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Parenting

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Original poster

5am again: how cross can you get ?

24 replies

Guard · 04/03/2007 20:15

DD1 at 4 1/2 has decided that 5am is a perfectly acceptable time to get up, and get her sister up (2 1/2) and us as well. DD2 absolutely howls and struggles to get back to sleep (but usually does eventually with cuddles and bribery) - meanwhile DD1 gets told/taken back to bed but appears every 15mins or so (hence we rarely get back to sleep). She has a bunny clock so knows it is too early (but takes no notice), if she is allowed to play with her toys in her room she sings at the top of her voice so everyone is awake anyway. I have tried the carrot approach (sticker chart etc) to very little effect (although she says she is trying). I've also tried the stick approach (taking various toys away) again no use. I'm beginning to go nutty (sleep deprived !) and not sure what to try. Her room is absolutely black and there are no obvious things that would wake her (eg heating/etc etc)... She's well otherwise just wide awake (but shattered by 7pm and begging for bed and generally a later bedtime has not helped nor has 1/2 an hour earlier....) - any ideas ?????

OP posts:

FloatingInSpace · 04/03/2007 20:28

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losty · 04/03/2007 20:40

I empathise with you totally Guard. My DSs are teh same age as yours and until fairly recently were in the same bl&&dy annoying routine. It went on for months. And it wore me down. I tried so many things, as you have. In the end i gave up trying and just accepted that that was how it was to be. (aaarrrrrrrggghhhhh) but things have improved, and now they sleep later again. I didnt do anyting different, it just 'kind of' improved.

So, no advice I am afraid. Sorry. wish I had a magic wand. If I did I would be using it a lot at the moment...

lostincornwall · 04/03/2007 20:42

I've just gone back to a sticker chart again with DD1 - still waking some nights two or three times. First time round had no effect. This time I made it far more achievable - five sleeps and then she gets to choose a toy. She's just had her first "reward" (total value 75p but to her it's a real prize!) and it seems to be working. Might be worth a second try??? {hmm}

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FluffyMummy123 · 04/03/2007 20:43

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swifterella · 04/03/2007 20:45

what a nightmare. lock her in
My DS is 18 mnths and started wakin at 5.30 again as thats when the birds have started up again, i just ignore him till he goes back to sleep, thankfully dont have to think about any other children. sorry that wasnt vey helpful

FluffyMummy123 · 04/03/2007 20:46

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losty · 04/03/2007 20:51

meant to say Guard that it was the other way round with mine, DS2 was waking DS1. But after a while they both got in the early waking pattern

If you havent tried this, I recently got DS1 (4.5) a digital clock. he knows that morning doesnt start until 7.00 (the first weekend he had it, he walked into our bedroom with his hoover, switched on the lights and said 'It's seven, nought nought, I am cleaning in here!' (just trying to make you smile through your sleep depreivation...

TwirlyN · 04/03/2007 20:57

Guard, this has been on going for our family too. ds1 5 ds2 3, they do share a room. We have come to accept they are early risers. We have put,Shhhhhh a dvd player in their room, but this is only used during the weekends. for our sanity. Someone did once suggest to me, something about putting the boys to bed earlier (they go at 7), say 6.30, so they could switch off themselves, rather than be shattered and out for the count within minutes of their heads hitting the pillow. We did try this, listening to them chatting and singing to one another. it worked 2 nights out of a week. then we gave up and accepted we will have to wait until they are teenagers. Maybe an idea. someone may even be able to advance on this theory.

FluffyMummy123 · 04/03/2007 20:58

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FluffyMummy123 · 04/03/2007 20:59

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TwirlyN · 04/03/2007 21:03

icod how do you punish them for waking up early?

swifterella · 04/03/2007 21:08

she beats them

FluffyMummy123 · 04/03/2007 21:27

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malaleche · 04/03/2007 21:36

Havent read whole thread but Ferber talks about this - something to do with, ah here it is page 103 of the 1985 edition 'Early morning wakings' - does your DD have any naps during the day? Oh, he says that early morning wakings are one of the most difficult things to modify...If you can get hold of a copy it might shed some light...

FloatingInSpace · 04/03/2007 21:37

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juuule · 04/03/2007 21:45

She'll grow out of it.

FluffyMummy123 · 05/03/2007 09:10

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Original poster

Guard · 05/03/2007 11:47

Thank you all - icod - first time I have laughed about this for ages and I will try and get tough. It SOOO helps to know others out there are in the same boat (how come they make you feel like you are going so mad ???)

Anyway I've made a new sticker chart which she helped with so hope it will work and I will take away stuff - especially puddings which she loves.

Got my hob nail boots well and truly on now THANKS

OP posts:

duvet · 08/03/2007 12:02

You have my sympathy too, my dd nearly 4 wakes 5.30 onwards and then tramps to the loo loudly which disturbs us she will go back to her room and play for a bit sometimes but by then she's already woken me.

I'd like her to sleep later too cos like your dd gets really tired - and it shows!! Then it's a vicious circle she's asking for bed by 7pm too

This week I'm trying to make it 7.30 but she is getting very grouchy... aaah

Even more frustrating is my dd2 18 months sleeps soundly til 7.30am from 7pm.

Will try Cod's method, keep us posted on any breakthrus!

hotandbothered · 08/03/2007 12:18

I agree with Cod
You need to be absolutely hell-will-freeze-over firm! No attention for early waking, no TV, boring boring boring, not worth being awake 'cos no-one is interested etc etc
I discovered dd was waking earlier and earlier in case she missed any TV! Solved it really quickly by banning TV before 8.30...

dejags · 08/03/2007 12:26

Agree with Cod. On the very odd occasion this has happened to us I just say in a very stern voice. It is still night time. Go back to sleep.

DS1 knows that I mean business and that if he challenges me, I will discipline him (warning, naughty step, toy confiscation).

CODsHadHerVideosBannedinIndia · 08/03/2007 14:11

GROWLY stern face

dueat44 · 08/03/2007 15:16

wot/ tell us more about the videos? Put those distributors on the Naughty Step!

itsazoohere · 09/03/2007 11:01

Need some help with this one too. Was woken up at 5 by screaming because dd1 (11) had poured cold water over dd2 (6) because dd2 was 'bugging' her. Although they are old enough to entertain themselves, they are aslo old enough to attempt to mureder each other. I just sent dd2 downstairs (separation is the only answer sometimes) saying that I CERTAINLY wouldn't be getting up yet as it was too damn early. I relented when I heard the poor lamb snivel as she crept downstairs...'oh, poor me, I'm so cold and wet...'. And then the baby pooed ALL over me. Even in my hair (God knows how, it's a talent she's developing).
Oh, the joys of motherhood!

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