6 ways we use our visual timer

 

A timer is a great tool for all ages. Since younger kids have little concept of time and can't tell time, VISUAL timers are especially helpful. I got mine off Amazon for $20. Here's some ways we use it:

• Turn-taking. When kids are fighting over a toy, I often use the timer to solve the fighting. Me: Lucy gets the toy for 10 minutes. When the timer goes off, it's Mark's turn for 10 minutes.
• Meal schedule training. I'm not naturally a structured person, and most of my life I have been a snacker. But that has caused me problems as a mom because if I let my kids snack too much, they won't eat the dinner I prepare. So I finally instituted a meal schedule and to help my 4 year old understand it, I use the visual timer.

     4 year old: Mom can I have a snack? Me: Not yet, there's this much time until snack time.

• Mom break time. Me: Mom's taking a break! I'll be out of my room when the timer goes off.
• To decrease repeated questions. Kids: When will dad be home? When will dad be home? Me: Dad will be home in this much time. If you want to know when he will be home, just check the timer.
• Job motivator. Me: I bet you guys can't get your rooms clean before the timer goes off!
• Punctuality trainer. Me: We need to be ready to go in this many minutes.

I hope this is helpful! Do you use timers? In what ways have timers been helpful for you? Let me know in the comments.

Jessica Heath, MOTR/L