From helping to discipline with homework to extending the time of a child brushing their teeth, and more, a sand timer can be very useful and versatile. As our son gets older, we get more serious with teaching him how to brush his teeth without parental assistance, Lately, we started using a sand timer. Not only does the Sand Timer show him how he needs to brush his teeth in a circular motion, without missing a spot, it also helps him understand how long he needs to brush his teeth. 

To be honest, I never realized how long 3 minutes can be:) My son loves the Sand Timer concept and it helps encourage him to brush longer. The timer has a suction cup that can easily be attached to any slick surface, and turn brushing your teeth into a game that your child will love. So now, before we start brushing his teeth, our son will start the Sand Timer, come back to his step stool, and then we start brushing his teeth. I usually start with a good thorough brushing while half the sand goes down, then let him brush the second half until the sand is completely on the bottom. Our goal is to slowly transition him to brushing his teeth for the whole 3 minutes on his own. Will keep you updated on the process!

Another way I try to use the Sand Timer is for "time out" and I have to say, it works perfectly. It´s also very useful in improving your child's concentration and focus while doing homework and other activities such as getting dressed or undressed. Probably, like many other toddlers, my son has the "ability" to get dressed/undressed in slow motion:) So, I figured it wouldn´t hurt to try out the sand timer for the purpose of "speeding" my son up, especially for those days when you are in a hurry. I simply tell my son, let´s see if you can get undressed in under 3 minutes. The best part is, I´m getting my child disciplined in a fun way, via the sand timer, which he loves!!!

Picture credit  www.wisteria.com