This morning, one of my kids woke up a bit earlier than necessary, wandered into our room and cuddle up next to me in bed. I don’t have issue with this because I enjoy the closeness, and I also convince myself that if I allow the child to lay in our bed, somehow it might actually allow me to sleep just a bit longer. This assumption is of course wrong.

Everything starts off fairly nice. The little one lays there quietly and I start to drift back to sleep. Wouldn’t you know though, that kid just isn’t comfortable and has to start fidgeting. First there’s a little adjustment, maybe turning their head the other way. Then a bigger move is needed. Maybe the leg needs to be repositioned.

This is a slow game. Several minutes may go by between adjustments allowing me to drift closer to sleep, teasing me, but before long, the child is flopping like a fish on the deck of a boat. I must concede defeat, get out of bed and start the day.

This gave me an idea for a new alarm clock that works in a similar fashion. I believe consumer animatronic technology is to the point where we can create some sort of cuddly teddybear that will wake you up gently and naturally. You just tell it what time you want to wake, then an hour before you have to get up, the bear will start to nudge and jostle you ever so slightly. Gradually the movement will increase. As the time to rise nears, you will have a stuffed animal breakdancing in your bed.

Good morning! Your day has started, just like a Dad.