How Parenthood Made Me a Morning Person (Against My Will)

Before kids, I was the type of person who believed mornings were a suggestion — not a requirement. My alarm clock was more of a decorative piece, and I considered anything before 10 a.m. to be ungodly. That all changed the moment I became a parent.

The Shock of 5:30 a.m.

There's nothing quite like the screech of a baby monitor at 5:30 a.m. to jolt you into your new reality. You blink at the clock, convinced it must be a mistake, but no — your tiny human is wide awake, ready to begin the day. And because you're the adult in charge (somehow), you are too.

Goodbye, Snooze Button

Gone are the days of hitting snooze five times and lazily scrolling social media under the covers. Now, my mornings start with baby giggles (or baby screams), diaper changes, breakfast prep, and occasionally chasing a toddler who thinks pants are optional.

The Unexpected Perks

As much as I resisted, becoming a morning person has had its surprising benefits. I've watched more sunrises in the past year than I ever did in my life before children. There's a calm and quiet in the early hours that I never appreciated until I was forced into it.

And the productivity? It's real. By 9 a.m., I've already fed a child, cleaned a mess or two, packed lunches, and even squeezed in a cup of lukewarm coffee. I used to think mornings were the enemy — now I just call them “Phase One of Parenting.”

Morning Routines Are a Lifesaver

Creating a simple morning routine has helped me cope with the chaos. We keep breakfast easy (think toast, fruit, and milk), prep outfits the night before, and keep shoes by the door to avoid last-minute meltdowns. Little rituals like these make mornings smoother — and keep me from losing my mind before noon.

I Still Miss Sleeping In

Let's be clear — I didn't choose to become a morning person. It happened out of necessity. And yes, I still fantasize about sleeping until 11 a.m. in a quiet house. But when I see my child's sleepy smile and outstretched arms first thing in the morning, it almost makes the sacrifice worth it.

Parenthood Changes Everything

Parenthood transforms you in ways you never expect. It takes your routines, your preferences, even your body clock — and turns them upside down. Becoming a morning person might not have been in my plans, but like so many things in parenting, it ended up being a blessing in disguise.

FAQs

Q: How can I adjust to waking up early as a new parent?

A: Start by going to bed earlier (yes, really), limit screen time at night, and prep as much as you can the night before. Consistency helps your body adjust.

Q: Any quick morning hacks for busy parents?

A: Keep breakfast simple, lay out clothes in advance, and use a white noise machine or blackout curtains to help kids (and you!) sleep better.

Q: Will I ever get to sleep in again?

A: Maybe! Eventually kids grow older, and weekend sleep-ins might return. Until then, naps and early nights are your best friends.