L.H.
Hi. That was a problem with both of my girls for a while. I put a couple of books and one or two toys in their cribs after they fell asleep so that they had something to do when they woke up that early. I also used nightlights so they could see in the AM. After a couple of weeks, this definitely seemed to help. I would hear them wake and play for a while (sometimes as long as 30 mins), cry out to me (I would not go in unless it got out of control), and then eventually go back to sleep. I also take the approach of explaining everything to kids- from a very young age- just assuming they understand you. So, tell him at bedtime that mommy and daddy are tired and need their sleep and that he needs to stay in bed until Mr. Sunshine is up, and that you will put some toys in his crib to play with in the morning if he wakes before Mr. Sunshine and mommy and daddy. Hope this works!