My first kids come at 6:30 and while I am up I am by no means "ready" for the day. I am dressed, hair is combed and I dont' wear make up anyways so I guess that is about as ready as I get. After they come I eat my breakfast, read the newspaper, make a pot of tea, etc.

Sometimes the best thing to do with issues like this is nothing. If the parent was truly upset she would be saying more, questioning more, etc. If she says anything then just passing it off as well some of us are morning people and some of us are late night people and some of us are neither but how I look does not effect how I care for the children and the kids dont' care if I am wearing makeup or got my hair in a ponytail or not and really confused why it matters to you. Then change the subject.