How to get 4 year old to sleep past 5.30am

[Madcat22]

He's just started school so it's even more important. He has phases when he wakes after 6am but then this always stops, usually with the onset of a cold. The early rising then persists longer than the cold. He's tired and emotional and I worry about the impact on his concentration and learning at school. He has a rigid bedtime routine which as been the same for years - bath, stories, bed at 7.30. We have tried Gro clock - didn't work at all. Tried keeping him in bed until 6.30 - no way he would do that without one of us and he gets so wriggly and fidgety you end up black and blue. He wakes up and goes from 0-60,0000 miles in about 20 seconds. Anybody else got any advice?

Sorry I have no advice but wanted to say you are not alone! I'll happily give my right arm to the person who gives you the answer

Some people are just early risers. I'd try and tackle it the other end- in bed by 630/7

Can't really put him to bed earlier by the time I finish work, pick him up from school and DD from nursery, dinner, bath etc.BF the baby and put her to bed, then him dragging out going to bed (I need another poo mummy!!) etc etc.

We have one of these too though 5am is the time and 430 isn't uncommon. School made no difference to sleeping longer at all and amazingly he manages to stay awake at school. I think we've just accepted that we're going to be sleep deprived and are longing for the teenage years - apparently we won't be able to get him out of bed then!

We have tried everything - black out blinds (and curtains), reward charts, making getting up as dull as possible, special alarm clocks, moving bedtime you name it. Nothing, but nothing works. Hoping someone will be along with a magic wand for us...

Might have to just accept it then. Not too bothered from my perspective as we've got used to it. It's just so clearly having a detrimental impact on him. The days after a good night's sleep he's like a different child.

Have you tried giving him a supper before bed, mine sleep later now I give them quite a big supper. Oatcakes and cheese with fruit or toast, etc. They just eat it at story time.

Oh. We have 2&1 year olds who wake up between 4.30-5.30 every morning no matter what we try (only the youngest naps), was hoping on school knocking it out of them but this thread has resigned me to pre-cbeebies broadcast tv for life!

Hope everyone finds a solution soon

What about a sporty after school club or a walk or run about after he's had tea, a bit of fresh air and spend that last bit of energy may help.

I also have an early riser and varies in wake up times from 5.30 onwards, gro clock mostly works though.
He also has a warm drink at bedtime and a banana if he wanted so he doesn't wake up too hungry

Good luck

Groclock (well, we have a variation, but same idea, a bit older looking, and will tell the time if you hit the right button), with strict instructions we are NOT to be woken til the clock turns green.
He is allowed to get up, go to the toilet, and then back to bed to play quietly, or rest in bed.
We have a colouring/activity book, and some pencils for him, and usually he takes a transformer or toy car up to bed.
He doesn't sleep later, and I still don't sleep properly after I've heard him get up, but at least I get to stay snuggled in bed. DH sleep through it.

We are now in Y1, so a little bit older, but I reckon we average 9.5 hr/night. Much less than recomended.... Earlier bed means earlier rising.