Early waking - coping techniques!

[Lockdownmummy]

Both DC (DS3 and DD2) are going through a (sustained!) period of early waking.

Trying also usual stuff to get them to stay in bed longer but both in with us come 5am today. Hence lots of fidgeting/kicking etc etc. I just ignore the best I can and doze through it til a reasonable hour but DH can't. He gets a bit wound up (which I understand!) and then is cranky with everybody.

If either of us leave to go elsewhere then all hell breaks loose. So what are your coping strategies for early wakers?

Or the secret to getting them to stay in bed til at least 6am!

I introduced a gro clock at some point between 2 and 3. I do acknowledge my child is exceptionally compliant but she got it from day 1 and stayed in her room until it was time to get up. She has never once disturbed us before she should (unless ill or something!) you may need to try bribes to get them to go for it!

Alternatively, alternate who gets up each day with them so the other one gets some sleep. Sounds like at the moment no one sleeps after they wake up, which is silly. One of you get up and start the day, the other sleeps in. Switch each day.

Gro clock is either ignored or now the button is pressed to wake Ollie up 🤦🏻‍♀️

Currently trying the night light on their Yotos (red for bed, green for go) with little success

My gro clock is ignored. DD (4) is up at 5.50 every morning so I feel your pain. I can't wait till the teenage years when they stay in bed all day.

Yeah I now use the Yoto rather than the gro clock, they can’t reprogram that 😂

I think the trick is probably to start by setting the clock to only 10 mins after their wake up time so it’s attainable, and lots of praise/bribes if they manage it? Then gradually get later?

as j say I appreciate I have a particularly rule-following child so it may not work for everyone.

would definitely go with alternating who gets up each day. 3/4 5am starts per week is infinitely better than 7…

We had 5am start for over a year. It was just
His body clock, nothing we done changed it sadly.
We are eventually passed it but it is hell at the time, I feel for you.
Can you alternate?

@Sunshineclouds11 a year! 😭

Thanks all, seems like alternating is the most viable option. Back to the good old days like the night feeds 🤣

Yes 😭 I did start getting used to it tbf 😂 10am felt like dinner time though