Mornings in my home are anything but ordinary once my four energetic little ones wake up, full of enthusiasm. It’s a whirlwind of cuddles, tears, coffee refills, juice spills, and plenty of laughter. Yet, my kids never offer a preview of what’s on the agenda each day.
Reflecting on these fleeting morning moments with my kids fills me with warmth. I already anticipate the nostalgia I’ll feel for these days when pancakes sprinkled with colorful toppings grant me the title of “best mom ever,” and lounging in pajamas on the couch elevates my status even more. However, while I’m in the thick of these chaotic mornings, it doesn’t always feel like bliss. I often find myself frustrated, scrolling through countless cartoons, only to hear at least one child throw a tantrum over the selection (in a household this size, sorry kid — majority rules).
I crave hot coffee, but four little ones demand their apple juice immediately. And even though I would love to cozy up with them during these early hours, I frequently have piles of work waiting for me. So, I reluctantly peel the kids off my legs and begin my day, burdened by the familiar weight of mom guilt.
Like many mothers, I struggle to carve out time for myself amidst the chaos of caring for others. “I need a break” is a common refrain that echoes in my mind long before I even consider what’s for lunch. We all deserve that break, but for most of us, finding those precious moments of solitude often requires a shift in our schedules or comes at a personal cost.
Some moms indulge in late-night reality TV marathons, eating all the ice cream their kids didn’t finish, and they do this without a hint of guilt. I relate to them, but I can’t stay up late without transforming into a grumpy version of myself by morning.
To maintain my sanity, I choose to wake up early and enjoy those quiet moments alone. Instead of battling with toddlers over pancake flipping, I can cook while listening to a podcast or belting out my favorite songs. I have the luxury of taking a long, hot shower without interruption, free from the drama of tiny hands pulling back the curtain. I can even pamper myself with a face mask and take the time to prepare nutritious lunches for my kids.
Yet, the most treasured aspect of waking up early is the newfound freedom and space to simply exist. To relax, to meditate, and to savor a quiet moment on my front porch with my favorite mug, watching the sun rise. We all need those moments of mindfulness to equip us for the busy days ahead in motherhood.
However, the onus is on us to seek out these moments. No matter how supportive our partners or friends may be, it’s ultimately our responsibility to prioritize our own needs. And while it isn’t always easy, the most fulfilling things in life seldom are.
Every morning, I wrestle with the temptation to hit the snooze button on my alarm (the real one, not the kids). It takes commitment, occasional bribes, and the promise of coffee to uphold this routine. I’ll confess—I sometimes do hit snooze when I’m running low on energy, and that’s perfectly fine. We all have days when we need extra rest. But if I fall back into that pattern for too long, I notice a decline in my overall well-being.
I become less cheerful, find myself in the same sweatpants for days, and often forget when I last had a shower. With our busy schedules, especially for mothers, it’s essential to carve out time for ourselves. So, I make that time in the early hours.
I rise before the birds start chirping, tiptoe around the staircase near my kids’ rooms, brew my coffee, and dedicate time to my own wants and needs. Sure, I sacrifice some sleep. But by waking up before my kids, I set the tone for the day with a full cup.
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In summary, while early mornings may seem daunting, they offer a chance to recharge and prepare for the day ahead. Finding those quiet moments can significantly enhance our well-being as mothers.