I am not sure about using too many high tech gadgets with young kids as I think it takes away their own ability to function.

I like to give 5 minute warnings before the ultimatum "we have 5 minutes more before we leave the park, before you must get ready for bed, before we leave for school, etc." seem to take away the shock value that the activity must end immediately, but I do try to keep these 5 minute warnings an accurate reflection of what must happen.

I also use a child friendly analog clock with clear numbers and hands. When the big hand is on the 12 it is time to get ready for bed, or when the big hand is on the 4 it is time to leave for school. Even a very young child seems to quickly understand the concept of a clock telling them the time and is a useful beginnings of learning to use an analog clock - a skill that is almost obsolete for many older children today.

I don't particularly like to use a timer unless it is to take turns such as how long a child can play with a particular toy before handing it to a sibling, but I do like to use a timer for races - an obstacle course in the back yard, or how quickly the lego can be picked up off the floor, or how long can you stand on one leg. But even then, an analog clock can be used particularly if you have one with a second hand.

I think teaching time accurately both in the precise telling time, and also how time passes, are very useful skills for young children to have and understand. It also teaches them how a clock is a tool and how they can use it.

Mother of 4 - Thanks for sharing your tips! Our son also enjoys using a timer for races and obstacle courses.

It's not always possible (as you mention, kids need to go to school, get ready for bed, etc), but I love when our kids can just get lost in the moment. And they can focus on playing rather than on the clock.

It's great your children can transition so easily and without harming themselves. For the parents who use these tools, it's not a gimmick or parenting cop-out. Routines and knowing what is coming next help calm children and reduce self-injury. Time Timers and the First Then Visual Schedule app are the best tools I've found.

Great - Thanks for sharing two of the tools that you use to help make transitions easier.