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Original poster

To ask how much longer it takes to get ready in the morning with a young child?

32 replies

Laidir87 · 11/06/2025 12:58

I'm pregnant with God willing my third child. My older children are 19 and 15 though, so I've completely forgotten most things about early parenthood!

I have a friend who had a less than one year old child and works full time. She said her son gets up around 6.45am and she has him fed, ready, and herself showered and ready to leave by 8am.

I admire her - it takes me longer than that for just myself!

So how much 'extra time' does it take to get ready to leave with a young child?

OP posts:
TheNightingalesStarling · 11/06/2025 13:10

Well that depends on what you classify as "getting ready". I used to need to e out the house by 7am, DH was up at 5.45, showered and off to work by 6.10am. I was up at 6, shower etc, DD1(4yo) up at 6.30, breakfast and into school uniform then I got her sister (2yo) up at 6.45, dressed and she had her breakfast in the pram on the way to drop DD1 at school. It was efficient as we needed to be.

TakeMe2Insanity · 11/06/2025 13:09

BarnacleBeasley · 11/06/2025 13:07

Would you like to swap your 18 month old for one who likes to do a massive poo just as you are on your way out of the door? He's otherwise very nice.

Show quote history

Mine does that too! Standard behaviour!

MatildaTheCat · 11/06/2025 13:08

You’ve kind of answered your own question in that some people are just quicker at getting ready and out of the door than others. If you take an hour and 15 minutes just for yourself ( I could probably do 20 minutes) then you might think about doubling that time or getting organised and running a tight ship.

How much do you value sleep? Or are you someone who wakes easily and likes to take your time?

BarnacleBeasley · 11/06/2025 13:07

TakeMe2Insanity · 11/06/2025 13:05

18month old takes no extra time as they have to go at your speed. The problematic one is the 9 year old who wants to stay in bed and work from home 😳

Would you like to swap your 18 month old for one who likes to do a massive poo just as you are on your way out of the door? He's otherwise very nice.

Ninkynonkpinkyponks · 11/06/2025 13:06

I’d say 45 mins for the child but that’s just me personally!

TakeMe2Insanity · 11/06/2025 13:05

18month old takes no extra time as they have to go at your speed. The problematic one is the 9 year old who wants to stay in bed and work from home 😳

BarnacleBeasley · 11/06/2025 13:04

Does she get up before him? Because that's how I do it. I get DS2 up at 7:20, and I get up 40 minutes before that so I can have my shower and get his breakfast etc. ready before he needs attention. I probably would manage to leave by 8ish if it weren't for DS1, who eats his breakfast more slowly than you would believe possible. We've been lucky though - both of our DCs stay asleep till you want them awake.

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