My nephew will be 3 in March, and my brother and SIL have had some terrible sleep issues ever since the Big-Boy bed transition. This summer he would wake up throughout the night and be in their room, and would often have to sleep with them. He's now staying in his room all night, but is "up" for the day at 4:30. They got a toddler alarm clock, but I don't think they're using it correctly, as he's still coming in at 4:30 and asking to go to the potty/for water/for food/etc. Then when she gives him what he's asked for, he wants to go downstairs and play. I suggested the following things that have fallen on deaf ears, but wondered if anyone who has gone through something similar might have another idea?

1) I think he's old enough for a sticker chart, where he can work towards a goal of "If I stay in my bed until the green light comes on, I get a treat."
2) They cap the nap at an hour or drop it altogether
3) They have a cup of water and snack cup with cheerios in there in the event that he IS really hungry, he can get the "snack" himself, rather than waking them?

We both use the site "Precious Little Sleep" as a resource, so I'm wondering if my SIL needs to get to the point of frustration before she actually starts implementing boundaries? Or are there others out there for whom 4:30 is just when your kid gets up and you're okay with it (TIRED, but okay with it)!? Thanks in advance for weighing in!