Morning routines in my household are anything but ordinary once my four energetic kids spring to life — it’s an unpredictable mix of hugs, tears, coffee refills, juice spills, and endless laughter. Unfortunately, my children seldom provide any clue about what will unfold first during our chaotic “schedule.”
Reflecting on these fleeting morning moments with my kids fills me with warmth. I can already anticipate how much I will miss these days when they’re behind me—those mornings when pancakes adorned with vibrant sprinkles earn me the title of “best mom in the universe,” and lazy pajama cuddles on the couch make me feel even more adored.
However, while I cherish these moments, the reality of navigating them day by day—sometimes even minute by minute—can be overwhelming. I often find myself frustrated, scrolling through countless cartoons, only to have one child throw a tantrum over the selection (in our home, majority rules, sorry kiddo!). I crave a hot cup of coffee, but four little ones are demanding their apple juice immediately. And despite my desire for cuddles during these hours, I frequently face an avalanche of work that demands my attention. I reluctantly detach myself from my kids and begin my day, burdened by the familiar weight of mom guilt.
Like many mothers, I grapple with the challenge of prioritizing my own needs amidst the whirlwind of caring for others. The mantra “I need a break” echoes in my mind long before I consider what to prepare for lunch. We all require moments of respite, but finding those rare instances of solitude often necessitates adjustments to our schedules or comes with personal sacrifice.
Some mothers find solace in binge-watching reality TV shows until the early hours, indulging in ice cream without a hint of guilt. I can relate to those mothers, but staying up late leaves me resembling a grumpy monster by morning. To maintain my sanity—for my sake and my family’s—I rise early to start my day in solitude.
Rather than juggling pancake preparation with toddlers clinging to my legs, I can cook while enjoying a podcast or singing along to my favorite tune. I relish the opportunity to take a long, hot, and—most importantly—uninterrupted shower without a parade of children bursting in to reveal my naked self. I can even indulge in a face mask, style my hair, and occasionally prepare my kids a nutritious lunch.
Yet, what I value most about these early mornings is the freedom and space to simply exist. I can unwind, meditate, and sit on the front porch, savoring the sunrise while cradling my favorite mug. Every mother needs this time—these moments of mindfulness that help us gear up for another hectic day.
However, we must take the initiative to carve out this time for ourselves. Regardless of how strong our support systems are or how loving our partners may be, no one can prioritize our self-care except us. This doesn’t imply that it will always be easy; the most fulfilling aspects of life rarely come without effort.
Every morning, I contemplate hitting the snooze button on my alarm (the actual clock, not the kids). It requires commitment, motivation, and the promise of coffee to stick to this routine. Admittedly, there are days when I succumb to the snooze button when I lack the energy—and that’s perfectly fine. Everyone deserves rest. However, when I indulge in this habit for extended periods, I notice my mental state deteriorating. I feel less joyful, find myself wearing the same sweatpants for days, and struggle to remember the last time I showered. With our busy schedules, especially for mothers, we must intentionally create time for ourselves.
So, I rise before the birds begin chirping, tread softly around the stairs near my children’s rooms, start the coffee, and dedicate time to my own needs and desires. Yes, I sacrifice some sleep, but in doing so, I set the tone for each day by filling my cup first.
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Summary
Waking up early may seem daunting, but it allows mothers to carve out essential time for themselves amidst the chaos of family life. By prioritizing their own needs through early mornings, mothers can foster a sense of mindfulness and well-being, ultimately benefiting both themselves and their families.