Childcare focus– Use a Timer

Ask your host parents how much time they think it should take your host kids to complete a certain tasks that you and your host kids struggle with.  Then set the timer and have a race against the clock to get things done before the timer beeps.  There is no reward, just a high five and a challenge to do it faster the next day.   This makes it fun and exciting!  Once the behavior has changed and the struggle is over, you will not need the timer as the expectation has been set and met.

 

Use a timer for things like

• getting dressed
• room cleaning–set the timer for five or ten minutes and challenge your host kids to clean as much of the toys room as possible before the timer beeps
• playtime before doing homework or chores