Posted on 02/27/2017
For young toddlers, the simple explanation that we go to bed when it’s dark out and get up when it’s light out may be okay, but as seasons change, such an explanation becomes problematic. As kids gain a sense of time, they’ll become more independent and able to make sense of their world and the rhythms of their days. Here are some tips on teaching kids a sense of time and helping them establish independence — without parental nagging — until they do!
Alarm Clocks & Timers for Young Children
Did you know that even before they can tell time on a digital or analog clock, a child can benefit from having an alarm clock? Maybe your child doesn’t have to wake up at a specific time, but you want them to be able to figure out on their own whether it’s late enough to get out of bed. This “Okay to Wake” alarm clock glows green when it’s the time you’ve decided is okay for your child to get up for the day. Allowing for similar independence, this kid-friendly timer can be set to a variety of time frames, keeping you from hearing that nagging question, “How much longer?” over and over again. If you’d prefer different timers for different activities, this 2-minute timer would be great to keep by the sink for timing brushing teeth, and different colors are represented in the 5, 10, and 30-minute versions.
Helps for Clock Readers
If your child is able to tell time, this timer may provide an even more helpful visual. For both those who can tell time and for those who are starting to learn, a clock schedule can help kids envision their daily routine as well as connect the major events of the day with a time on the clock. You can reinforce this sense of time by saying things out loud like, “Okay, it’s twelve-thirty, time to go eat lunch,” or “It’s ten minutes before two, which is your nap time. Finish putting your toys away.” As your child matures, he or she will gain more of a sense of time, but don’t be worried if your older child still has no concept of time; some children take longer to learn this skill than others.
Celebrations for Patience and Mastery
As your child learns the important skills of abiding by time-oriented expectations and paying attention to the rhythms of the day, it’s time to celebrate! Whether it’s not getting out of bed until there’s a green light, staying in time out until the 2-minute timer is finished, or patiently waiting for lunch until the clock says it’s lunchtime, a reward is definitely well-earned. Why not present your little time-tested child with his or her own watch or a new book about telling time?!
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