The Ten Minute Solution

Most of the more effective solutions in life are very basic and simple to follow. We don’t need the latest technology or have to know the latest theories in order to be a good parent. We just need to have a few tried and true behavioral solutions that we can keep going back to. One of these techniques is called the ten-minute solution.    

     The ten-minute solution is very easy to use. No matter what activity your child is doing, give your child a ten-minute warning when it is time to change to something new. An example would be if your child was playing with blocks, and it was almost time for a bath you would say “Ten minutes until bath!” It is amazing how children react differently when they have a warning of the need to transition from one thing to another. The glorious aspect of this no-cost solution is that it can be used in all aspects of your child’s life. “Ten minutes until dinner.” “Ten minutes until homework.” It’s hard to imagine that such a simple solution can be effective, but not only does it work, but it also works every time.  

     The reason why this solution works so well is that change can sometimes seem overwhelming and unpredictable to a child. The more a child can predict and participate in the schedule, the less likely it is that challenges will occur.

     Children love routines. They know what and when to anticipate things. When you give them the ten-minute warning, they can ease into the change. It’s a little like some adults needing to ease into the morning with a cup of coffee.