3.5 and 5.5 yr olds still early waking….any suggestions?

[YoungStepMum]

My 2 DSDs (aged 3.5 and 5.5) stay with DH and me every weekend. No matter what time they get to sleep (usually between 7pm and 8pm), the eldest always wakes up around 5.30am usually followed by the youngest 20 minutes later when she realises her sister is downstairs. My DH gets up with each of them, gives them breakfast, puts them in front of the TV then comes back to bed for a few hours. Not only does it make the both of us very grumpy, but, more importantly, both DSDs are clearly shattered by the early afternoon, their behavior deteriorates and therefore we are unable to enjoy the time we have with them. I have suggested implementing some kind of rule that they aren?t allowed to come and wake us up until 6.30am in the hope that without the TV and breakfast they will see no reward in getting up so early and hopefully sleep a bit longer. Has anyone tired something similar? Would really appreciate any advise so we can really enjoy our extra time with them over the summer holidays.

[Seona1973]

we use a digital alarm clock and the kids arent to come through till it says 7.00. If they do they get sent back to bed until it is the right time.