For the Child Who Says In a Minute

Four lines you can say out loud tonight. Word for word. Free to save.

What to say

1. In a minute means the timer, not later. I am setting it for three minutes.

2. Finishing what you are doing first is reasonable, and three minutes is enough for it.

3. When the timer beeps, the tablet goes face down and the blocks go in the basket.

4. You can set the three minutes yourself if you want to hold the timer.

When to use it

This is for the moment it actually goes wrong — not the calm version you rehearse in the car. Pick one line. Say it once. Then stop talking and wait three seconds. If they push back, repeat the same line, not a new one. Say the same thing for five nights before you decide it doesn't work.