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Dinner with a Timer - 3/25/2009 12:11:27 PM
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ChristineB
Posts: 3732
Joined: 12/7/2007
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Our 3 year old started the nasty habit of playing around, fussing and not eating in a timely manner. Dinner time began to be a nightmare and a time that I would dread. To nip this in the bud we decided he has 20 minutes to eat. We give him very few warnings and at the end of 20 minutes dinner is over. This has been totally UNsuccessful. He can't tell time so he has NO idea how long 20 minutes is.
His punishmnet is no snack, if he doesn't eat. All this has done was caused extra crying and fussing when his food goes in the trash.
Does anyone have any ideas on how to demonstrate 20 minutes for him? We don't have a 20 minute hourglass and I thought of blocks somehow...I don't know...any thoughts? help!
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RE: Dinner with a Timer - 4/20/2009 11:15:08 AM
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Sacheverell Rian
Posts: 1
Joined: 4/20/2009
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The time options available in the drop down list is now user configurable and includes the ability to name the times. e.g. you can enter a timer called “Pizza” and have it set as a 12 minute timer, the list will then show Pizza which can be easily selected and when the timer is started it will run for 12 minutes.
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Cosmetic dentist in Southampton
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RE: Dinner with a Timer - 4/20/2009 1:14:19 PM
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ChristineB
Posts: 3732
Joined: 12/7/2007
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Where? On the microwave? I think you lost me.....can you clarify? I like this just not sure I'm following
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RE: Dinner with a Timer - 4/25/2009 12:57:45 PM
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fiery
Posts: 5730
Joined: 11/4/2007
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Looks like copy/pasted spam for the sake of a link, Christine. No wonder you can't.
Ok, how about getting a cheap plastic wall clock that has hands and marking the time off on that with highlighters? Pick up one in the dollar store. Usually it's easy to prise the frontcover off them and the clockface is just paper. You need colored pens that will allow the numbers of the clock to show through, which is why I suggest highlighters.
If you mark off with black marker and then color in three sections of twenty minutes on it with highlighters, starting from the top of the hour, he'll be able to see the hands getting closer to finishing time when he's watching the clock. Once it's colored in, reassemble the front cover. I made this very rough sketch - it should look something like this when you're done (plus the hands will be there, of course.)
Then all you need do is start his time at the beginning of one of the twenty min slots and tell him which color to watch. Show him the starting point and the finishing point. He'll see the hands moving within that and getting closer to the end. Sit the clock in plain view of his eyeline if at all possible eg directly across from him.
It will probably take a little time for the actual perception of how long twenty mins is physically to sink in, but he'll have a good idea I'd think after a few weeks of that.
You know, some days I'm a genius LOL.  I think that would work. Sounds good in my head anyway.
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RE: Dinner with a Timer - 5/23/2009 4:11:37 PM
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fiery
Posts: 5730
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Christine, did you ever try this idea?
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RE: Dinner with a Timer - 5/30/2009 10:45:12 AM
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Thelma
Posts: 104
Joined: 4/14/2009
Location: Michigan
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I think Fiery's idea sounds good and so does your block idea. Maybe placing 10 blocks on the table in front of him and then taking 1 away every two minutes. Providing he doesn't play with them instead of eating. LOL
None of my boys were fussy/slow eaters. Heck....I should use that timer idea now just to make them STOP eating after 20 minutes!!!! They are bottomless pits! 
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RE: Dinner with a Timer - 5/30/2009 7:44:55 PM
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fiery
Posts: 5730
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Egads, I know the feeling Thelma. My grocery bill's the next biggest expense after the house payment. I mean really!! There's only three of us too but the lad's got hollow legs.
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RE: Dinner with a Timer - 5/30/2009 7:53:12 PM
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fiery
Posts: 5730
Joined: 11/4/2007
Location: in front of my computer
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Just thinking there the blocks might be easier since you'd already have them probably. Of course it means to need to sit watching the clock like a hawk. The clock face would give him a better appreciation of how a clock works if you're wanting that and while you'll always have a clock nearby, (get a wristwatch and you will!) you won't always have blocks.
What can I say, it's obvious we're both GENIUSES.   Modest too.
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