Benjamin Franklin famously remarked, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Charming sentiment, Ben, but many parents of early-rising children would argue that sleep deprivation hardly qualifies as “healthy,” and that the fog of constant exhaustion hardly signifies wisdom.
For parents like me, the most fitting descriptors of this early wake-up call are: weary, drained, and fatigued (and yes, there’s no time for clever rhymes). My kids are early risers—up and at ’em well before 6 a.m. on a daily basis.
On the bright side, they typically wake up in high spirits. The baby is often cooing and babbling, while the toddler delights herself with songs and playtime in bed. It’s a sweet symphony to awaken to—at least until I glance at the clock and see the dreaded 5:45 a.m. My eyes shut again, and a string of silent expletives runs through my mind.
The trials of having early-bird kids present a unique set of hurdles that only fellow parents can fully appreciate. Here are a few notable ones:
- Limited Morning Activities: While I know our early risers are not alone, it’s baffling that places like stores and attractions don’t open until 10 or 11 a.m. If such venues were run by kids, they’d surely start at the crack of dawn. Confession: my kids and I often do our grocery shopping at 7 a.m. It’s the only option available! Plus, fewer shoppers means less judgment for the processed snacks in my cart.
- Running Out of Activities: By 8 a.m., we’ve already enjoyed breakfast, played with toys, read several books, and watched an entire Disney movie. I find myself envying Sleeping Beauty. Outdoor playtime is also tricky, as it’s still dark for much of the year (and don’t get me started on Daylight Savings Time).
- Nap Time Conflicts: When your baby rises before 6 a.m., she’s usually ready for her first nap long before other kids are even awake. I have to be strategic in keeping her awake until at least 8:30 a.m. When she manages to nap and wake up before “Live with Kelly and Michael” starts, I know we’ve had an exceptionally early day. This misalignment makes playdates challenging.
- Early Mealtimes: Lunch at 10 a.m.? Dinner at 4 p.m.? When breakfast is served by 6:30 a.m., every meal gets pushed earlier. By the time 3:30 rolls around, I’m in the kitchen prepping dinner, and we’re often done eating by 5:30 at the latest. Why the early schedule?
- Bedtime Before Sunset: While other neighborhood kids are still outside playing, my children are starting their bedtime routines by 7 p.m. due to sheer exhaustion. This means we often miss evening events. Friends suggest pushing the bedtime later, hoping it might lead to longer sleep in the morning, but this is a rookie mistake. Early risers seem hardwired to wake at the same torturous hour, regardless of their bedtime.
- Laughing at Friends’ Complaints: When friends lament about their kids waking at 8:00 a.m., I can’t help but chuckle (and sometimes suppress the urge to slap them). “Sleeping in” for us means 7:00 a.m. at the absolute latest, a rarity since having kids. Ironically, even on those rare mornings where we could use the sleep, parents often find themselves wide awake, shocked to see their little ones still slumbering.
So how can parents cope with the challenges of early rising? It’s important to remind ourselves that most teenagers struggle to get out of bed. The silver lining? You only have about a decade of this demanding schedule ahead. Until then, stock up on caffeine during those early grocery runs—trust me, you’ll need it.
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In summary, parenting early risers can be both exhausting and rewarding. While navigating early mornings, meal prep, and nap schedules can be challenging, it’s a journey that many parents share. Staying informed and connected with fellow parents can provide essential support.