Daily Rhythm: Waking Before Toddlers

How Waking Before My Toddlers Helped Me Build a Schedule That Works

Life with toddlers is full of surprises, energy, and lots of love—but it can also be chaotic! As a stay-at-home mom with a 2-year-old and 4-year-old, I’ve learned that having a routine brings a sense of peace and order to our days. Trust me, it wasn’t always easy. But once I found a rhythm, our home life felt more settled.

One thing that’s been a game changer for me is waking up before the kids. My 2-year-old is an early riser (hello, 5:30 am!), so I make it a priority to get up around 4:00 am. This quiet time for myself—just me, my Bible, and a cup of coffee—helps me feel centered and ready to take on the day with my little ones.

Here’s a look at how our daily schedule works and how I’ve learned to build it around our needs.

Early Morning: “Me Time” Before the Kids Wake

4:00 am – 5:30 am: Waking Up Before the Kids
In the past, my day started with the sound of a toddler calling my name, and I’d jump out of bed feeling behind already. Now, I set my alarm for 4:00 am to give myself an hour or so of quiet time. I make coffee, sit with my Bible, and spend a few minutes praying or journaling. This time with God helps me feel centered, refreshed, and ready to tackle the day. It’s amazing how much this small change has impacted my attitude and energy levels!

5:30 am – 7:00 am: Morning Routine with the Kids
My 2-year-old wakes up around 5:30 am, so I greet him with breakfast already in the works—thanks to my early start! We have some one-on-one time while we eat and maybe read a book or play together. My 4-year-old usually joins us closer to 7:00 am, and once everyone’s awake, we move into our morning routine of getting dressed and brushing teeth. We always start with a short Bible story or devotional, which helps us begin the day on a positive note.

Mid-Morning: Preschool Drop-Off & One-on-One Time

8:00 am – 9:00 am: Preschool Prep & Drop-Off
By 8:00 am, it’s time to get my 4-year-old ready for preschool. He attends church preschool Monday through Thursday from 9:00 to 11:30 am. I pack his bag, grab snacks, and make sure we’re out the door on time.

9:00 am – 11:30 am: Special Time with My 2-Year-Old
With my 4-year-old at preschool, I get to enjoy some focused one-on-one time with my 2-year-old. This time is precious! We usually start with simple learning activities like singing the alphabet or sorting shapes. I also try to get him outside if possible—whether it’s playing in the yard or taking a short walk. Around 10:30 am, we have a snack and get a little messy with art projects (finger painting and stickers are a big hit right now!).

Late Morning: Lunch & Preschool Pickup

11:30 am – 12:45 pm: Pick-Up & Lunchtime
After preschool pick-up, we head home and dive right into lunch. I like to keep it simple—sandwiches, fruit, and veggies. Lunchtime is a great opportunity to reconnect as a family. My 4-year-old loves telling me what he did at school, and it’s always fun hearing what he’s learning or what funny thing happened that day.

Afternoon: Naps and Quiet Time for Mom

12:45 pm – 1:00 pm: Pre-Nap Routine
After lunch, we start winding down for naps. This is such an important part of our day. Even though my 4-year-old doesn’t always sleep, quiet time is a must for both of them (and for me!). We brush teeth, read a calming story, and settle them down in their beds.

1:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Nap Time
While the kids nap or rest, I take some time for myself. This might be catching up on housework, reading a book, or even sneaking in a short nap of my own! I also like to use this time to reflect or spend a little extra time in prayer. These mid-day quiet moments are so refreshing and help me recharge for the rest of the day.

Late Afternoon: Playtime & Dinner Prep

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Wake-Up & Snack
Once the kids wake up, we ease back into the day with a snack. This little routine helps everyone transition smoothly out of nap time.

4:00 pm – 4:30 pm: Learning & Playtime
We usually do a fun, light learning activity in the afternoon. My 4-year-old might practice tracing letters or counting, while my 2-year-old loves sensory play—like sorting toys by color or splashing around in a water bin. These activities keep them busy and learning without feeling like too much “work.”

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm: Dinner Prep & Outdoor Time
At 4:30 pm, I start getting dinner ready. I try to involve the kids as much as possible by letting them help with simple tasks like setting the table or washing veggies. If the weather’s nice, they’ll also get some outdoor playtime while I finish cooking. This gives them a chance to burn off some extra energy before we sit down to eat.

Evening: Wrapping Up the Day

5:30 pm – 6:30 pm: Family Dinner
Dinner is a family affair, and it’s one of my favorite parts of the day. We sit down together, talk about our day, and enjoy some time to connect as a family. It’s a simple but important ritual that brings us all together.

6:30 pm – 7:45 pm: Bath, Bible, & Bedtime
After dinner, we move into our evening routine. Bath time helps the kids wind down, and then we gather for Bible time and prayers. Reading a Bible story together and praying as a family is such a peaceful way to end the day. After that, it’s off to bed for the kids!

How Waking Early Makes a Big Difference

Building this schedule around my toddlers’ needs didn’t happen overnight. It took some trial and error to find a rhythm that works for us. But one of the best changes I’ve made is waking up early before the kids. Starting my day with quiet time in prayer, reading my Bible, and sipping coffee helps me feel more grounded and prepared for whatever comes my way.

Of course, no day is perfect, and flexibility is key. Some days go smoothly, and others are a bit more chaotic—that’s just life with little ones! But having a general rhythm in place has brought so much peace to our home. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of creating a schedule, my advice is to start small. Find one or two things that help you feel calm and build from there. You’ve got this, mama, and remember, God’s grace covers every moment of our busy days!

Let me know in the comment section if you have any questions or any ideas!