This post is all about sharing my morning routine for smoothe-ish homeschool days.
The Reality of Homeschool Mornings
The homeschool-mom life is so easy, right? Sleep in until 10:00, get the kids up, and start school by noon. Oh, and don’t forget—we stay in our pajamas all day too.
Um, yeah right!
This is sooooo not a realistic picture of my life. While I believe that flexibility is one of the great benefits of homeschooling, I also know that structure helps my family thrive. In reality, my homeschool morning routine starts at 6:00 AM, and it has taken years of trial and error to develop a routine that maximizes productivity.
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How I Started My Morning Routine
Like many habits, my morning routine didn’t happen overnight. It evolved slowly, one small change at a time. A few years ago, my mom’s book club read Atomic Habits, and the concepts in that book helped me establish consistent morning habits.
That said, I’m not naturally patient with slow progress, but committing to one habit at a time made my morning routine sustainable in the long run.
My Homeschool Morning Routine
This is what a typical homeschool morning looks like for me. I go to the gym four days a week, so on my off days, I jump into helping with school a little earlier.
6:00 AM – Coffee Pot Starts Brewing
My coffee maker serves as my alarm clock. Using a programmable coffee maker is an Atomic Habits strategy—I tie my wake-up habit to something I love. And let’s be honest, I really love coffee, especially at 6:00 AM.
6:10 AM – Coffee in Bed
You might think I jump right out of bed, ready to conquer the day. Nope.
I need my quiet, introvert time before the rest of the house wakes up. I sip my coffee and scroll through my phone.
I know, I know—some homeschool moms will say they spend this time in prayer or Bible study. And while that’s great, mindless phone scrolling helps me wake up. Not every minute of the day has to be productive.
6:30 AM – The House Starts Stirring
Around this time, my oldest and my husband wake up. I usually chat with them for a few minutes before officially starting my day.
6:45 AM – Get Dressed for the Gym
If it’s a gym day, I throw on workout clothes, strap on my Garmin, and pull my hair into a messy ponytail. I brush my teeth, apply some natural deodorant (which honestly, doesn’t always hold up during a sweaty workout—sorry, gym friends), and I’m ready to go.
7:00 AM – Hydrate and (You Guessed It) More Coffee
Hydration is important, but so is coffee. I make sure to drink some water before grabbing another cup of my beloved black gold.
7:30 AM – Wake Up My Night Owl
My youngest is not a morning person, so waking him up requires some creativity. This usually involves tossing stuffed animals at him. Don’t worry—he loves it!
7:40 AM – Pre-Workout Fuel and Packing My Gym Bag
My go-to pre-workout snack is Greek yogurt and a banana. I used to work out on an empty stomach, but I’ve found that I lift heavier when I eat beforehand.
My gym bag is always packed with just my shoes, but I do transfer my keys and wallet from my purse. I also throw my water bottle in the bag so I don’t forget it.
8:15 AM – Attempt to Start Homeschooling
I say attempt because while my oldest starts school right away, my youngest needs a little more encouragement. We aim to get started around this time, but let’s be real—it doesn’t always happen.
8:30 AM – Head to the Gym
While I’m at the gym, my youngest finishes getting ready and starts on his schoolwork. One of the perks of having older kids is that they can work independently while I’m gone.
10:15 AM – Home from the Gym (and More Coffee!)
One of the best things about having a teenager? He makes more coffee while I’m gone, so I come home to a fresh pot.
I drink a protein shake first, then reward myself with yet another cup of coffee. Yes, I drink way too much coffee. No, I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
Wrapping Up the Morning
After my workout and coffee refill, I check in with my kids on their schoolwork, and we continue with our day.
It’s a simple routine, but it works for us.
What Does Your Morning Look Like?
Do you have a morning routine that helps you stay productive? Are there any habits you’re trying to incorporate? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!