Our Real-Life Morning Routine with Five Kids (Chaos and All)

Published on 4 August 2025 at 21:50

Let me set the scene.

It’s 5:30 AM. I’m up — not because I want to be, but because if I don’t get up before the house does, the house wins.

I have five kids. Yes, five. Aged 14, 13, 9, 7, and 3. Mornings aren’t peaceful. They’re a military operation with toothpaste, toast, tantrums, and the occasional triumph.

⏰ Why I Wake at 5:30

I wake early to get myself ready — dressed, hair brushed (ish), and coffee half-drunk before the chaos begins. I check school bags, make sure water bottles and snacks are prepped, and mentally brace myself for what’s coming next.

👶 7:00 AM – The Younger Three Wake Up

At 7:00 AM, I wake the younger three. This is where the day can go either way.

My 3-year-old sometimes wakes up like a sweet sleepy cuddlier. Other times? Full demolition mode. Everything and everyone is a target. Toothpaste, socks, furniture — all in the firing line.
My 9-year-old daughter is… passionate. If the socks are the wrong colour, or someone’s breathed in her direction, it’s “Mom’s ruined everything again.”
My 7-year-old son? A dream. He gets dressed, brushes his teeth, and is drawing at his desk before I’ve said a word. Every family has that one morning person.

🚗 Out the Door by 7:20

We aim to leave at 7:20 to get to breakfast club for 7:30. And honestly? We’re on time 9 times out of 10.

🛏 Waking the Teens

Before I go, I wake the 14- and 13-year-olds. That’s a gamble every time.

I leave their clothes out, knock softly, and send up a prayer. Some days they get up, get dressed, and are out the door. Other days… well, they’re teenagers. Enough said.

💛 Why I Share This

This isn’t a Pinterest-perfect routine. It’s a real one.

It’s loud. It’s unpredictable. But it works — mostly.

And if you’re a mom with more than one child, or just trying to get out the door without losing your mind — I see you.

Want to try the printable checklist I use to survive mornings like this?

email me at aypril@fivekidsonemum.com)

Thanks for being here.

I’ll be sharing routines, free pintable's, and honest stories from a real-life mom of five — no filters, no fluff.

Until the next chaos,

FiveKidsOneMom