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Time management is a challenge for a lot of people, especially those with ADHD, Depression or ASD.

I recently purchased this great visual timer (4″) for my counselling office and kids and teens love it – with a quick glance they can quickly see how much time is left in our session.

Time Management with Time Timer

It’s different from your typical timer because it displays a red arc that shrinks as time passes. It’s completely silent as the time ticks away and if you want a bell to go off when time is up, that is an option. It’s so effective because at a quick glance, one can see how much time is left without having to do math or tell the time.

Time Management Increases Organization

Time-management is directly connected to overall organization. Being organized is a challenge for many people, but it is a skill that can be learned. Learning how to divide up one’s time and determine the “must-do” priorities are key steps. Once one has a plan, the timer can be set and the plan can be executed.

The Time Timer Is A Motivator

It can also be used as a motivator. For example, if your child is doing homework, you could set it for 20 minutes and then give him/her a ten minute break before coming back to the homework. As your child’s attention and focus start to wane and wander, he/she can see that the arc is much smaller and feel motivated knowing that he/she is almost at the point where he/she can have a ten minute break and just needs to stay focussed for a few more minutes.  If you’re interested in purchasing this one, here’s the link (12″) and the link for an 8″.  (The larger ones, such as the 8″ and 12″ are good in a common space. The personal size above 4″ can be ordered through Odin Books and they will mail to you.)

The Time Timer Helps with Focus and Productivity

It can also be used to regain focus. For example, if your toddler/tweens/teens are taking a long time to get ready for school – getting dressed, doing their hair, eating breakfast etc. they can see how much time is left until you’re leaving the house. As they dawdle, by looking over at the time timer they can redirect themselves, as they see the red arc is shrinking and time is visually running out. For younger ones, they often enjoy trying to beat the timer!

There is a larger model available which is also good for classroom teachers.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there was one in every classroom?

The Time Timer is also available as a handy app. for iPhones, Androids, and iPads, but the drawback could be that you need a device to display it, and this may distract the child enough to start checking messages or playing games on an iPad. For these reasons, I prefer the physical Time Timer.

The Time Timer Helps with Transitions

Having a timer such as this is also a better way for parents to prompt their child and help their child with transitions.  (Children with ASD often have a particularly difficult time with transitions.)  Instead of us sounding like a “broken record” saying “Hurry up, Hurry up” or nagging “Don’t you realize how slow you’re going, you’re going to be late for school”, a parent can just point at the timer which gives the child more responsibility for being accountable to be on time. Now your kids can’t turn around and say “I didn’t realize there was such little time before we were leaving”. It’s also better for a parent to non-verbally point because this providers less negative attention. Remember even negative attention can reinforce a negative behaviour and keep it going.

Time Management Helps Reduce Anxiety for Everyone

As children, teens and parents learn to manage their time better this reduces the stress and anxiety for everyone. Think of how much better we feel when we arrive at a place five minutes early instead of five minutes late! It’s an important life skill to learn, at an early age, that it feels much more peaceful to arrive with time to spare.

Have a wonderful week being on time!

Warmly,

PS. The Amazon link for the Time Timer included here and above, is an Amazon Affiliate link, which means that if you choose to purchase through this link, it will still cost you exactly the same, but I will receive a really small commission which goes toward the running of this website. Thank you, in advance, if you choose to use this link.

PPS. Registration for my next round of self-empowerment groups is open for boys and girls ages 7-9 years and ages 10-12 years. In this six session group we will be discussing communication skills, social dynamics, perspective taking, self-regulation, conflict resolution, optimism vs. pessimism and the benefits of gratitude. To register please click here and click on “Upcoming groups/events” and then scroll down the page until you come to the correct group.