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Mornings can be rough when you have a four-year-old (or three-year-old, or two-year-old!). Getting out the door on time often feels like a battle, especially when it comes to getting dressed. But recently, I discovered a simple trick that has completely changed our routine: an hourglass toddler dressing timer.
The Morning Struggle – Just Get Dressed!
If you have a preschooler, you probably know the struggle. After breakfast, it’s time to get dressed, but instead of a quick change into clothes, you’re met with distractions, protests, and a never-ending negotiation. My son, like many kids his age, wasn’t particularly motivated to get dressed on his own. He’d rather play, stare into space, or simply declare that he “wasn’t ready yet.” Sound familiar? Well, what if your child was actually excited to dress themselves and to do it quickly? Can you imagine?!
The Game-Changing Idea: A Toddler Dressing Timer
One morning, in a desperate attempt to make the process more fun, I handed my son an hourglass timer and said, “Let’s see if you can get dressed before the sand runs out!” His eyes lit up. Suddenly, getting dressed wasn’t a chore—it was a fun challenge.
I had seen a huge hourglass timer in his classroom a few weeks ago and wondered how they used it in class. After doing a bit of research, I found that many classrooms use hourglass timers to motivate kiddos to do things on their own.
How It Works
The concept is simple:
- He chooses the timer – We have a few different hourglasses: 1-minute, 3-minute, and 5-minute timers. I let him pick which one he wants to use. Sometimes, he likes a quick challenge for just his socks with the 1-minute timer, and other times, he wants to take see if he can get fully dressed before with the 5-minute one runs out. Giving him a choice makes him feel in control.
- I pick the timer for an extra challenge – Some mornings, I mix things up by picking the timer myself. “I wonder if you can beat the 3-minute timer today?” This adds an element of surprise and excitement.
- The race begins – As soon as the sand starts flowing, he’s off! He hurries to put on his shirt, pants, and socks before the last grains drop. Sometimes he beats the timer; other times, he’s just a few seconds behind—but either way, he’s having fun.
Why It Works So Well
This simple strategy has worked wonders, and here’s why:
- It turns getting dressed into a game – Instead of feeling like an obligation, it’s now a fun challenge.
- It gives him control – Choosing the timer himself makes him feel like he’s in charge of the process.
- It adds a sense of urgency – A little friendly pressure helps him focus on the task instead of getting distracted.
- It reduces frustration for both of us – No more nagging, begging, or endless waiting. He’s engaged, and I’m relieved.
Tips for Trying This at Home
If you want to try this technique with your child, here are a few tips:
- Use visual timers – Hourglass timers work great because they’re simple and don’t require numbers or reading skills. But a digital timer with a countdown could work too.
- Keep a variety of times available – Some days, your child might want a bigger challenge, while other days they’ll need more time.
- Make it a positive experience – If they don’t beat the timer, cheer them on anyway. “Wow! You were SO close! Let’s see if you can beat it tomorrow!”
- Don’t use it as a punishment – The goal is motivation, not stress. If they feel too pressured, it can backfire.
Final Thoughts
What was once a frustrating part of our morning is now a fun and engaging activity. My son actually looks forward to getting dressed because of this little game, and our mornings have become a lot smoother because of it.
If you’ve been struggling with getting your child dressed, give the toddler dressing timer a try! I’d love to hear if it works for you—leave a comment below and let me know how it goes.
Happy parenting! 😊
~ Jason