If you are a parent, you probably know an early riser.
The good news? Early risers tend to be more positive and productive. The bad news? They often go against the grain of the rest of the family, especially exhausted parents.
Read Next
Although early risers don’t often change this pattern, there are some small little nudges you can try with them to get an extra little shut-eye.
How to deal with early risers.
-
Make sure they really are an early riser.
When your little one wakes early, we often assume that is just how they’re made. But it is worth checking their room out. See what they are seeing and hearing in the early hours - it could be noise or sunlight waking them before they are ready. This is easily sorted with a blackout blind or some white noise.
It's slightly different if your child is just a natural early riser. Depending on the age of your little one, a clock with different colours they can understand might also be of great help. Leave a small basket of toys they can play with in their room until the clock reaches the ‘go downstairs’ time. -
Naptime
Make sure your little one is getting enough naps in during the day. Depending on their age, your little one needs a certain amount of sleep. If they get overtired, this can negatively impact their bed time sleep too. Because little ones usually wake up around the same time no matter what time they have gone to bed at, if they have missed a nap, put them to bed a little earlier that night to help them catch up.
-
Fill that belly!
Make sure your little one has eaten well during the day and especially in the early evening. A full belly will help them sleep a little longer - try to make sure it’s not hunger waking them super early.
