Accidental Parenting????

[Gage and Sophie's Mom]

Well the big boy bed is going MUCH better (knock on wood!). But now we have early morning wakenings. I played around with Gage's schedule but haven't figured out much. Anyway long story short, I think he has gotten in the habit of having a cup of milk early in the morning. We have been giving him a cup becuase he had been staying up for the day. However, the last few mornings we have given him a drink and back to sleep he goes. Any advice on how to get rid of this habit?

[Layla]

I guess the only way to get rid of the habit is not to give it to him anymore ... maybe offer watered milk instead & then eventually transition to cup of water... he might not think its worth waking up for milk.

Does he seem to eat well during the day? I give Isabella some porride or toast before she goes to sleep just to "fill her up" to get her through the night & not wake up hungry. If you want to post your routine.... could he be waking earlier because he is overtired?

[Kimberly®]

I would agree. Maybe offer water instead. I actually leave a sippy cup of water in DD's room, if she needs it she drinks it, if not I just bring it downstairs for later.

Do you have any toys in the room that he can play with so you can get  a few more minutes of sleep? That can help too, he may be ready to start the day. DD used to be up everyday to play for a while, now she sleeps a little later. They toys lost their appeal, but they do give her something to do and I get a few more minutes of sleep.

[Gage and Sophie's Mom]

thanks for your help. Gage does have toys he can play with, but likes to come into our room instead. i have tried gating him on other occassions and he just climbs out. i think i will try to gradually minimize his morning milk working our way to a cup of water. however, gage is sick so we'll just do the best we can. I will keep you posted.