I am an early-rising morning person. I haven’t always been an early riser but since having kids I’ve learned a few things about myself- I need time alone, my soul needs to wake before my family, I need coffee before I can answer any questions, I can’t relax unless my environment is stress free and clean, and I am most productive between the hours of 4:30 to 10:30 am.
Setting the Stage.
Before bed, I prep the coffee pot. I make sure the kitchen is clean. I run the dishwasher. I start the washing machine. I disassemble the tents and pillow forts that have been built during the day in the family room. I make sure all of the toys, shoes, and books have found their way back to their designated home. I place my book, bible study and prayer journal on the table beside my chair.
I also make sure my coaster is in place for my morning coffee.
Early Alarm.
I set my alarm for 4:45 to get up at 5. Sometimes earlier, sometimes later. I know at 4:45 the coffee pot will start brewing and the thought of hot, black coffee starts to wake me up. I also know that if I hit snooze then 10 minutes later my alarm will go off and the coffee will be ready.
Alone Time.
This step is crucial for me to have a good morning. I must get up before my kids and have some sort of alone time. I have to wake up my body, mind, and soul before the questions start. I switch on a lamp, wrap myself in a blanket and enjoy the warmth of the first brew. Mmm… The house is quiet. This is when I do my Bible study and prayer journal. I have also just sat there and enjoyed the silence and in my exercising days, I would use this time to go run. Usually, after 30 minutes of quiet time I do some more productive tasks: read blogs, check emails, insert receipts into my budget and check accounts, and work on my own blog site.
Morning Routine.
This is important for when kids start school. Not only do you need your routine but they should also have some sort of routine. I wake my daughter up at 6:15. From there she picks out her clothes (You could do this when setting the stage at night…). She dresses downstairs and then eats breakfast. When she finishes I pack her lunch and she knows she has to go brush her teeth and hair and put her shoes on. She packs her bag and by 7 she is ready for school.
Because neither of us is rushed our mornings are stress-free and enjoyable. If we have extra time we use it to snuggle. She works extra hard and fast to get to snuggle time.
Other helpful tips
- No TV or Electronics for the kids in the morning.
- Have a place for everything and accessible to kids.
- I have a kid drawer in my bathroom with their toothbrushes, hair brush, hair bands.
- Shoes are in the bucket under the stairs.
- Jackets in the closet.
- Easy Breakfast- cereal, oatmeal, bars, juice.
- My kids get up in shifts. Brother usually gets up after Lucy leaves for school. Next year they will both be in elementary school and we will introduce the routine to my son then.
What tips do you have for a Successful Morning?
