How do I get my 16-year-old to wake up on time?

 


A Reader Asks:

"How do I get my 16-year-old to wake up on time for college? Multiple alarms, phone alerts, and even my voice haven’t worked. He misses the bus constantly and ends up taking the train, which costs money and makes him late. He’s good otherwise, but I’m at my wit’s end. Any advice?"

The Answer:

Ah, the age-old battle between teens and alarm clocks. It’s like trying to wake up a hibernating bear with a polite knock. But fear not—there’s hope, and it might just involve some clever tech and a sprinkle of humor.

Step 1: Upgrade the Alarm Game

Let me introduce you to the Hatch Restore 2 Alarm Clock—the ultimate weapon in the war on teenage snooze fests. This genius device doesn’t just blare an alarm; it mimics a sunrise, gently illuminating the room and gradually waking the sleeper. Perfect for teens who claim their alarms are “too harsh” or who mysteriously develop selective hearing at 7 a.m.

Bonus: Pair it with a


sonic boom alarm clock for backup. Imagine a peaceful sunrise…followed by what sounds like a jet engine taking off. He’ll never oversleep again.

Step 2: The Tough Love Approach

If he refuses to get up, let him face the natural consequences: missed buses, walking to college, or paying for his own train fare. Nothing builds character like hoofing it a few miles with a heavy backpack.

Step 3: Morning Motivation

For the especially stubborn, try a creative approach:

  • Announce breakfast as “pancakes and bacon” (even if it’s just cereal). Food can be a powerful motivator.
  • Or, better yet, let the Hatch alarm clock beam him into wakefulness with its peaceful sounds and light show. Follow it up with some “motivational” tunes—maybe the theme from Rocky or something equally dramatic.

Step 4: Talk to Him Like the Adult He Almost Is

Have a chat about accountability and how he’s old enough to take charge of his mornings. Mention how tools like the Hatch can help, but only if he sets them up himself. Make waking up his responsibility—not yours.

Pro Tip: For every missed bus, he owes you a chore. "You missed the bus? Great, now you can fold the laundry!" It’s a win-win.

If all else fails, tell him the Hatch Restore 2 is his new "teammate" in the fight against tardiness. Superheroes have gadgets, and now so does he. Only, instead of saving the world, he’s saving you from a nervous breakdown.

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