cqa

Using a 3-Minute Egg Timer For More Than Eggs

Dr. Miriam Adahan

	For Gaining Cooperation:

	For Setting Limits:

	"Kids, see if you can beat the clock and get dressed/get into pajamas before the sand goes down." "Kids, let's see if we can clean up the living room before the sand goes down. "Let's see how many turns of the timer it takes for you to do the dishes." "You were so good.  You get a 3 minute      massage" "You have to take turns.  How many turns of the timer do you think is fair for each one to play with that game?" SHABBOS: Everyone gets 3 minutes to give a d'var Torah (This helps the shy ones talk and limits the long-winded ones.  It's good for those who have trouble sitting still - at least they know it's going to end soon!)

	SMALL CHILD:  "You have 3 more minutes to play; then you have to eat/do your homework/brush teeth/get into bed, etc." "Can't get out of bed?  OK. 3 more minutes to sleep and then get up." SMALL CHILD:  "You've misbehaved.  Take the timer and go to your room to calm down for 3 minutes." "Kids!  Too much noise!  Let's have a NO TALK break for 3 minutes." TO INDECISIVE CHILD:  "You have 3 minutes to decide, then I'll decide." TO PROCRASTINATOR:  "You have 3 minutes to be lazy; then you have to do it!" "We have to leave the house in 3 minutes." TO CRYING CHILD: "Keep crying for a full 3 minutes.  Don't stop." "Kids, I can't listen to you all at the same time.  Each one has 3 minutes to talk and then it's the next one's turn." "Time out! I'm in a bad mood.  I'm going to my room for 3 minutes."

	For Respect:

	For Bearing Discomfort:

1. TO CHILD:  "Let's see how many turns of the timer it takes for me to finish getting the lice out of your hair."

2. CHILD:  "Let's see if you can learn one posuk in 3 minutes."

3. TO LEARNING DISABLED CHILD:  "Try reading for just 3 minutes."  "Think you can do another 3?"

4. CHILD:  "This blood test will take 3 minutes.  Watch the timer."

5. GRIEF:  "Don't think of a whole gloomy future lying endlessly ahead of you:  take the pain 3 minutes at a time.

6. SHABBOS:  To antsy child: "Sit quietly while Aba says kiddush; he'll be done before the sand goes down."

1. CHILD: "I have an important phone call.  I'll be off in just 3 minutes.  Hold the timer and practice patience."
2. TO ANYONE:  "Hold on.  I'll be with you in 3 minutes."
3. "Let me think about an answer first - for 3 minutes."
4. TO HUSBAND:  "I need your help for 3 minutes."  "I need to talk to you - I don't think it will take longer than 3 minutes."

Messages from Mishlei On CD By Mrs. Rachie Reingold	Order Form
Putting Your Kids First For tools to encourage cooperation, instill respect, and develop self-control in children For tools to develop empathy and communication skills in children	Other uses of an Eggtimer Help children learn to measure their feelings with this ruler
How to stay non-hurtful:	Three Thoughts to Keep Us Sane
Empathy :	How to R.E.A.C.H. others
Sample REACH phrases:	R.E.A.C.H. Phrases to keep in mind
Read a Delightful Story to Children --Three Books To help them cooperate and negotiate instead of whine and pout – I Want What I Want and I Want it MY WAY (Or Maybe NOT!) To read when they are in time out for not controlling hurtful actions – My Time Out Book To help children develop good self-esteem and self-confidence – Who Decides Who I Am Anyway? More on empathy, sharing, cooperation and respect, based on Old Testament values:	Social Skills All Kids Need Innoculate Your Kids from Becoming Bullies
Campaign for Kindness	Raising Kapable Children
IMGenius Balancedmom – legitimate way to earn income from home	Balancedmom