Photo by MarksandSparks
My daughter is a light sleeper. Around 6:45 a.m. every morning, I’m inevitably lying in bed wishing I could catch a few more winks (if only I didn’t have to pee). Instead, I tend to hold onto the last few moments of silent stillness and curse the sun for rising. My bladder can wait. I think.
Some days it’s easier to wake up than others (with a smile on my face). Take last Monday, for example. I was sluggish. It was dark and rainy outside. I felt unmotivated to go out, but we had somewhere to be. I was in the mood for popcorn and a movie and lounging in my pajamas. It was one of those days.
Parenting isn’t a part time job. From my experience I can’t just check out when I’m not in the mood for discovering a new day- the /ch/ sound, the number 9, the phrase “oh yeah.” The old saying goes: Fake it till you make it. That’s what I did.
I shuffled into the kitchen with my well-rested toddler, bright-eyed and eager to play. I switched on the iPod, turned up the volume to Disco Inferno, and at 7:30 a.m. we had an all-out dance party. Tambourines, rhythm sticks, and shakers. We started off the day laughing, and the music was just enough to give me the boost I needed to feel awake and alive.
I’ve started to think that this might be a fun ritual for kids before heading off to school. It’s a naturally energizing shared experience and everyone feels good. Sit down with your kids to make a playlist. Then, on a dark and dreary Monday morning, crank up the music. And don’t be afraid to show off those old dance moves. Your kids will laugh and love you for it!
What are mornings like in your house? Would music make a difference? What songs would be a must-have on your family’s playlist?
**This post is a part of the Moms’ 30 Minute Blog Challenge at Steady Mom**
Kelly says:
We love music in the mornings! I’ve never considered creating a special playlist for wake-it-up tunes, but that’s a great idea. TFS!
Kelly´s last blog ..Crazy eyes
October 27, 2009 at 4:20 pm
mir says:
I love this idea. Music is such an integral part of my life. I need to sit down with my itunes and create a mix like this.
Loraine and I used to belt out Sunshine Day (yup, from the Brady Bunch movie). It was such a great pick-me-up for us back in college!
October 27, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Emily says:
Mornings here are a tight routine. Hubby leaves before little guy and I wake up and I have to get us both ready and out the door (I’m a teacher and he attends my school) by about 7:15. We do alright, just sticking to the routine… but some music would liven things up! Thanks for the inspiration.
October 27, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Megan at Simple Kids says:
This is really a good idea! We are hit and miss with the morning energy. Planning out a playlist is a great solution.
Megan at Simple Kids´s last blog ..Winterize Within, Part Three: Games, Media, and Hobbies
October 29, 2009 at 9:43 am
Mama Zen says:
What a fantastic idea!
Mama Zen´s last blog ..How I Became The Patron Saint Of Halloween
November 1, 2009 at 10:31 am