Real Tips for a Mom's Morning Routine to Stick To

This post contains affiliate links that I earn a commission through. Thank you for supporting Twins and Coffee!

Figuring out the right mom’s morning routine is more than just structure– it is about finding what works for YOU! Here are my best tips.

If you’re a busy mom trying to create a structured and productive morning, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, working mom, or somewhere in between, a good morning routine can make a big difference in the rest of your day.

I know from personal experience that mornings can feel overwhelming—especially with small children or older kids who need your attention. But over time, I’ve learned how to create a realistic morning routine that sets me up for success without making me feel like a bad mom if I skip a step. Let me walk you through how I make mornings work, even on tough days, and share tips you can actually use.

How to Build a Good Morning Routine

Creating a mom morning routine doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to feel realistic for your life. Here’s how I’ve built mine:

1. Pick a Wake-Up Time That Feels Doable

As a mom, it’s tempting to aim for a picture-perfect morning routine that starts at 5 AM, but that’s not always realistic. I’m not a natural early riser, but I’ve learned that if I want any alone time before the chaos starts, I have to get up before the kids.

If you’re a night owl, start small. Try waking up 15 minutes earlier for the first week, then gradually shift your wake-up time as you get more comfortable. It doesn’t matter if your morning routine starts at 5 AM or 7:30 AM—what matters is consistency and giving yourself a fresh start for the day.

2. Plan the Night Before

I used to wing my mornings, but it left me scrambling for precious time I didn’t have. Now, I make small adjustments the night before, like laying out workout clothes, prepping water bottles for the kids, or even jotting down a quick to-do list for the next day.

Planning ahead gives me a head start, especially on school days when I know mornings will be hectic. The less I have to think about first thing in the morning, the smoother my day feels.

3. Make It About What YOU Need

This might be the most important thing I’ve learned: your mom morning routine has to include something just for you. For me, it’s having five minutes of alone time to sip my coffee in silence or stretching for a few minutes in the living room before the kids wake up.

Ask yourself what’s missing from your mornings and make that the priority. Whether it’s journaling, taking a short walk, or scrolling social media guilt-free for a little bit, include something that helps you feel ready for the rest of the day.

How to Stick to Your New Routine

Even the best morning habits won’t work if you can’t stick to them. Here’s how I’ve made my new morning routine feel achievable and sustainable:

1. Ditch the Snooze Button

The snooze button was my worst enemy for years. I’d think those extra minutes of sleep would help, but they always left me feeling groggy and rushed. Now, I keep my alarm clock across the room so I have to physically get up to turn it off.

Getting out of bed right away is the best way to avoid falling into the snooze trap and ensures I have enough time to tackle my routine without feeling panicked.

2. Don’t Try to Do Too Much

I used to pack my mornings with tasks like cleaning the house, prepping lunches, and working out, but it was too much. I’d burn out before breakfast. Now, I focus on the biggest things that help me feel accomplished—like drinking a glass of cold water, planning my day, and enjoying a quiet moment before the chaos begins.

Remember, a simple morning routine is better than an overcomplicated one you can’t maintain.

3. Track Your Progress

For the first week of a new routine, I keep a checklist to track what I did. Did I wake up at the right time? Did I stick to my to-do list? Seeing progress, even small steps, helps me stay motivated.

It’s also important to reflect on how your new routine makes you feel. Do you feel less stressed? More productive? If something isn’t working, tweak it until it feels right.

My Tips for a Realistic Mom Morning Routine

Here’s an in-depth look at my mom morning routine. It’s designed to be realistic, flexible, and sustainable for busy moms juggling kids, work hours, and everything in between.

1. Start with Hydration

Before I even think about anything else, I drink a glass of water. Hydration is the first thing my body needs after hours of sleep, and it makes a big difference in how I feel during the rest of my day.

If you tend to forget this step, try leaving a water bottle on your nightstand or in the kitchen where you’ll see it first thing in the morning. Some mornings, I add a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing start. It’s one of those small changes that feels easy but sets a positive tone for the day ahead.

2. Move Your Body

Movement has become one of my favorite morning habits, and it doesn’t have to be a full workout. Some days, I’ll do a quick 10-minute yoga flow in the living room or a series of light stretches to wake up my muscles.

Other mornings, if I have more time, I’ll take a short walk around the block or do a home workout. My go-to is a bodyweight workout or following a free YouTube video. The best thing about movement in the morning is that it boosts my energy levels and gets my blood flowing, which is especially helpful on days I know will be busy.

If you’re trying to incorporate movement into your morning routine, start small. Even five minutes of stretching can make a big difference. Lay out your workout clothes the night before so they’re ready to grab when you wake up.

3. Take a Moment for Yourself

As a mom, it’s so easy to lose yourself in the endless tasks of parenting. That’s why I make it a priority to carve out some alone time in the mornings, even if it’s just five minutes.

I use this time to do something that centers me. Some mornings, it’s sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee and just breathing in the quiet before the kids wake up. Other days, I journal to clear my mind or scroll social media guilt-free for a little bit.

This “me time” helps me feel like a person outside of being a mom. It’s a great way to practice self-care without feeling like you’re taking too much time away from the day.

4. Eat Breakfast

Breakfast is one of the most important parts of my morning routine. I used to skip it because I felt like I didn’t have enough time, but I realized it left me sluggish and irritable by mid-morning.

Now, I keep my breakfasts simple but nutritious. On busy days, I’ll grab a granola bar, a banana, or a yogurt cup. If I have more time, I might whip up scrambled eggs with avocado toast or a smoothie packed with fruit and spinach.

The key is to find a breakfast that works for you and your schedule. Eating something in the morning fuels your body and helps maintain good energy levels for the rest of the day.

5. Plan Your Day

Once I’ve taken care of my basic needs, I sit down with my to-do list. This is the time to review my daily schedule and figure out what needs to get done.

I focus on the most important things and try not to overwhelm myself with too many tasks. Some days, my list includes things like folding a load of laundry or preparing dinner ahead of time. Other days, it’s about work goals or scheduling quality time with the kids.

Having this structured moment helps me feel in control of my day and prevents that mid-morning feeling of “What do I do next?”

6. Get the Kids Ready

If you have young kids, this step is probably unavoidable. My kids are at the age where mornings can either be smooth sailing or total chaos, so I do what I can to make it easier on all of us.

On school days, I wake the kids up, help them get dressed, and make sure they eat breakfast. Prepping things the night before—like laying out their clothes or packing lunches—saves a ton of time and stress.

If you have older kids, this is also a great time to connect with them. Even something as simple as chatting with them while they eat breakfast can create moments of bonding in the midst of a busy schedule.

7. Tidy Up One Area

I love ending my morning routine with a small cleaning task. It could be as simple as clearing the dishes from the sink, folding a load of laundry, or wiping down the kitchen counters.

This step gives me a little sense of accomplishment before diving into the rest of the day. Plus, it makes me feel like I’ve got a head start on keeping the house somewhat together.

If you’re someone who feels overwhelmed by cleaning, start small. Pick one thing to tidy up each morning, and let that be enough.

8. Incorporate Self-Care

As moms, we often put ourselves last, but adding self-care activities into your morning routine is a great way to start the day on a positive note. This doesn’t have to be elaborate—it could be as simple as applying a favorite face serum, reading a few pages of a book, or practicing gratitude.

I personally love writing down three things I’m thankful for in the morning. It helps me focus on the good things in my life and keeps me grounded, even when the day ahead feels overwhelming.

9. Limit Screen Time

While I do enjoy scrolling social media during my alone time, I’ve learned to limit how much time I spend on my phone in the morning. Too much screen time can throw off your focus and take away from the precious time you have to yourself.

Instead, I prioritize activities that set a calm and productive tone for the day. If you find yourself glued to your phone first thing in the morning, try setting boundaries like only checking your notifications after breakfast or limiting social media to 10 minutes.

10. Stay Flexible

Life as a mom is unpredictable, so I’ve learned to keep my morning routine flexible. Some mornings go perfectly, while others are a whirlwind of spilled cereal, tantrums, and forgotten backpacks.

The key is to give yourself grace. A morning routine is meant to make your life easier, not harder. If you can only manage one or two steps some days, that’s okay.

Final Thoughts

A mom morning routine doesn’t have to be complicated or perfect to make a big difference in your daily life. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a working mom, creating small, sustainable habits can give you a fresh start each day.

Remember, the most important thing is to create a routine that works for you. Start with small changes, focus on what matters most, and give yourself enough time to adjust. Even on busy days, a little planning and self-care can set you up for success. Good luck, mama—you’ve got this!

Real Tips for a Mom’s Morning Routine to Stick To

Read Next