set a healthy tone for the day.
The concept of “eating the frog” by tackling the most challenging task on your to-do list early in the morning is a powerful productivity strategy. By accomplishing key objectives early on, you build momentum and set yourself up for a productive day ahead.
Your list of activities that you personally engage in before your toddler wakes up showcases the variety of ways in which you make the most of your mornings. From working on your blog to reading, watching TV, taking your dog for a walk, or simply pampering yourself, it’s evident that you prioritize activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
Regarding doing housework while your kids are awake, I appreciate your perspective on involving them in chores and teaching them the value of maintaining a household. Allowing children to witness and participate in age-appropriate cleaning tasks fosters a sense of responsibility and teamwork. Additionally, recognizing the importance of “time off the clock” as a parent is crucial. Using your rest time to truly rest and recharge can contribute to your overall well-being and sense of fulfillment.
Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. Waking up before your kids can be a transformative practice that enhances your mornings, nurtures your passions, and promotes a sense of balance in your daily life. It’s inspiring to see how intentional you are about prioritizing your well-being while being an amazing parent.