What A Mom’s Morning Routine Is Like With A Toddler, Preschooler, And Kindergartner

Okay, everyone's mornings are filled with some sort of chaos and yet some sort of “doesn't this seem the same as every other morning?” It's different for everyone. In my house, it goes a little something like this:

1. EARLY RISERS. My two lovely daughters traipse into our room dragging behind two stuffed kittens, a blanket and their sleepy selves. They climb into our bed with their entourage in tow. We all snuggle for a while until the girls start to lose their sleepies and our bed turns into the main ring of WrestleMania where tickles and giggles abound. It is at about this time that my husband and I send the kids off to the living room for #2.

2. BREAKFAST WITH THE STARS. While they argue about whose turn it is to pick a show, I prepare a nutritious morning snack of Honey Nut O's and milk. Once that's settled, I turn on some sort of meaningful programming like Dora or Mickey Mouse. They settle into a snack, and I sneak back to my room to try to squeeze in a few extra zzz's before I need to get ready for #3.

3. TURN ON THE CHARM. I run an in-home daycare and my a.m. kiddo usually shows up at approximately 7:42 each morning. It is at this time that I turn into Super Babysitter Mama and lovingly snuggle my client's daughter to reassure her that her baby is in good hands. Sadly, once my daycare kids show up, they become my focus more than my own kids. It works out, though, because they've been together so long that they're all “sisters,” and see each other as equals. An idea facilitated by the fact that anyone under the age of three calls me “Mama.”

4. OKAY, NOW IT'S REALLY BREAKFAST. I quick rush to prepare a breakfast and/or lunch for my husband as he runs out the door to work. Then, I make a real breakfast for the girls and myself. After which, it's time for #5.

5. DRAMA DRESS UP TIME. Now, it's my “opportunity” to wrestle, cajole, and bribe my children into getting dressed. The irony is that my five-year-old, who should be well-able to dress herself, needs my constant help and supervision during this time. Meanwhile, my two-year-old, who really does need help, tells me she can do it herself! (And then usually comes whimpering for help.)

6. SCHOOL'S IN SESSION. We homeschool our five-year-old. An experience we often appreciate as we get to see first-hand how much she is growing and progressing. However, getting her motivated to actually start school is no easy task, no matter how much she actually likes to learn. While I am trying to get her started, my two-year-old brings me books to read and the one-year old likes to use me as a jungle gym. Needless to say, homeschooling is not an easy task, but well worth it!

7. GET OUTSIDE, NOW! We may or may not have finished all our school work , but come mid-morning, we all need a break! So it's time to go outside, bundled-up as we may be, and run around! I get the privilege of chasing my girls while being Mommy Monster (yes, to girls!) and playing the role of head swing-pusher, nose-wiper, boo-boo-kisser, and everything else that comes with being a mom!

8. GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER, MAMA! Around this time, the one-year-old's big sister comes “home” after preschool. So, now it's time to feed the troops, then clean up and get them ready for nap. So, to the bathroom! Brush teeth, go potty. All done? Get a book, grab your lovey and lay down for nap. (It's amazing how we've had the same routine every day for the last two years, but I still have to remind them of every step!) Now, I roam from room to room to read them books, pray with them, give them kisses and tiptoe out while they settle in for naps. Tada! Mornings are done. I NEED A NAP!

The days get tedious, and the mornings seem like they'll never end. But it's good. I am glad that I get to be a part of my children's lives each day. What are your mornings like? Comment below to share your mama-on-the-go blues and dreams!