How to Demonstrate Time to a Toddler On a Long Trip

This is an easy way to demonstrate time to a toddler who cannot understand the concept of time. How many times have you had a restless toddler on a long trip only to reply "we're almost there" or "not much longer". This is easy, fun and interactive way for your child to understand just how long until your destination.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stickers
• a long trip
• a toddler
• PATIENCE!

1. Before you set out on your trip decide what increment of time each sticker will represent. For shorter trips 15 minutes per sticker works well. For longer trips 30 minutes per sticker is a better option.

2. Before your trip explain to your child what each sticker will represent. They may not understand, but will be more than willing to participate once you start.

3. Before your child is placed in his/her carseat place the correct number of stickers on the ceiling of the car above the carseat. For example, 8 hours with each sticker representing 30 minutes equals 16 stickers.
   2 hours with each sticker representing 15 minutes equals 8 stickers.

4. Once your trip begins keep track of the time and at the time you designated each sticker to represent, have your child assist you in removing one sticker. Continue until you have no stickers left.

Tips & Warnings

• Possibly have a small surprise/ toy for the end of the trip
• stickers may be a choking hazard from small children. Once removed dispose of stickers in a proper place to avoid this hazard.

[rorsich]

on 12/21/2008 Great article for the little ones! I don't have kids, so I will pass this on.

5*****!