Fabulous photos. Social media updates. Texts from family and friends. All great resources on my phone. But the best parenting tool? The sanity saver?
The timer!
The phone timer is my best parenting tool. It’s like having a back-up parent.
The dinging on the phone when “time’s up” means business. Something about that sound commands more authority than my voice. Whether my phone is on the default setting or I’ve selected a peppy tune, my kids respond. I won’t deny there are moments when I think they may respect the timer more than me. And I’m okay with that.
Maybe you’re all chuckling, “Who DOESN”T use their phone timer to parent?” Perhaps I’m the last one to party. If so, please humor me.
When I set a timer, whether it signals bedtime begins in 10 minutes or Mom’s taxi is departing in 5 minutes, my children know the expectations.
Plus, when I use a timer, I don’t lose focus. Without it, shouting “5 more minutes,” is meaningless. Even if I’m wearing a watch, I’ll probably get distracted. If I glance at the microwave and note the time, I’m likely to leave the kitchen. Am I really going to count to 300? One Mississippi. Two Mississippi. Three Mississippi. I don’t think so. But the timer? It keeps kids and parents on task.
Without the timer, “one more minute” turns into 5. And suddenly someone’s been playing Roblox for an entire hour. Without a 2-minute timer, those teeth are lucky to get 10 seconds of lackluster brushing.
When things are finite and defined and I have clear parameters, vagueness becomes obsolete. When my kids are uncertain of the boundaries, they just push to extend them.
Practice the cello, clean the playroom, we’re leaving the pool and heading home. We can put time-limits on so many things. And reap such great benefits. I haven’t eliminated whining and negotiating 100%, but the timer has greatly reduced the complaining. How can you argue with the power of the phone?
I’m even militant about reading at night. Yes, you can read for 15 more minutes. Let me just set that timer.
So when you hear the dreaded response to all parental requests: “In a minute.”
Use this fabulous rebuttal: “I’m setting a one-minute timer.”
Remember: Be clear. Set the timer. And get ready for the magic…
Time’s Up!
