When I listen to parents of little ones share their tales of early morning wake-ups, I can’t help but chuckle. As they dream of the peaceful sleep that comes with a teenager, I remind them to hold onto those toddler years a little longer. After all, adorable, sleepy kids are far easier to handle than grumpy teen zombies.
Back when my boys were young, they were early risers too, but thankfully, they weren’t too hyper. I often found myself up late working, but 6 a.m. still came way too soon. To help them ease into the day, I relied on classic shows like Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers, along with some unexpected favorites, like SpongeBob SquarePants, courtesy of their grandma. And on the rare occasions they overslept, I’d sneak in to check on them — just to make sure they were okay.
Fast forward to the teenage years, and the dawn of a new waking routine began. While my boys once woke with the sun, they now preferred to slumber in. Luckily, I’ve become somewhat of a specialist in the art of waking sleeping teens. Here are some tips I’ve gathered through extensive experience:
Things to Avoid:
- Withholding Privileges: In moments of frustration, it’s tempting to assert your authority. But remember, teens are in your life for many years. So don’t make them resentful or mutter “whatever” under their breath.
- Buying Multiple Alarms: Believe me, they’ll just incorporate them into their dreams. From rooster sounds to movie quotes, none of them work. They’ve heard it all!
- Using the Dog: This might seem like a good idea, but it’ll just make them happy and cozy, leading them straight back to dreamland.
What Works:
- Cook Some Bacon: Open their door quietly, head to the kitchen, and start frying bacon. You won’t need to say a word; the smell will do all the talking.
- Annoy Them: It’s surprisingly easy to irritate a teen, even when you’re trying to be nice. Try pulling up the blinds, flipping on the lights, or chirping a cheerful “Good morning!” If you’re on a different floor, calling their name feels like a yell, and you’ll likely get a grumpy response. Just be prepared for a bit of teenage sass until they’ve had a chance to eat.
- Text Them: It seems strange that they’ll notice a text when they ignore alarms, but they will. To sweeten the deal, promise them a trip to the local sandwich shop – it’s shocking how quickly a teen will spring into action for food!
- Use Cartoons as a Last Resort: They might secretly miss those childhood shows. Turning on some cartoons might just do the trick to bring them back to the waking world while enjoying a moment of nostalgia with you.
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In summary, waking a sleeping teenager is an art that requires patience and creativity. By avoiding confrontational tactics and instead using the power of food and a touch of nostalgia, you can navigate the tricky terrain of teenage wake-ups.