5 fun ways to use timers for behavior management

If you are raising kids, teaching kids, caring for kids in any capacity, you may have found yourself repeating instructions, breaking up arguments, or wondering why the world ends when you you give the “5 more minutes” speech. These behavior challenges are  normal and exhausting.

These behavior challenges can also stunt emotional growth if not addressed. The earlier these behaviors are approached, the greater chances of social emotional success. With the right tools early on, children can independently manage emotions, follow routines, and develop healthy habits.

So how do we address behavior management? Not through perfection or complicated systems. We are going to talk about one small tool, that can have a huge impact.

A timer. Such a simple, often compact device, can completely change the game when it comes to behavior management in the home or classroom.

I’m going to break down exactly how I use timers in fun, realistic ways that actually keeps kids engaged, helps them focus, transition, and calm down.

Copy these strategies and witness the magic of timers in your behavior management approach.

Behavior: Some kids will always  resist tasks they percieve as boring.  A timer turns these boring tasks into desireable challenges.

Try this:
“How many toys can you clean up in 5 mins? Let’s see. Ready, set go!”
OR
“You have 2 minutes to get your back pack and shoes on. Ready, set, go!”

Why it works: It sets a clear goal with a fun challenge, which helps kids stay focused on a target.

Behavior: Siblings or students who fight over everything Instead of stepping in every 5 seconds, let the timer do the talking.

Try This:
“You get 5 minutes with the toy, and when the timer beeps, it’s your brother’s/his turn.”

Why it works: Timers make things feel fair. Kids are less likely to argue when the timer is the one setting the rules.

Behavior: Transitions can be tough for some kids. Whether it’s leaving the playground, the house, or turning off the T.V. or tablet, giving your child a heads up with a timer helps them prepare for the transition.

Try Saying:
“You have 2 more minutes, then we have to leave. I’ll set the timer. When it beeps, it’s time to go”

Why it works: The timer gives them an auditory cue that time is up. This prepares them for the transition and makes the transition seem less sudden.

Behavior: Kids need an opportunity to allow their “big feelings” in a structured environment.
Timers can be a great tool for helping kids take a break and calm down without feeling like they’re in trouble. This way of managing behavior validates feelings, provides space and opportunity for expression, and time to feel all the “feels” allowing for ease of transition.

Try this:
“You flip the timer and take some deep breaths until the time runs out.”
OR
“Does your body need a break? Set the timer for 5 minutes in your “cozy corner.”

Why it works: It gives kids a predictable visual cue, as well as a safe way to calm their minds and bodies.

Behavior: Timers help kids take ownership of their routines, independently checking off each step, with minial verbal cues from you.

Try this:
“Set the timer for 2 minutes and brush your teeth until the timer beeps.”
OR
“You have 5 minutes to get your pj’s on and pick out a bedtime story book. I’ll set the timer”.

Why it works: Timers make routines feel like a game rather than a chore. In addition, they provide kids with an opportunity to feel in charge of their routine, while remaining structured.

This is the timer that I keep in our playroom/home classroom. It has a magnet on the back, which allows me to attach it to our white board. This is hugely beneficial in managing reading time, transitions from play <-> to work time, as well as screen time. It’s great use when working on art projects, so that we can manage our time and not get carried away, forgetting about the remaining tasks in our routine. It’s a fun visual tool. Once the blue disappears, the timer beeps.

You don’t have to run your house like a boot camp, just implement timer use in places where you need tasks to be completed more timely, transitions need to be smoother, emotions need to be checked, and a level of independence needs to be gained. If you are looking for a simple guide to keep handy, get our “5 Simple Timer Hacks to Improve Your Child’s Behavior“. This is meant to serve as a quick reference on types of timers and how to implement them for a more peaceful home.

If you have found success with using timers or have additional tips and tricks on behavior management, please share with the community. We would love to hear from you.

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