Books and Talking Clocks

I'm so pleased with some of the new books I got for Kylie. I ordered some board books of the Dinosaur series by Yolen and Teague"How Do Dinosaurs Learn Their Colors"" and "How Do Dinosaurs Count to Ten" and "...Play with Their Friends" and "...Clean Their Rooms". Kylie and I are really enjoying them.

I also ordered the book, "When Mama Comes Home Tonight" . It was available only in hardcover. I was pleasantly surprised with how well Kylie treated the hardcover book. Before now, when I've gotten out a hardcover, she's been too rough turning the pages- bending and tearing them. But now she gingerly turns the paper pages. And she stays interested in books that have more than one sentence on each page.

I've been so tickled to get out some hardcover books I've had up on the shelf and to request some books from the library. This week we found "One Duck Stuck" and "Mr. Cookie Baker" from the Library among others. And I plan to purchase those two when I can. (They are on Kylie's Amazon Wish List, by the way). And I'm so very tickled to read her some of the wordier Dr. Seuss books. We read "Green Ham and Eggs" this morning three times.

Let me know some of the books you are reading to your toddler. We have a lot of the Boyton, Carle, and Seuss books along with books from characters like Dora and Blue from Blue's Clues. I'm looking for some more variety and your suggestions will help.


Now, onto the Talking Clock. Yesterday in my blog post, I mentioned the Talking Clock and got two comments from folks wanting to know what I meant. It's a phrase that I learned from the Supernanny. Although when I looked it up in my Supernanny book on page 50, I see that she refers to it as the Speaking Clock. Anyway, it's a technique that you probably already use but here is my description of it.

I use the Talking Clock method to move Kylie from one thing to another. I use it most when it is time to leave the park because she loves the park and rarely wants to go. I'll squat down and get to her level, make eye contact and in a pleasant, easy-going voice I'll say, "In five minutes we are going to leave the park". And then later, "In 2 minutes we are going to leave the park". And finally, "In one minute, we are going to leave the park". And then I say something like, "It's time to leave the park. I've got special juice and raisins for you in the car".

And then we go.

Even if the most beautiful picture opportunity opens up and I dearly want to stop and take a picture. Even if she sees a fascinating stick that she wants to play with some more. Doesn't matter; we go. We don't rush but we do leave. And if she fusses, we still go. And if she does that collapse-to-the-ground thing, then I pick her up and we still go.

It lets her know that she can depend on the countdown.

Fast transitions can be hard for Kylie so I also have gotten used to tell her what's coming next all the time. For example, at the end of lunch I'll say, "All done with your lunch. So we're going to wash your hands and then go downstairs". Or "After Mommy's through unloading the dishwasher, we're going to have story time". Stuff like that. So I don't do the Talking Clock for every little thing but I do let her know when we're moving from one thing to the next.

And if I say, "It's time to pick up your toys" and I get a resolute, "No!" back then I'll say, "Finish up because in one minute we are picking up your toys". And then, "In less than one minute, we are going to pick up your toys" and then, "Okay, time to pick up your toys". And if I still get a "No!" then I'll say, "This is your warning. You need to follow Mommy's instructions. You need to pick up your toys". And if she still doesn't, then she goes to time out.

And now I'll quote a bit from the Supernanny book about the Talking Clock:

"Taking the time to speak to your child in this way will save you a great deal of time and effort in the long run. When parents are busy, they have a tendency to speak to their kids in sressed-out tones and give them instant cut-off points-"Bed. Now!"- which leaves no room to maneuver and backs a child into a corner. Children very quickly pick up the signs that you are frazzled and most react by trying to take advantage of the situation. Staying calm and taking the time to warn them about what's coming next lets them know that you're in charge."

Hope that answers your questions.