Time is hard to picture for children. This timer shows it as a colour circle that gets smaller, with presets for brushing teeth, tidy up, homework, reading and screen time.
Visual timer for kids
A big colour circle that shrinks as time passes. Children can see how much time is left without reading numbers.
Young children cannot read a clock well, so words like "ten more minutes" mean little. A shrinking circle turns time into something they can see. Parents and teachers use visual timers to ease changes between activities, cut down on arguments and help children with attention difficulties stay on task.
How to use it with your child
Tell your child what the activity is and what happens when the circle is gone.
Let them press Start themselves. It gives them a feeling of control.
Give a warning at the halfway point.
Praise them when the timer ends, even if they did not finish.
A bedtime routine with timers
A steady bedtime routine helps children fall asleep faster. A common pattern is 10 minutes of tidying, 2 minutes of brushing teeth, 10 minutes of bath, 15 minutes of a story and then lights out. Pick a fixed bedtime using the bedtime calculator, and check the age guide on how many hours of sleep children need: toddlers need 11 to 14 hours, school age children 9 to 12 hours and teenagers 8 to 10 hours.
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Frequently asked questions
At what age can children use a visual timer?
From about age 3. Young children respond best to short times of 2 to 10 minutes.
How long should screen time be?
For ages 2 to 5, health bodies advise up to 1 hour a day of quality programming. For older children, set clear limits and keep screens out of the bedroom.
Does the timer make a sound?
Yes. It plays three soft beeps when the circle is empty.
How much sleep does my child need?
Ages 3 to 5 need 10 to 13 hours, ages 6 to 12 need 9 to 12 hours, and teenagers need 8 to 10 hours including naps.