Persistence Is The Key

This morning I decided to try using the timer for playtime with my daughter. I used it briefly the other day and
rather liked the idea AND I bought a brand new timer just so I could do that. Well, I am highly amused by the
experience today.

I started out with 1/2 hr because I really have to pace myself. Charlotte wants a LOT of interaction which means She is directing the play, what I have to do, what I have to say and on it goes. 1/2 hr seemed doable. I set the (very noisy) timer down where we could keep our eyes on it. We started playing, but after awhile I needed to duck off for the tiniest bit. When I came back to start playing I glanced briefly at the timer. Uh Oh! Broken. It looked as though it was stuck on the same time, so even though it was ticking, it appeared to have jammed up.

Then it dawned on me “Charlotte, did you change the time on the timer?”

“Yes, Mum!”

“Oooh, you little rascal”. (Said with the utmost affection, I promise.)

You have to admire the gumption of a 4 y/o

So much for that idea. I love that Charlotte has initiative, so I allowed her the extra time, taking note that the timer needs to be placed out of reach next time. I was relieved that I hadn’t bought a dud again. I initially purchased an el cheapo, not that this one is expensive, but much better quality all the same.

Our play went from inside to outside, so I carried the timer along taking note to add a couple of minutes for the transition in play. No need to bother. About 10 mins later, once again, the timer had curiously moved its dial. There was nowhere to place it out of reach. I will persist in using it, but the tantrum that ensued when it was time for me to get down to business and have my time, made me question the whole process.

It is very unusual for Charlotte to throw tantrums and it was short lived. She just needed to cry and kick about. Anyway, after wondering whether to bother with the timer, I have definitely decided to keep it happening. I realised that there will be a transitional phase for both of us, not just Charlotte.

There is a lesson to be gleaned

The little lesson here that can also be applied to other areas of life is to persist if change is required. It’s not necessarily going to be a rosy process and don’t I know it! But, persistence is the key and if things don’t work out and continue to be hard work after giving the trial a decent amount of effort and length of time, then and only then can it be abandoned and hopefully replaced with something more workable.

Another thing I learned, is that 1/2 hr goes very quickly, (as if I didn’t already know that one!) so next time instead of Charlotte adding 1/2 hr when I’m not looking, I shall just put the timer onto 1hr and also place it out of reach.

If you have any extra ‘tricks of the Mummy trade’ pleeease don’t hesitate in sharing some. I could do with some advice here ’cause it’s just the two of us for a good deal of the time.

photo credit: fotologic