The Toddler Temper Tantrum Taming Timer

Try saying "The Toddler Temper Tantrum Taming Timer" out loud as fast as you can!  It's a tongue twister for me to say.  Tommy came up with this fun catchy name for the simple kitchen timer we have been using to help us tame our toddler's tantrums.

The past several months we have entered into the toddler tantrum phase.  I have been praying and asking God to give me ideas for how to help Owen with his tantrums.  God graciously gave me the idea of using a timer.  The timer has worked better than I thought, and for that I am so thankful.  I would not call myself a parenting expert, but I know that it is working for our family for the time being.  I am a mother in training who is learning to listen to God as he teaches me through his Spirit.

It is so fun to be able to enjoy fun activities with Owen, but when they end in a meltdown it tends to take the joy out of wanting to do that activity again.  However, now that we begin each of these fun activities with the expectation of a set time and clear instructions for stopping when the timer rings we have less meltdowns.  He still may walk away crying and sad when the activity is over but he understands that it is over until the next time.  The timer is also helpful for me to stay consistent and not give in easily to the meltdowns.

Even with the meltdowns that come with this age I am so thankful that I get to be Owen's mommy!  I am also thankful that I have a Heavenly Father who I can seek daily for direction as a parent!