I had heard parents talk about sleep clocks – there are many types, but the main theme is they change some how to let the child know when it is ok to get out of bed and when they are suppose to stay in bed.  Initially my thoughts were “wow that’s seems a little harsh”.  But now my thoughts have changed, I feel that being awakened before 6 am for the past 3 years has been WAY too harsh.

Here’s the deal I have one really great sleeper.  She stays in bed at bedtime and doesn’t get up before 7 am.  The other has a difficult time staying in bed at bedtime and gets up at 5 am.  When I put her back to bed in the morning she usually gets back up repeatedly.  And let me tell you, my rule is only two people are allowed in my bed at once, so no bunking with mom and dad.  So my curiosity got the better of me and I did a search on sleep clocks.  The one I really wanted- Gro-Clock Sleep Trainer is only available in the UK (so if you live in the UK and buy my clock, let me know what you think about it).  The Gro-Clock is very basic, a moon is displayed when it is time for bed and the sun is displayed when it’s time to get up.  Pretty simple.

Gro-Clock Sleep Trainer

I felt that the most necessary component should be that my daughter should be able to easily understand the clock.  So I went with American Innovative Teach Me Time Talking Alarm Clock and Nightlight. I read the reviews on Amazon and decided to get this clock over OK to Wake! Children’s Alarm Clock and Nightlight  by Onaroo because of one review.  The reviewer has both clocks but felt the American Innovative Teach Me Time Talking Alarm Clock and Nightlight had more to offer.   The clock glows orange when she is to be in bed and glows green when it is ok to get out of bed.  She got it immediately.  I explained the “rules” and the next morning she came screaming into my room at 7 am so excited to tell me the clock was green!  It has been working ever since – going on day 7 and she has yet to get up and come in my room before the green light goes on!  The other nice feature the talking clock has is that it is a great teaching tool for learning to tell time.  The girls love to check the time – all they do is push a button on the clocks feet and it tells them the time.  Yes, I thought this might be a problem at night, but is has yet to be.  You can turn the volume completely off if this does become an issue.

American Innovative Teach Me Time Talking Alarm Clock and Nightlight

Onaroo OK to Wake! Children's Alarm Clock and Nightlight

My biggest concern was that the girls would take the clock too literally and not get up to the bathroom.  Rest assured, potty runs are still occurring when they need them.  And me you ask? – life changing, I get to actually get up on my own, after 6 am!  I think some children just don’t know when to get up, so as soon as their eyes open they bolt out of bed.  Other children wake up then roll over for a little more shut eye.  Do I feel blessed to have one of each?  I’ll let you answer that for me.  Oh, and my flight risk daughter is also staying in bed at bedtime!