For months I've been seeing this photo of a time-out stool float around Pinterest and wondering about a diy version. I haven't tried it, but I have two ideas that are sure to fit your diy skill set.
Here's what I had in mind:
1. Made With Glass: Large glass timers of this nature aren't exactly expensive these days. You can find them on the shelves of TJ Maxx, Homegoods, Crate and Barrel, and all over the interwebs. Purchase one and then construct the rest around it according to its dimensions.
2. Made With Plastic: Not comfortable using glass around kids? Yeah me too. Instead, try using clear soda bottles. Cut the bottoms off two different bottles, remove the lids and secure in the middle with a large wooden bead that has a hole drilled through it. Secure it all with your favorite adhesive (I'd turn to E6000) and continue with the rest of the stool assembly.
Additional Notes:
Even if you're not a hardcore woodworker, you can still knock this project out. Don't assume it has to be round, buying precut squares at the hardware store is easy and having them cut for you from your wood of choice is just as simple. Pick up spindles in the decking section or from Craigslist.
The only word of caution is to make sure that the outer supports or spindles support the full weight of the piece. If there's no weight on the timer itself, then there's little to no fear of it breaking no matter what it's made from.
If you're not into the DIY version you can pick up a Time Out Timer Stool for $69 from Wisteria.
(Images: Wisteria)
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Any idea of much sand this would need?
The most inexpensive way to purchase sand is in tube form at the hardware store... so I would just buy a tube and use as much looks great. Finer sand can be purchased at a high price.
The real question is... Do you have your child stay on the stool for as long as it takes the sand to drain. If so, then you'll want 15 minutes, or 30 minutes worth of sand and would probably need to time it. You could also reduce the diameter of the hole between the two to restrict the rate at which the sand flows from one side to the other instead of adding/subtracting more sand.
I love the way it looks, but we do time out as one minute for each year of age, so it wouldn't work in our house. Dang if that little guy isn't super cute though, with his pouty face!
Guess I am the only one who thinks an idea like this belongs on www.pinterestyouaredrunk.com
Sarah, WOW, 15 to 30 minute time outs?!
Really cute but it seems like this would make time-out fun. My boys would love sitting on that and playing with it which defeats the point of time-out.
Yes, my concern would be making sure the sand flows fast enough, not slowing it down. I guess you can always keep the opening wide like the original soda bottles, or use beads instead of sand.
Very cute idea! I could have used this when my kids were young.
Super cute! The bottle idea came to mind when I saw it too. Love it!
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15 to 30 min time outs is way too long for any child. You're supposed to give them a minute for every year of their life. So, unless you're putting a 15 to 30 year old (Ha!) in a time out, you don't need much.
I bet sugar or salt would do as well, instead of sand.
Well it could just be used for the stool they sit on and not actually used as a timer...the idea is just too cute not to use becuase of time issues.
Stupid. A kid should be able to see his timer to be effective. Not be tempted to look below or ask repeatedly. Parents that think time out chairs can make a cute accessory have spent too much time looking at pretty picture blogs. Just my opinion of course ;-)
15 to 30 minute timeouts?? I do a minute per year of age. My son would be sitting there with his head between his knees waiting for the sand to run out.
Very cute! But I can see a small toddler bending over to watch the sand...losing their balance and cracking their head off the floor! Small toddlers always seem to be weeble wobbles! lol
I found the best "time out" clock (timer) that I used when my kids were small! It is a 6" green, plastic clock with a cute face made by Nursery Needs. It has a frown when the timer is turned on, and a smile when the time is over. It doesn't even use batteries.I agree with those that use the 1 minute per year of age. This clock (timer) only goes up to 19 minutes. There is a picture of it at http://kidsheaveninlisle.com/Clocks.aspx.
I found one of the cute Tommy Time Out Teacher clocks on ebay! It seems to be the only one out there! Go to http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-HTF-Nursery-Needs-Tommy-The-TIME-OUT-TEACHER-Childrens-Discipline-Clock-/290671774995?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43ad634d13#ht_1009wt_1270 to see it!
I think this would be fun for kid stools at the craft table or just as an alternate sitting spot in the LR. Can't see why the kid should have to be "in trouble" in order to sit on it.
My boys are a little to old for time outs but .. This idea would work for for their daily reading, or T.V timer,Gameboy or PSP timer many things .. My boys are 8 & 10 but there is plenty of good use for this idea :)
I get what you all are saying about how long a time out should be. Just as you have timed it for say 15 minutes of sand, watch for how long each minute or two takes and mark the glass or bottle.
This is annoying. I think apartment therapy should steer away from parenting techniques and stick to home design. You have to know that there are alot of people who believe time-outs are barely better than spanking. I don't know why everyone thinks it's so "CUTE!" to look at a little toddler being shamed.