Benjamin Franklin once famously stated, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Sweet sentiment, Ben, but if you equate sleep deprivation with “healthy” and the fog of constant mommy-brain as “wise,” then we’re on different pages!
For parents of early-morning children, the more fitting descriptors are: exhausted, drained, and fatigued (sorry, no time for rhymes here!). My children wake up ridiculously early—like before 6 a.m. every single day.
Fortunately, they both rise with cheerful spirits. The youngest usually babbles “da da, ba ba,” while the older one entertains herself with songs and dolls. Lovely sounds to wake up to, right? But just before I officially open my eyes to check the clock, I hold onto a glimmer of hope: “Maybe they’ve slept in a bit today.” Spoiler alert: it’s 5:45 a.m. I squeeze my eyes shut again and silently curse the universe.
Being the parent of early risers brings its own unique set of “challenges” that only other early bird parents can truly understand. Here are a few:
1. Limited Options Before 8 a.m.
I know we’re not alone in this early wake-up club, so why do stores and attractions wait until 10 or 11 to open? If kids ran the show, everything would start at the crack of dawn. Confession: My kids and I often hit the grocery store at 7 a.m. It’s one of the few places open at that hour. Plus, fewer shoppers means less judgment over all the processed snacks in my cart.
2. Boredom Sets In Early
It’s not unusual for us to have breakfast, play with toys, read books, and even finish a whole Disney movie before 8 a.m. I’ve never envied Sleeping Beauty more! Unfortunately, morning outdoor play isn’t an option since it’s still dark for most of the year (and don’t get me started on Daylight Savings Time).
3. Naptime Chaos
When your baby rises before 6 a.m., she’ll be ready for her first nap when most other kids are just waking up. I have to keep her awake until 8:30 a.m. before she crashes. It’s a shocker when she has a solid nap and is awake before “Live with Kelly and Michael” starts. Playdates? They’re a scheduling nightmare.
4. Meal Times Are Ridiculously Early
With breakfast at 6:30 a.m., lunch often happens around 10 a.m. and dinner by 4 p.m. Everything gets pushed earlier based on wake-up time. By 3:30, I’m usually prepping dinner, and we’re done eating by 5:30 at the latest. Why so early? Because…
5. Bedtime Before Sundown
Yes, neighborhood kids are happily playing outside, but my kids are starting their bedtime routine by 7 p.m., simply because they are utterly worn out. This means we miss most evening events. I’ve been told to shift their bedtime later, hoping they might sleep in. Nope. That’s a rookie mistake. Early risers are hardwired to wake up at the same ungodly hour, regardless of when they hit the hay.
6. Laughing at Friends’ Early Wake-Up Complaints
When friends complain about their kids waking up at 8 a.m., I can’t help but chuckle (it’s either that or slap them). Honestly, I haven’t slept in until 8 a.m. in years. “Sleeping in” for us would be 7 a.m., and I can count those rare occurrences on one hand since becoming a parent. Ironically, even on those rare mornings when I could sleep longer, I find myself wide awake at the usual time, shocked that the kids are still snoozing.
So, how do you navigate the trials of having early-rising kids? Keep in mind that most teenagers have to be dragged from bed in the morning. Good news! You only have about ten more years of this challenging schedule. Until then, be sure to stock up on caffeine during your 7 a.m. grocery runs—you’re definitely going to need it!
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Summary: Navigating the life of a parent with early-rising children is filled with unique challenges, including limited morning activities, chaotic naptimes, and the constant struggle for adequate sleep. While these little ones bring joy with their cheerful wake-ups, the realities of early schedules can leave parents feeling exhausted. Embrace these moments while preparing for the caffeine needs ahead!