Updated: Jan. 11, 2023
Originally Published: July 20, 2020
Benjamin Franklin once wisely stated, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Cute sentiment, Ben. If you consider being sleep-deprived “healthy” and constantly forgetting things “wise,” then sure. For parents of early-bird children, the reality is more accurately described with words like exhausted, drained, and fatigued.
My kids are early risers. We’re talking before 6 a.m. every single day. Thankfully, they both wake up in high spirits. My little one typically coos “da da, ba ba,” while my older child hums tunes and plays with her dolls in bed. Sweet sounds to awaken to, right? But before I dare to open my eyes and check the clock, I hold onto a sliver of hope that maybe just this once they’ve slept in. Nope. It’s 5:45 a.m. I squeeze my eyes shut again and silently grumble a series of expletives.
The life of a parent with early risers comes with a set of “unique challenges” that only those in the same boat can truly understand. Here’s a glimpse into our world:
1. Limited Early Morning Options
I know my kids aren’t the only ones getting up at the crack of dawn, so why do places like stores, museums, and zoos not open until 10 a.m. or later? If kids were in charge, everything would start bright and early. Confession: we often do our grocery shopping at 7 a.m. It’s the only option available. Plus, shopping at that hour means fewer people around, so I can feel less judged about the processed snacks in my cart.
2. Boredom Before 8 a.m.
It’s common for us to have breakfast, play with toys, read books, and even watch a full-length animated film before the sun is fully up. I’ve never envied Sleeping Beauty more. Unfortunately, outdoor play isn’t an option most of the year since it’s still dark outside. (Let’s not even discuss Daylight Savings Time.)
3. Naptime Dilemmas
When your baby is awake before 6 a.m., she’ll be ready for her first nap before most kids have even stirred. I have to carefully manage her awake time to stretch it until at least 8:30 a.m. You know it’s a particularly early day when she’s had a good nap and is up again before the morning talk shows air. While my kids nap, other kids are wide awake, making playdates a logistical nightmare.
4. Unreasonably Early Meal Times
Lunch at 10 a.m.? Dinner at 4 p.m.? With breakfast at 6:30 a.m., mealtimes shift earlier. By the time it’s 3:30 p.m., you’ll find me preparing dinner, and we usually wrap up by 5:30 p.m. Why so early?
5. Bedtime Before Dusk
Yes, while other neighborhood kids are enjoying the evening outside, my children start their bedtime routines by 7 p.m. simply because they’re utterly wiped out. Consequently, we miss most evening gatherings. Some may suggest adjusting their bedtime later in hopes they’ll sleep in, but that’s a rookie mistake. Early risers wake at the same ungodly hour no matter when they go to sleep.
6. Amusement at Friends’ Complaints
You can’t help but chuckle when friends lament about their kids waking up at 8 a.m. (You laugh to avoid the urge to smack them). Seriously? I can’t remember the last time I slept in that late. For us, “sleeping in” means a 7 a.m. wake-up, and those occasions are few and far between. Ironically, even on those rare mornings, parents often find themselves wide awake at the usual hour, shocked by their children’s extended slumber.
So, how do you navigate these early morning trials? Just remind yourself that most teenagers need to be dragged out of bed. The upside? You only have about a decade more of this challenging schedule to endure. In the meantime, be sure to stock up on caffeine during those early morning grocery trips. You’re definitely going to need it!
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Summary
Parenting early-rising children presents unique challenges, including limited morning activities, scheduling conflicts for naps and meal times, and the constant struggle for a decent bedtime. While it can be exhausting, a little humor and preparation can help parents survive this stage.