Morning Problems

Question:

I have read your book, Positive Discipline, cover to cover, and have searched your website about morning routine problems but could not find a solution to a certain situation. I have a problem with my 7-year-old daughter that I can’t solve, and can’t find advice for.

Andrea is not a morning person. She is usually cranky when she needs to get up for school. I used to wake her up myself, which usually took many attempts just to rouse her, and then I would have to keep going to her room to check if she was up. Usually she would be back in bed or on the floor sleeping. I bought her an alarm clock so she could be more responsible about the whole thing, but she sleeps right through it, when I can hear it downstairs loud and clear. I’m serious, I’ve allowed that thing to ring for 40 minutes and she WILL NOT get up to turn it off. I’m so sick of nagging, the trips up to her room, the struggles. When I eventually get her up she is ANGRY with ME. She is hostile, verbally abusive, and will hold up the rest of the family while we wait for her to get ready. I know she is getting enough sleep, at least 9 to 10 hours per night. Please give me suggestions.