Tick…Tick….Tick – Ah, the magic of a timer. What a wonderful little device.
Damian has been so short tempered lately and while I used a timer to help him get his room cleaned up, I have never used it for time-outs. I am now though, and I must say, this is grrrreeat! I turn that timer on and Damian instantly gets it! I love it so much, I have a timer on a rope! It goes everywhere with me and serves as an instant behavior modification tool and attitude adjuster.
I set it for 5 minutes everyday and Damian cleans his room. We call it “5 minute clean-up”. We use it to time brushing our teeth, video game usage, and even eating dinner sometimes. This thing must have a million uses! I even use it on occasion to soothe Brandon when nothing else will. I guess the ticking sound is soothing to him. I wonder if that will make it less effective when he is older?
I really thought using a timer like this was too rigid, and it probably only works for some children (like everything else), but Damian is one of those kids who would talk until he starved and argue until I gave in, so the timer really helps him feel a sense of urgency to get on with things. Of course I do use it reasonably, giving him more than enough time to finish the task at hand. In fact, I don’t even set the timer until I have reminded him several times to do something.
I think I will put “The Magic Timer” in my kids hope chest. It may be a valuable tool for them when they have children! It has certainly made my “Parenting Hall of Fame”.
charmaine said,
July 6, 2008 @ 4:21 pm
Oh my gosh, I read this to Emily and she started jumping up and down saying “can I have one of those?”! I am so glad to have found your writing again. Hope all is well.
allergymom said,
July 18, 2008 @ 12:48 am
Well I know you’ve been busy and I know this is time consuming, but it’s kinda’ fun too… I have tagged you. Look at my latest entry to get all the rules and stuff. hope you are having a great summer!
Tess said,
July 22, 2008 @ 3:52 pm
I am checking into getting a timer for time outs since my three year old will ask me every second if the times up. This way, it’ll be easier for the both us!
Janine said,
July 22, 2008 @ 6:34 pm
I LOVE this idea. Going to try it and I’ll let you know how it goes.
Dorene said,
July 22, 2008 @ 11:29 pm
I know what I am going to buy tomorrow. Hopefully this tactic will keep
my daughter focused. Even if it is for only 5 minutes. I’ll take what I can get.
jai said,
July 23, 2008 @ 2:09 am
The hope chest sounds like a great idea! I think I’m going to start working on that soon!
Elizabeth Channel said,
July 23, 2008 @ 3:22 am
I live by the timer and have done so for a while. My son just finished Kindergarten as well, and he needs that timer to keep him focused. I saw your blog listed over at the Mom Bloggers Club. Have a great night!
Forgetfulone said,
July 23, 2008 @ 3:49 am
Welcome to Mom Bloggers Club! Come by and visit my blog if you get a chance.
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