Rise and Shine (Sort Of): Surviving Preschool Mornings When You're Not a Morning Person

Let’s be honest: mornings are hard. They’re even harder when you’re not a morning person and your preschooler wakes up with the energy of a caffeinated squirrel. The sun isn’t up, your coffee hasn’t kicked in, and somehow you’re expected to pack lunches, find matching socks, and be cheerful enough to convince a tiny human that school is fun. If this sounds familiar, welcome to the club. Here’s your survival guide.

Prep Like a Night Owl
The secret to a smoother morning? Do everything you possibly can the night before. Lay out clothes (yours and theirs), pack lunches, fill water bottles, and set backpacks by the door. Think of it as a gift to your future, groggy self. Bonus tip: let your child help pick their outfit the night before. It avoids morning meltdowns and gives them a sense of control—win-win.

Coffee First, Parenting Second
This is not the time to be a hero. Set your coffee maker to auto-brew or keep a stash of cold brew in the fridge. Your child may be your sunshine, but caffeine is your lifeline. Sip slowly, breathe deeply, and remind yourself that you’re doing great—even if your socks don’t match.

Create a Morning Soundtrack
Music can transform a sluggish morning into a dance party. Choose upbeat tunes that make you smile (and maybe even wiggle a little). Your preschooler will love it, and you’ll find yourself moving faster without even realizing it.

Make It a Game
Turn the morning routine into a race or a challenge. “Can you get dressed before I finish brushing my teeth?” “Let’s see who can pack their bag the fastest!” Preschoolers love games, and you’ll love how quickly things get done when there’s a little friendly competition.

Wake Up Earlier Than Them (Yes, Really)
This one hurts, but hear me out. Waking up 15–20 minutes before your child gives you a moment to breathe, caffeinate, and mentally prepare. It’s not about productivity—it’s about peace. Even five minutes of quiet can change the tone of your whole day.

Embrace Imperfection
Some mornings will be chaos. You’ll forget the lunchbox, someone will cry over the wrong cereal, and you’ll leave the house with toothpaste on your shirt. That’s okay. Preschool isn’t expecting perfection, and neither should you. Laugh it off, hug your kid, and know that showing up is more than enough.

Leave a Little Love
Slip a tiny note or doodle into your child’s backpack. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a heart or a smiley face. It’s a sweet reminder that even when mornings are messy, love is always packed.
So, to all the non-morning parents out there: you’re not alone, and you’re doing an amazing job. Preschool mornings may never be easy, but with a little prep, a lot of coffee, and a dash of humor, they can be a little more bearable—and maybe even joyful.