10 Creative Ways I Wake My Kid When We’ve Gotta Get Out the Door (Fast)

Let me set the scene. It’s 6:42am, my coffee’s been reheated (again), my hair is half blow dried, and my one glorious, strong-willed child is still completely out cold. We need to leave. I’m pacing the house doing that quiet mum panic. But I’ve learned something yelling “GET UP!” only ends in drama. So now I get creative.

Here are the 10 little tricks that have actually worked in our house when we’re on a mission to get out the door.

1. The Kitchen Disco Wake-Up

I turn up the volume on her favourite tune and moonwalk into her room like a backup dancer. Hairbrush mic. Over-the-top moves. I commit fully. She groans dramatically but can’t help smiling. And once she’s smiling, she’s usually up.

2. The Silly Animal Game

Sometimes I’m a growling bear. Sometimes a squawking chicken. Once I was a goat (don’t ask). I jump on the bed, make animal noises, and say things like “Who left a sleepy possum in this bed?” It’s weird. It works.

3. Toast as a Bribe

There’s something magical about the smell of toast. I yell out, “I made your Vegemite toast just the way you like it!” or “Ooooh someone’s porridge has cinnamon on top…” She’s up and heading to the kitchen before she even realises.

4. Tickles and Cuddles

Sometimes I crawl into bed beside her and just snuggle. Soft tickles on her arm. Whispering “Good morning, sweet girl.” It’s a slower start but so lovely when we’re not racing the clock.

5. Fancy Dress Surprise

Once, I walked in wearing a tutu over my dressing gown and said, “It’s Sparkle Day! Let’s go!” It was a complete surprise attack. She sat up and said “Mum… what are you wearing?” Then burst out laughing. She got up.

6. Reverse Psychology

This one’s sneaky but effective. I’ll say “You should definitely stay in bed all day. I’ll go out and do all the fun stuff by myself.” Suddenly she’s sitting up, looking offended. “Nooo, I’m coming!” Victory.

7. Teddy Wake-Up Call

I send in her favourite teddy to do the talking. In a silly voice, of course. “Good morning sleepy head! It’s school day! Come on!” Sometimes the teddy gets a cuddle and a giggle. Either way, we’re making progress.

8. Spy Mission Mode

I tiptoe in and whisper “Agent Kiddo you’ve been chosen for a secret mission. Your task: meet me in the kitchen in three minutes. Bring a spoon.” She LOVES this. Suddenly she’s James Bond but waaaay cuter.

9. Mum vs. Kid Race

“Let’s see who can get dressed the fastest!” I act super serious about it too. I pretend to struggle with my jeans while she’s already halfway through pulling on her socks. Competitive spirit: engaged.

10. The Slow Wake-Up

Some mornings I just sit with her. Stroke her hair. Kiss her forehead. “I love you. We’ve got a big day today.” She stirs slowly, stretches, and opens her eyes with a little smile. Those mornings feel like magic. No rushing, just love.

Not every morning runs smoothly. Some are chaotic, some are sweet, some involve mismatched socks and half-eaten toast in the car. But these little wake-up tricks have helped turn the start of our day into something less stressful, and sometimes even fun. And that feels like a win.

Need a Little Morning Magic of Your Own?

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