4yr old waking at 5 am.

[herhonesty]

quite regularly. Gets up switches light on and plays. Now is getting exhausted during day and manifesting itself in some behavioural issues. Is there anything we can do?

[exoticfruits]

Give him a clock- show him where the hands have to be before he switches a light on- until then it is too early to get up and to go back to sleep.

[herhonesty]

She's got one, ignores it.

[Fairylea]

Reward charts? Sticker for staying in bed...so many stickers equals a treat at the weekend?

[itsallinmyhead]

I've no advice, unfortunately her I didn't want to read & run though.

I just wanted to say you're not alone. My 4yr old nephew is waking at around the same time and, despite my sister's best efforts, is not able to go back to sleep before having to get ready for school.

The toll it's taking on him is awful to watch. He no longer talks but whines & cries (despite having a nap after school) and is generally grumpy, whenever he is awake.

I really feel for you, as well as my sister & her DH, after witnessing their little struggles first hand I think it must take it's toll on you too.