Hello All
I have two DCs, DS is now 7, and DD is 4 both were early risers. We went through long, long, long periods of 4am wake ups. We tried the no cry sleep solution, wake to sleep, rapid return etc. but they both just were up for the day at 4am. Eventually they (thankfully) started to sleep later, and of course now DS has to be woken up to get ready for school. We were just so relieved to get some decent sleep.
However, recently DD started to get up at 6am again, and would lie in her bed shouting for us to go through. DH and I knew we couldn't go through loss of sleep again. My sister gave me a groclock to try. It is like a nightlight, and shows a star picture, then at a time you set, it changes to a sun. Now DD stays in bed until the sun is up, doesn't cry for us etc.
Looking back I realise she (and DS) just had no idea what time it was so assumed when they woke up it was time to get up. Seems simple, but in our sleep deprived state we really just couldn't see straight!
The Groclock is expensive, but I thought I'd suggest it here in case it helps anyone. My sister uses it with her DD, but says it didn't really help until DD was about 2 and able to understand the link between the sun picture and being allowed to get up. I think there are other ones available which may be cheaper?
HTH someone!