• Home
  • Instagram
  • About The Graceful Olive
  • Contact Me

The Graceful Olive

  • Household
    • Organization
    • Routines
    • Meals
    • Finance
  • Family Life
    • Playtime
    • Parenting
    • Health
    • Motherhood
  • Travel
  • Consumerism
  • Materialism
August 7, 2017

Stop Waking Up Before Your Kids

Moms do NOT need to get up before their kids every day to get things done! Moms need just as much sleep as everyone else! Check out these six super important reasons to SLEEP INI feel like I should write a disclosure every time I post my opinion on my own blog.  SO here it is!  This is my OPINION on MY blog.  You do not have to agree with everything I say and I am in no way judging anyone whose opinion is different than mine.

I am not waking up before my kids on purpose.  It’s not going to happen.  There is no reason that I can come up with that I need to get up an hour earlier and lose even more sleep.

Maybe these guides are for moms with older kids.  I don’t know.  My kids are 3 and 18 months.  I am a breastfeeding, co-sleeping mom.  This means I am already up off and on ALL NIGHT LONG meeting the needs of my children.  I am not going to wake up earlier to do house chores, self-care or anything else that other people might find more important than sleep!

I know I can’t be totally wrong in this!  Every mom I know complains about the lack of sleep.  Why should we give this up?  What is it that we can accomplish in this hour before our kids wake up that we can’t do when they are awake?

Housekeeping?

Check out my guide on how to clean your home in an hour a day.  This is hour is WITH your kids being awake.  It just takes a little scheduling.  If your kids are always in your way try letting them help you!  Start including your kids and the task will stop seeming so daunting. Check out the list of ways you can include little ones HERE.

I cant imagine having to wake up before the rest of my house each day because I couldn’t find any other solution to making sure my home was clean.

Me time?

I do think me time is important, but not at the expense of sleep.  If you aren’t getting enough sleep you aren’t going to be functioning well anyways.  Not getting enough sleep is going to make it even harder to actually commit to your “me” time.

I also think that as a mom, in this season we might not always get “me” time each day.  It is what it is.  Make your peace with that and move on.  Don’t stress yourself out over not getting to read any of your new book today, just try again tomorrow. (Again… Please see the disclosure at the top of this post before jumping down my throat)

Bible Study?

This one I would possibly consider but personally it takes me so long to fully wake up in the morning I know I wouldn’t get as much out of it as I would if I were properly awake.  If you are feeling like you are missing your bible time try some new methods of worship.  Put on worship music during the day or listen to Christian podcasts.

I have found that the best time for me, in my mom life, to talk to God is in the shower.  I’m usually alone, relaxed and it’s QUIET.

I also love the quiet time at night, when the kids are sleeping and I can hear the hum of the dishwasher in the background.  It’s the end to a day, I’m in a happy, peaceful place and there is where I can fully commit my mind to bible study.

 

When you do need extra time where can you find it?

Solution…Nap time!  With my cleaning schedule you should be done with all your household chores by nap time so here is where you can fit in your “me” time or bible time. Some days all I want is a nap too, so I take one with the kids!  I can do that because I am counting that as my “me” time.

What if your kids don’t take naps?

If your kids don’t nap anymore try giving them an earlier bedtime.  Toddlers and Preschoolers need somewhere between 10-14 hours of sleep per day.  If you’ve lost a nap they should be making up the sleep time at night.

If they are going to bed later each night try slowly bumping up the bedtime each week.

You might also try introducing a bedtime routine.  Bath, Pjs, storytime, bed.  This way bedtime isn’t such a stressful experience.

If you’ve got all your kids in bed by 8pm that leaves several hours for you to have time alone, with your spouse, or whatever you want to use it for.

So there is a whole day of chores, tasks, alone time and extras that did not require me to wake up any earlier then my children!  What about you?  Are you an early riser or do you rejoice in your sleep?

Are you looking for a little more help in getting things done this year WITHOUT having to wake up super early??  Grab a copy of my FREE 27 Page Goal Setting Workbook below!

 

 

Tweet
Share19
Pin174
193 Shares
0
In Motherhood, Routines, Uncategorized
Previous Fun ways to let kids help with chores
Next 7 amazing tips for a stress-free roadtrip with kids

Related posts

How are you, mama? Feeling like you are in a rut? Underappreciated? Tired? Devalued? It's common for stay-at-home moms to feel this way and there are several contributing factors. Wondering how to deal with mom stress? Use these 5 efficient strategies and take your happiness into your own hands!

How to tell if you are you a selfish mom?...

Being a mom is hard. Being a mom with anxiety can be even harder. Anxiety seems to creep in and steal your time, your joy, your life. But it doesn't have to. Learn how to Conquer your anxiety with one simple change to your daily routine.

How To Use A Planner to Conquer Your Anxiety...

DIY Necklace For Girls with Wooden Beads and...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Allison says

    August 8, 2017 at 9:25 pm

    Hahaha I loved this! When I read the title I thought “Oh here we go, another blog post to make me feel guilty and tell me why I should get up before my kids” and then I was very pleasantly surprised! 😄 I need every single blasted second of sleep! So glad you feel the same way. I get nothing done in the morning. Nothing. I am not a morning person. Just let me take forever to wake up and then I’ll get something done. Maybe. 😂

    Reply
  2. Emily | Crunchy Mama Science says

    August 21, 2017 at 2:07 am

    All I can say is THANK YOU. You go girl. I nominated you for the Blogger Recognition Award on my blog! (:

    Reply
  3. Becky says

    July 8, 2018 at 11:46 am

    It’s not just me!!!!!!!!! Finally I’m amongst some women who are not morning people and need more than four hours sleep each night. I tried getting up before the baby for my quiet time and ended up sitting on the sofa, blinking wearily, not with it and ready to go back to bed when she woke. I’m much better in the evenings or when she naps and I have a vaguely functioning brain. I’ve also started using the audio Bible on my phone so I can have that on whilst doing the washing up etc.
    I’ve just discovered this blog and am looking forward to making myself at home. 🙂
    Becky, mama of Georgina (a heart baby)

    Reply
    • TheGracefulOlive says

      July 9, 2018 at 12:50 am

      For the last 5 years I have either been getting my pregnant self up to pee in the middle of the night OR being woke up by a child wanting to nurse… Seriously for 5 years straight now. I am currently in the getting up to pee stage with my 3rd pregnancy. My kids are already keeping me up at night I just can’t imagine giving up even more sleep at this point!!

      Also this pregnancy is draining me so much that I’ve given up a productive nap time in favor of napping with the kids! Not going to feel guilty about that either!!!

      Glad to have you Becky! I’ll be spending a good portion of this evening on your blog too!!

      Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Hello Gorgeous

Meet Zhade

I’m wife to my high school sweetheart, and mama to three little girls: Everleigh, Magnolia & Juniper. I LOVE motherhood, holidays and hot chocolate. I crave efficiency and NEED to figure out the easiest and best way to do EVERYTHING. Life is short & I refuse to waste it on being boring.

Top Posts

Hape kitchen makeover

DIY Play Kitchen Play kitchen tutorial | Play kitchen ideas | #woodentoys #kidskitchen #beautifulspaces It is a hard job finding a play kitchen that is functional and beautiful. Try this DIY Kids Wooden Kitchen Makeover to take your existing kitchen from boring to beautiful, drab to fab!

Safe Summer Skin

Safe Summer Skin

The Links

  • About The Graceful Olive
  • Disclosures
  • Terms and Conditions
Instagram post 18079158523152292 I hardly ever show my face on here but how could I not with this cutie in the frame too!?!
.
I’ve had an outrageous amount of anxiety the last few days.  A various amount of triggers have popped up and as hard as I try sometimes the fear overtakes me.  My body goes into its fight response and stays like that until the rational part of my brain can overtake the fear.  Sometimes it takes days or weeks.  And it’s exhausting. .
I’d love to snap my fingers and make it all stop but the reality is that’s just not how it works.  No one would chose a mental illness.  I don’t chose anxiety, or depression, or OCD, or PTSD.  But it’s there. And I work on it every day.  Because this little girl is a light in my life. And when I’m with her so somehow shares a little bit of her light with me.  And so do her sisters.  They deserve a mommy who works on herself, who teaches them how to fight fear, and who shows up for them everyday. ..
So I do.  I figure it out.  I ask for help when I need it. So I guess my point is, if you are feeling overwhelmed, or scared, or exhausted, you are not alone.  You will get through it. You are strong. .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
 #travelfamily #travellerslife #meettheworld #travelshots #wanderluster #wecollectmemories #alwaysanadventure #loveyourtimetogether #wunderkindred #watchthemgrow #babiesdontkeep #stunningbabies #documentyourmemories #justbaby #prettylittlethings #daughterlove #thebump #babyspam #motherly #thisparentlife #modernmama #thatmomlife #treasuringlittlemoments #raisingtinyhumans #motherhoodisdarling #fullheartmamas #aintnohoodlikemotherhood #momsunite
Instagram post 17848660546781029 Am honestly not sure if there is a more perfect human in this world. .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
 #wunderkindred #watchthemgrow #babiesdontkeep #stunningbabies #documentyourmemories #justbaby #prettylittlethings #daughterlove #thebump #babyspam #magicofchildhood #childrenseemagic #heaventhrumylens #ourcandidlife #thesincerestoryteller #illuminatechildhood #lightinspired #bevisuallyinspired #creativityfound #candidchildhood #alifealive #letthemexplore #toddlerlifestyle #simplychildren #childhoodalive #hurrayforplay #littleadventures_bigpictures #raiseawildchild #runwildmychild #wildandfreechildren
Instagram post 17883503569462734 Little baby burrito 🌯 .
.
.
.
.
.
.
. .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
 #wunderkindred #watchthemgrow #babiesdontkeep #stunningbabies #documentyourmemories #justbaby #prettylittlethings #daughterlove #thebump #babyspam #travelfamily #travellerslife #meettheworld #travelshots #wanderluster #wecollectmemories #alwaysanadventure #loveyourtimetogether
Instagram post 18097374697100317 Just tryin to live our best lives.  We’ve been going through this process of discovering that our best life is much more about the everyday moments and the experiences we make and NOT about the target trips or the size of our closets. Discovering that consumerism is a real thing and that it’s shoved down our throats (and our kids throats) at every turn.  But consuming is not living. ☝️ is living. .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
 #travelfamily #travellerslife #meettheworld #travelshots #wanderluster #wecollectmemories #alwaysanadventure #loveyourtimetogether #littlesnippetsofus #messy_motherhood #connectingmoms #motherhoodjourney #unitemotherhood #lifegivingsquares #mamahoodinsquares #mommystatus #honestmommin #realmoms
Instagram post 17856170683639369 “Good morning, beautiful, how was your night?
Mine was wonderful with you by my side
And when I open my eyes to see your sweet face
It's a good morning, beautiful day”
Happy First Birthday to my greatest Surprise ❤️mom
Instagram post 17930744752331977 Holiday eating got me like 🥴 I love food. Sorry not sorry.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
 #wunderkindred #watchthemgrow #babiesdontkeep #stunningbabies #documentyourmemories #justbaby #prettylittlethings #daughterlove #thebump #babyspam #travelfamily #travellerslife #meettheworld #travelshots #wanderluster #wecollectmemories #alwaysanadventure #loveyourtimetogether #honestlymothering #realmotherhood #runningoncaffiene #coffeelover # yougotitright #mothersinprotest #thehonestlens #literalmomgoals #lifecloseup #everythingtribe #our_everyday_moments
Instagram post 17842808638797405 My crew and I are going to be taking a break from things that don’t bring us joy.  Not sure how long.  Maybe a day? Maybe a year? Maybe forever.  All I know is we need some change. So ✌️insta.  Until next time.

Stay Connected

Never Miss a Post!

Copyright © 2019 The Graceful Olive · Theme by SheShoppes
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.

Necessary Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.