Five Reasons Why Visual Timers Work!

Visual timers aren't just a nice-to-have, there's real logic behind why they work so well for young kids. Processing time is hard for kids, visual timers bridge that gap. 

1. Kids can see the passing of time

Moving sand gives kids a clear way to watch time pass. It’s not the same as hearing a beep at the end of a ten minute digital timer, this is tangible. Time is a hard concept, even for adults! How often do you plan to leave the house at a certain time, but the day runs away from you, tasks take longer than expected, and suddenly you’re rushing out the door again? If time is this slippery for us, imagine what it feels like for a three-year-old with no concept of minutes at all!

2. Easier transitions, fewer meltdowns

The end of screen-time tantrum isn’t about screen-time ending. It’s about the sudden transition. Kids get told what to wear, what to eat, where to go, keeping up with busy schedules with no idea or understanding of what’s coming next. A visual timer gives them a signal that a transition is coming up. “When the blue timer runs out, the TV goes off” – and setting the timer where they can see the screen and the timer simultaneously does wonders for transitioning out of screen time without a meltdown!

3. Encourages focus

A visual timer turns a task into a challenge – “Can I finish before the sand runs out?” No more questions of “how much longer” or “are we there yet” because the task and the sand falling is right in front of you. There’s an end point to work towards, and the visual timer is a reminder of where their attention is.

4. Reduces anxiety and uncertainty

Not knowing what’s expected or how long they have to do it, can make kids feel rushed and out of control. A visual timer gives them a task and a time – three minutes to get socks and shoes on. They can see the sand falling and focus on the task at hand. Instead of panicking, dawdling, or freezing up, they can get through the task at their own pace.

Seeing how much time is left, and what task needs to be done gives them a feeling of being in control. Three minutes to get socks and shoes on. This slows down the task and lets them focus on what they need to do before the sand runs out.

5. Builds awareness and independence

Kids start understanding time without being told, they learn to plan and pace themselves through tasks. They start to understand what five minutes feels like. My eldest now bargains and asks for the blue timer when I bring out the yellow. She’s learning which units of time give her longer time to play. Soon, they’ll be confident in managing their own routines.