FAQs

How do I use Little Sands Visual Timers?

Our timers are simple to use - pick it up, flip it, and watch the sand fall. We have 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15 minute timers. These timers are great for showing a child how much time is passing. 

For example, when we're getting ready for our bedtime routine, I turn the 10 minute visual timer over, and tell my kids that they have 10 minutes of play time left, and when the sand is finished, it's time to brush our teeth and hop in the shower.

The visual timers are amazing for routines like bedtime, getting ready in the morning, getting in (and out!) of the bath, tidying up toys. They are also such a great way of easing the transition from one activity to another. When screen-time is ending, I pop the five minute timer next to the TV and tell them the TV is going to turn off when the sand is finished. This visual cue of an upcoming transition does wonders to help reduce meltdowns.

In classroom and ECE settings as well, educators are using Little Sands visual timers to show ten minutes until we get to go outside for playtime, or ten minutes of focussed reading and writing time. 

Why Visual Timers?

Research shows that kids under the age of six struggle to understand the concept of time. "Give me a minute," or "we're leaving in five minutes" doesn't mean much to kids. A visual timer gives them something to follow. They can physically see time passing as the sand moves. 

As a parent, I've found myself not having to repeat myself and stress myself out over the constant policing of leaving the house in time. The visual timers also help them focus; for example, we have a three minute timer by our front door. When it's time to leave the house, the timer goes on, and the kids need to get jackets, shoes, hats on in that time.

What age should I be using these with?

The timers are best suited for ages 3+. The upper age limit varies as kids seem to gain an understanding of time at differing ages.

Adult supervision is always recommended, the visual timers are not a toy.

Are these suitable for neurodivergent children?

Every child is different, and we believe the parent or caregiver is best suited to decide whether the visual timers are right for your child. However visual timers have been recommended for years for kids with learning difficulties or neurodivergence and can aid greatly in supporting predictability in routines, transitions, and emotional regulation.

The sensory considerations of Little Sands Visual Timers mean that they have no flashing lights, no beeping, no sounds (and no need to change batteries). They are simple and calm and keep away from overstimulation.

What's in each set?

Little Sands Tiny Tales is for our younger kids. It includes:

1 min visual timer
3 min visual timer
10 min visual timer

Little Sands Big Adventures is for slightly older kids. It includes:

2 min visual timer
5 min visual timer
15 min visual timer

Unfortunately, we're not selling visual timers individually at the moment. 

What do the colours mean?

Each colour corresponds to a different duration of time, which help children to recognize and understand the varying lengths of time. When I bring out the yellow three minute visual timer, my 5-year-old comes back with "no, the blue one" as she has understood  that blue means she has more time to finish off her activity!

Also, when the six timers are arranged in order of duration, you've got a rainbow of visual timers!

What else can I use these for?

We love seeing how families are using visual timers. With siblings, often at a young age the idea of 'sharing' is one that is hard to understand. But taking turns is a lot simpler. So if a toy is causing an argument, we simply bring a timer out - when the sand runs out, it's the other sibling's turn with it. A couple of rounds of this and one of them has usually moved on to something else!

Another use, potty training! Not just a sit, try, and done, but having a visual timer gives them a minute or two of sitting on the potty and learning to control going to the toilet when they're actually sitting on the potty!

A mum-favourite has also been being able to get little tasks done, without little hands constantly tugging at your pants. If I need to get a load of dishes in the dishwasher, or get some laundry on, I pop a timer and tell them I'll be gone for three minutes, and after that, we can do a puzzle. 

What are they made of?

The materials of Little Sands visual timers have been carefully selected. We wanted natural materials for little hands. The interior hourglass is handblown glass. The timber caps on either end have been designed to have no sharp edges. A protective casing around the glass ensures that if a breakage was to occur, all fragments are contained within the unit and can be disposed of.

We paid particular attention to the 'sand' inside the visual timers. We are aware of ongoing recalls of sand-based children's items that have been linked to contamination and have been a serious worry for affected families. For this reason, there is no natural sand inside the Visual Timers, the flowing material is manufactured glass beads. (Testing available if required).

While the visual timers are made for children, they are not a toy. Please discontinue use immediately if breakage occurs. Not suitable for children under 3 years old.

Are the visual timers safe around young siblings?

Little Sands contains small parts and glass, so please keep it out of reach of children under three and any children that are mouthing objects. Even with older children, adult supervision is always required. 

How accurate are your timers?

These visual timers are handmade glass on the inside. The timers are approximate durations and are not precise to the second. The natural movement of the particles also mean the timers may vary slightly. 

Can I gift a set of timers?

This is such a lovely idea! Little Sands makes an amazing gift, especially for someone who's welcoming a sibling into the family. It's a thoughtful gift for all those moments when mum needs five minutes to attend to the baby, but the older sibling needs attention too. A visual timer to say, look - mum will be with you when all the sand is at the bottom, means the sibling doesn't feel forgotten, and knows that they will get the attention they need. Please pop through some info if your order is a gift for someone, and we'll make sure it's special! 

Help, my timer went for a swim!

No worries, our timers are fully sealed. Splashes of water or dropped in the bath, just remove it from the water, wipe it down and let it drip dry for a few hours. Please avoid placing it in direct sunlight or using a heat source to dry it off.

Please check the timer once dry. Any cracks, damage, or leaks, please discontinue use.

Do they make a noise?

Nope - they are as silent as can be. The intention behind Little Sands is calm. For this reason, the timers have no sound, no lights, no beeping, no alarms. We love the screen-free simplicity.

Do I need to charge my visual timer?

No charging, no cables, no batteries, no apps. Just flip the timer and you're good to go. Take it with you and never have to worry about whether it's charged. We have one that lives in the pram for leaving the park, and it's come in handy so often!

What's your stand on screen-time?

We strongly believe in doing what works for your family. In our home, screen time is intentional. We understand that screens are part of modern family life, and you do what works best for your circumstances. Honestly, our opinion on screen time doesn't matter.

However if transitioning out of screen time is causing meltdowns and tantrums in your home, a visual timer is a simple way of helping this transition feel calmer and more predictable. 

My child is upset when the timer ends, what should I do?

Every child is unique, and transitions take time. 

Try shorter time periods, and assisting them through a transition. When you introduce the visual timers, start with something exciting. For example, let's get shoes on before the sand runs out, and then it's time to go to the playground! 

The best way to communicate with a child is through play. "Am I going to turn the timer or are you?" is the easiest way to get my three-year-old into the bathroom so she races in to brush her teeth.

What about wholesale or stockists?

We would love to work with retailers, boutiques, educators and stockists. We can offer special pricing for learning centres and classrooms when buying in bulk (minimum four units). Please send us an email at littlehello@podipaws.com with a bit of information about your business, store, or learning space and we'll be in touch!