When I was teaching in elementary school, I discovered just how useful timers could be for classroom use. It wasn't too long into the motherhood phase that I realized it would come in handy in this regard as well.I remember a particular kind of timer that my kindergarten teacher utilized with her students as it was a digital timer. It took me some time to find the exact one but, thanks to Amazon I finally got it around six months ago and it's really saved my sanity.
I also sent an item to my sister for her to use with her three-year old son. They are enjoying it the same way we are.While this post has an affiliate link, this is not a sponsored article. I wanted to promote this product since I believe that every parent and caregiver of toddlers could benefit.
Any timer can be used in the classroom and at home in various ways, I like this particular one timer online. It is a way to show youngsters how long they have left to go because they don't have a concept of time. It will show more red if there's too much time remaining. If it is only an insignificant amount of time left, it shows less red. Genius!
It has a loud beep which automatically stops when it has sounded once. Additionally, you can turn off the sound if you want to. The timer has "feet" that permit the user to set it on any surface that is flat. (We transfer the timer from room to room throughout the house based on the needs.) It can also be put on the wall. It requires only one AAA battery, and it seems to last forever. It's so simple to use that I often let my three year old daughter use it.
Here are some ways that this timer makes my life easier.
Nap time
My three year old has been fighting her naps lately, but if I tell her to set the alarm for 45 minutes, and she has to stay in bed until it goes off, she's ok with it because she understands that it's just a temporary thing with a end time. (I make sure to turn off the buzzer, and she'll usually fall to sleep before the timer goes set.) She's given 45 minutes of rest if she doesn't go to sleep.
Time for play:
My sole daughter, Pooky, wants me to spend as long as I can. Although I enjoy playing with Pooky but there are other activities I must accomplish. I discovered that if I set the timer at around 15 minutes, it makes us to spend a focused and enjoyable time. Then, when the timer goes off, she accepts that our time is up.
Rest time:
Mommy and daughter often require a break, so we set an alarm and take a quiet moment until it is set to go off.
Clean-up time:
My daughter spends much of her time picking up her toys without the timer. The timer lets my daughter concentrate better on her job and creates an effort to beat the clock. If I suspect she isn't finishing on time, I may add big timer time or help her to finish her task before the alarm is set to go off.
TV/Device time:
Like many children, Pooky really likes watching videos and playing with apps. To ensure that she doesn't spend long hours doing this, I set the timer. Then she stops talking after the timer is over. I make it as short as possible (about 25 minutes).
Time off for work
If I have a deadline and my daughter is insisting on playing with me I set the timer to 30 minutes. I tell my daughter she has to play by herself and I will work until it goes off. It works! It works! I have uninterrupted time, and I can watch the clock ticking so I am able to stay focused on my task.
Potty time
My daughter was stubborn when she was learning to potty. She would always want to get off the potty as soon as I placed it in her. To remind her that she had to remain on the toilet at the very least for a short period of time, I used the timer.
Time for bed:
It's another time of our day that used to cause us much conflict. By using this timer, we can now enjoy a peaceful night. When we are getting closer to the time we start our bedtime routine, I'll set the timer (for about 15 minutes) and let her play whatever she wants until time is up. Although she might be unhappy about having to go to bed, she doesn't fight the buzzer. She prepares for the future while watching the red disk fade from her timer face.
Time for adventure:
My daughter is always asking me if we'll be going to an exciting location and I set the timer so she can see the time it will take before we leave. It only works for one hour before we leave, but it gives us peace. She'll have fun and will stop pestering me about leaving, and she just periodically checks on the development of the clock.