Really struggling with 5am starts; is it likely to get better?

[toobloodyearlyforthis]

I know children do wake up early but like a lot of things the actual reality of it is somehow different and it’s hitting me hard.

Is it likely to improve? I thought maybe with the dark mornings it would but if anything it’s getting worse - 455 today!

Of they are waking too early you might need to change what happens at night. My youngest used to do this early rising and it turned out he was hungry. We moved dinner to a later time, and if we couldn't for any reason, gave him supper. Might be worth a try tinkering with your evening routine!

I’m a millennial and I parent in this way. The way I see it is that I was scared of my parents for some things which instilled discipline in me, and there was enough love and security in the house growing up that I didn’t feel unsafe I just had very clear boundaries, I very much knew that I did not rule the roost, I did not dictate what time people got up (not at 6 at least).

I’m raising my children very much the same way and I genuinely think soft parenting has a lot to answer for. I agree with PP, you’re being overly precious if you otherwise loved your parents and had a good childhood, we can’t always have what we want all the time, the earlier we learn that, the better.

At 3 (and 6) they should not be waking up that early. Buy them alarm clocks (6 year old can get a regular one, 3 year old a kids one) and explain that until the first number is 7 (or until bunny wakes up) it’s bedtime. Star chart for staying in bed. Ok to get up for wee but must go back to bed. Bigger treat if manage all week.

Meh, that’s why we’re all different I guess. I know how this particular approach affected me and I won’t do it to my children - you can if you wish.

True. Also, if she’s waking for a wee (or the feeling maybe she might need one) at 5ish, maybe lift her at 11ish before you go to bed. Then at least her bladder is less likely to be the trigger.

I’m at the stage of having to kick teens out of bed these days! It comes to us all.

This is true. I think there are definitely nuances when parenting little kids vs teens.