Morning Rhythms

Oliver and Charlie

I've never been a big fan of "schedules" or "routines", even before kids. While sometimes it is nice to have a general "To-Do" list, I dread the idea of having to stick to a rigid regiment to get things done. I find I do much better either doing things as I go or just having a To-Do list to follow that I plan on getting done during the day/week. This has not changed since becoming a stay at home mom to my two kids (aged almost 3, Oliver, and 15 months, Charlie), plus watching another baby girl (10 months), PLUS being pregnant with our third. When I was first introduced to the concept of "Rhythms" I found that I could finally put my effective list following to use, without feeling guilty about "when" or sometimes "if" things are getting done. 

First and foremost, we do not use an alarm clock to start our mornings. I know some people love having some quiet time to themselves for self-care or reflection before their kids wake up. "Wake up FOR your kids, not TO your kids" is s phrase I loved. However, upon trying to add this rhythm, I found that I like sleeping as long as possible and also enjoy moring snuggles that occasionally happen in our bed. Charlie, our youngest wakes at 6, Oliver, usually 6:30, and it is common for us to stay in bed until close to 7. 

Our Morning Rhythms: Wake Time to Nap Time

• Wake up
• Use potty, remove/change nappies
• Bathroom self-care: Hair, beard, shower, etc
• Get dressed

• 

  Charlie enjoying a park outing
  
  

  Our daycare friend is dropped off (7:15-7:30 time frame)
• Breakfast 
• Make beds
• Brush teeth
• Playtime
• Laundry (putting wash in, hanging to dry or folding and putting away)
• Morning naps for Charlie (roughly 30 min) and our daycare friend (roughly 90 min)
• Quiet time for Oliver, screen time, a coffee date with mom, or messy activity like painting or PlayDoh
• Snack (depending on activity and breakfast)
• Morning activity- art, playground, outing, dance party, etc

  

  "Chef Oliver" helping bake
  

  
  
• Lunchtime 
• Nap routine/down for naps
• Mom tidies lunch, does self-care or home management

When writing it out it seems like a lot, but our mornings go rather smoothly. We don't have set times for anything and if something doesn't get done right away in the morning, that's perfectly okay. Some days it is after lunch when I finally get everyone's teeth brushed (myself included). It also helps that Charlie is at an age where if he misses his morning nap, it is not the end of the world, he'll just take an earlier and longer afternoon nap! 

Your own rhythms may look completely different from mine, and that is the point! These rhythms offer grace, but still provide intention in your day. I will introduce our morning rhythms to you in list form instead of with specific time slots, because- well-  that's the point! If you have questions about rhythms or setting your own rhythms, I highly suggest checking out one of these Instagram accounts, they have been super useful in setting my own rhythms and transitioning to a more "intentional" motherhood journey:

Allie Casazza  This mom will help you simplify everything in your life from your phone to your schedule to your house. A minimalist mom without the guilt that some minimalist accounts might put on you. She has a course that you can purchase but also offers tons of great freebies! She is the first person I learned about "rhythms" from and her content is amazing for simplifying already hectic lifestyles. 

Amy Eiler A fellow Wisconsin mom, she is the epitome of realistic parenting. Mom of four girls, she is honest about unfiltered swipes, cleaning schedules, and day to day fun. Plus she loves eating chocolate chips out of her pantry. 

Jessie Martin A mom to three beautiful babies, a minimalist, a photographer, and other fun projects like home building, sleep training, and editing photos for newbies. She shares unapologetically and introduced me to the concept of grace and intention in motherhood

What items are included in your morning rhythms? Do you favor waking up before your kids for self-care time, or with your kids for cuddles in bed?