It's Time...

As the first day of school looms ever closer for Brie (I know she doesn't start until the end of August, but you know I'm a planner!), I thought it would be a good idea to start teaching her the concept of time. Up until now, she's had fun playing with a toy clock (mostly taking out the numbers out, lining them up and putting them back) and Barbie clock cards (as pretend CDs in an old stereo and examining them for the latest fashion trends), but learning to tell the time hasn't been something we've actively worked on.

Today at naptime, I brought my digital clock up to her room, had her tell me the numbers and explained what time it was. Then, I wrote on a piece of paper the time it needed to say on the clock before she could come downstairs. Did it work? Not quite, but I know we'll get there!

I'm not sure what age the experts recommend teaching a child time management skills. Maybe we're jumping the gun a little. But as I envision having to get three small children ready in the morning, five days a week, for about nine months of the year, just for the oldest of those three to make it to school on time...can you feel the anxiety?

While teaching her this skill will benefit Dave and I, I believe it also is a gift for Brianna. For as she learns how to tell the time and how long an activity takes, she will acquire planning skills which will benefit her for the rest of her life. And with that comes the ability to make choices and learn consquences which will provide an opportunity for growth.

Idealistic, perhaps. Only time will tell!