Do you want a hectic start to your day? Do you want to be behind from the minute you are vertical? Get up WITH your children. Same time.
You peel yourself out of bed when you hear baby’s cry or your older kiddos charge into your bedroom. It will be near impossible to get in a shower or have a few minutes to get yourself ready for the day. You are immediately bombarded with countless requests.
Forget a quiet minute before you must hit the ground running!
Baby woke up soaked…I guess you are doing laundry. Toddler went through the pull-up…I guess you are doing morning tubs too.
You long for a cup of coffee, but know that it will be an hour before you get around to making it.
Forget getting out of the door on time!
Have you wondered how to wake your children with a smile?
I have been getting up earlier than my girls and have noticed an immense change in my morning. It’s like I have been given an extra hour. It’s a Bonus Hour. More than just adding productive or relaxing time, it makes the first hour with my girls so much more pleasant.
My daughters’ days don’t start off in chaos as I have already started my day. I have a head start on getting myself ready (whoa…maybe even a shower!). I have already washed a load of laundry or unloaded the dishwasher. I have sipped coffee and read my morning devotion. I have spent time writing or catching up on e-mail.
All in peace and quiet…efficient AND enjoyable.
I do realize there are times in life when this is not the best option. New baby? Yeah, forget it. You need an extra few minutes of sleep. Or at least I did. You know what you need. Give yourself grace.
What is the BEST thing about getting up earlier than the girls? I’m excited for them to wake up. There are days I even think…so, when are they getting up? I look forward to being able to go into their room and greet them with a hug and a kiss.
When I was getting up at the same time as them, they were met with a groggy mother. I don’t roll out of bed shouting for joy…I need a little wake-up time. I have learned to hit the ground running…but it’s not always pleasant.
Now that I’m getting up before them, it’s easier to greet them with a smile and let them know I’m happy that they are awake and that I get to spend my day with them. I’m filled with morning joy.
The little morning absence makes the heart grow fonder??
This post is from day 9 of my journey to make the most of my mornings by creating an early morning wake-up habit. Read all about it here: How to Enjoy an Early, Joyful, and Productive Morning.
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Diane McElwain says
I remember those days! I’m a morning person so that helps. Good for you~coming from Holley’s blog.
admin says
Welcome, Diane! I’m sure that being a morning person helps! I’m finding that I can train myself to be one. :)
Deborah says
I love getting up before my kids! Well, I don’t love it first thing–but by mid-day I’m happy I did it. It is generally the only time I get for reading my bible, having my coffee and getting a shower. You said it spot on.
Blessings,
Belinda Letchford says
I’m a morning person so this hasn’t been so hard for me, but what I’m challenged with is to use that hour (or whatever) productively – as you are. Thanks for the reminder, and gentle prod to change the habits I’ve slipped into.
admin says
Believe me, I’m not productive for the entire hour every day! Sometimes I am productive, other times I just need to relax, refresh and enjoy my coffee. :) I just try to balance it out.
Latisha says
I completely agree with this post. The days when I get my day started at least an hour or two before my children, and spend time with the Lord in the morning are my better days. When things fall in place better, children’s attitudes are better and the day is way more productive. I want to make it a daily habit. I am now coming out of newborn baby season.
admin says
I thought that the days would be longer, but I agree with you. The days are better after the earlier mornings!
I waited until I was out of the newborn baby season before I even attempted the early morning wake-up! So good luck making the daily habit. Thank you for reading.
Danie says
Don’t have kids yet, but my husband and I have been focusing on getting up earlier as well. I’m not at all a morning person, but the day feels so much more productive and stress-free when I have that extra morning hour! :-)
Terri Presser says
You are so right. I have been getting up now before everyone else for 2 weeks and it is great to be able to start the day when it is quiet. Sometimes (on slow days) I go back to bed and give my husband a cuddle but I still feel as though I’ve begun the day right. I am getting tired though (must be my age :-)) and have to take time to rest around lunch, but it is a good time for the children to have some down time after school. Thank you for the encouragement to do this and thank you for linking up at Good Morning Mondays. Blessings
admin says
I am happy you are enjoying your quiet mornings!