Now is the time to revamp your Catholic mom morning routine! I like to take a moment each August to get a few things wrapped up before embarking on a new school year.
Every August, I have a tradition I call “Loose Ends August.”
Before curriculum begins, before lesson plans take over the dining room table, and before our homeschool schedule officially starts after Labor Day, I spend the month tying up all the little things that have been sitting on my mental to-do list.
Updating our family binder.
Cleaning out forgotten corners of the basement.
Returning cans.
Organizing passwords.
Finishing the projects that quietly steal mental energy.
I’ve found that entering a new homeschool year with fewer loose ends creates more peace for everyone.
But there is one preparation that’s even more important than organizing my home:
Creating a beautiful morning routine that sets the tone for the day and allows me to show up as my best self.
A consistent morning routine has become one of the greatest gifts I can give myself before the homeschool day begins.
Your morning doesn’t have to be perfect
Before we talk routines, I want to acknowledge something.
Not every mom is waking up after eight hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Maybe you’re nursing a baby, or your toddler still wakes up every night.
Regardless of what your current situation looks like, we just have to do the best we can with what we have.
I’ve lived through years of interrupted sleep with five children, and my morning routine has looked very different depending on what season I was in.
Sometimes my morning prayer was simply:
“Lord, please give me the patience I don’t have today.”
And that was enough.
Healthy habits should serve your vocation—not become another source of guilt. Even if it isn’t the ideal situation, try to be flexible and work with what you’ve got (I’ve had babies and toddlers join me in my morning prayer and/or workout for years!).
Why a Catholic mom morning routine matters
First of all, I don’t naturally wake up cheerful.
Most mornings my first thought is honestly:
“When can I go back to bed?”
But I’ve learned something over the years.
My attitude changes after I begin moving.
After I pray, spend time in Scripture, and exercise- I am renewed and ready for the day!
The routine doesn’t change my circumstances.
It changes my perspective.
My Catholic mom morning routine
Here’s what my current morning looks like as I prepare for another homeschool year.
5:00 a.m. — Wake Up
I try to wake around 5:00 a.m., although I’m certainly not perfect.
If I’ve had a particularly late evening or rough night with one of the children, I give myself permission to sleep a little longer.
Consistency matters more than perfection.
Coffee, Water, and Prayer
After getting ready for the day, I spend quiet time with:
- My Bible
- My current spiritual reading (currently, Pray to Your Father in Secret)
- My prayer journal
- Coffee, always coffee! (paired with a light snack like nuts)
Sometimes after my silent prayer time & reading, I’ll read a few pages of a nonfiction book to help me to stay focused and encouraged. I love Sally Clarkson’s Leaning on the Promises of God for Moms or books on leadership.
Strength Training
Once I’ve spent time in prayer, I complete my workout before the children are awake whenever possible.
Most mornings this means:
- 20–30 minutes of strength training (3x a week)
- Incline walking, ending with sprints (2x a week)
Getting movement finished early means I don’t spend the rest of the day wondering when I’ll find time to exercise.
Get Ready Before Homeschool Starts
Next on my list after the workout is done and dusted, I shower, get dressed, and prepare for the day before our homeschool routine officially begins.
Consequently, if I’m ready BEFORE the kids are upon me, I can show up with more patience and more energy.
Half the battle is STAYING inspired and consistent with the routine we’ve created.
What my children’s morning routine looks like
As my children have gotten older, they’ve slowly taken ownership of their own mornings.
Before 7:00 a.m., they’re encouraged to spend time with:
- Their Bible
- Saint books
- Quiet reading
- Prayer
After breakfast, they:
- Make their beds
- Get dressed
- Spend time outside moving
Some mornings that means:
- Playing baseball
- Riding bikes
- Jumping on the trampoline
- Playing golf
- Running around the yard
Morning movement has become a normal part of our family rhythm.
Healthy habits for Catholic moms
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is this:
Don’t try to overhaul your life overnight and instead, choose a few foundational habits.
For me, those are:
- Prayer
- Scripture
- Strength training
- Morning movement
- Preparing my heart before serving my family
Those habits create a peaceful rhythm that carries into the homeschool day. Eventually, you’ll start enjoying the quiet and productive mornings so much that you’ll look forward to to them.
Your morning routine doesn’t have to be perfect
Your morning routine at 25 may look very different than it does at 40.
It will certainly look different with a newborn than with teenagers.
That’s okay.
The goal isn’t copying someone else’s schedule- instead, the goal is faithfully stewarding the season God has entrusted to you.
Even five intentional minutes can completely change the direction of your day.
Take the time to thoughtfully plan your Catholic mom morning routine
As another homeschool year approaches, don’t just prepare your lesson plans.
Prepare yourself.
A peaceful homeschool begins with a peaceful mother.
When we begin the day rooted in Christ, caring for our bodies, and intentionally building healthy habits, we become better equipped to serve our families with joy.
You don’t need a perfect morning, however, you DO need one that points your heart toward the Lord and helps you faithfully live your vocation.
One morning at a time.
If you want to hear a bit more about my current morning routine, you can check out this podcast episode!
Praying for you and your mornings to come!
-Brittany
