When you step into motherhood, the concept of peaceful sleep seems to vanish. Even if your little one isn’t actively waking you up, you’re likely consumed with worries about their well-being or lying awake with one eye open, ready to jump up at the slightest sound. This constant state of sleep deprivation is exhausting enough, but throw in a child who greets the dawn like an eager rooster, and your hopes of catching up on sleep are dashed.
I can relate all too well—my eldest, whom I affectionately refer to as “Sunrise Sammy,” has been up with the sun (or even earlier) every single day for the past 10 years. He rises at the hour I used to crawl into bed after a night of “studying” during college. Now, he’s up at what I like to call “the time when I really need that second cup of coffee.” And he’s not shy about waking the rest of the household, whether he intends to or not.
I held out hope that this early rising phase would fade as he grew older, but alas, no such luck. I hear tales of kids still snoozing at 9 a.m., and it feels like they’re speaking a different language. Parents of early risers definitely miss out on these leisurely mornings, and I must admit—it’s pretty rough. But that’s just the beginning. Here are five reasons having an early riser is a challenge:
1. Sleeping In? Forget About It.
Kids are about as stealthy as a hippo in heels when attempting to be quiet. You might think that once your early bird can whip up breakfast or turn on the TV, your chances of sleeping in improve. But no! The moment your child hits the kitchen, your mom instincts kick in, making you hyper-aware of every clatter and spill.
2. Little Sneaky Bandits.
If you’re still tucked in bed while your early riser is busy exploring the house, your hidden stash of candy and other treasures is at serious risk. They see these quiet morning hours as the perfect chance to rummage through drawers and cupboards, and you can bet they won’t hesitate to raid the pantry or the craft supplies.
3. No Rest for Siblings.
When an early riser is up, there’s no chance for their sleeping siblings to get a few more precious moments of shut-eye. Whether they’re making a ruckus or just feeling too restless to stay quiet, the early riser will inevitably wake everyone else.
4. Boundless Energy.
Early risers bounce out of bed with the kind of energy that can only be compared to a rabbit on an espresso binge. While you’re still trying to wake up, they’re already chattering away about their plans for the day, and all you can think is, “Can I just have five minutes of peace?”
5. Napping Is a One-Sided Deal.
Early risers don’t mind waking up at the crack of dawn because they can nap whenever they feel tired. You, on the other hand, are left to power through the day like a zombie, without the luxury of an afternoon snooze. It’s just plain unfair!
Maybe one day I’ll join the ranks of moms whose teenagers sleep in until noon, but for now, you’ll find me relying on coffee and toothpicks to keep my eyes open. At least I can appreciate some stunning sunrises along the way. If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination options, check out our other blog posts like this one on intracervical insemination.
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Summary:
Having an early rising child presents unique challenges, from the constant interruptions of sleep to the energetic chaos that wakes the whole household. The struggle for peaceful mornings is real, and it can feel incredibly unfair when your little one seems to have endless energy while parents are left exhausted.