Parenting win: 2-in-1 kids DIY sand timer
Nagging your kids to brush their teeth and wash their hands properly doesn’t have to be a fight any longer. This do-it-yourself sand timer makes it easy and fun for your kids to practice proper hygiene. Here’s how to make your own today!
Due to COVID-19, I think we’ve all stepped up our hand washing in the last few months. But it’s just as important for our kids as well. The CDC recommends scrubbing your hands for 20 seconds. And the American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth for 2 minutes! So, this DIY sand timer is the perfect way to get your kids to develop that habit right now. Take a look!
Gather your sand timer supplies
These sand timers don’t require very many supplies. I gathered all my supplies for less than $5. Here’s what you’ll need.
- Two glass spice bottles (3.75×1.5 inches)
- Colored sand (or you can make your own by clicking here)
- Super glue or hot glue
- Hammer
- Nail
- Scissors
- Ribbon (optional)
Assemble your timer
Now, you’re ready. First, glue the tops of each of the lids together. I first tried hot glue but it wasn’t as secure as I thought. So, I ended up using super glue. It was perfect.
Next, take a large nail and hammer a hole in the middle of the lid. Make sure it goes through both lids. If you want a slow timer (1-2 minutes), just make one hole. If you want a faster timer (30 seconds), make a larger hole by hammering the nail a few times through.
Fill one of the spice jars with about 1/3 cup of colored sand or until full. Then, screw the lids back onto the spice jars.
Add finishing touches
You could leave the jar as it is or you can add some finishing touches that will make it look really cute. I hot glued a 1/2″ ribbon around the lids. This is especially helpful if you are going to make multiple sand timers so each kid know which one is their’s depending on the color.
As a last and final touch, I created some cute labels that you can glue onto both ends of the sand timer. One label says, “Brush your teeth” and the other label says, “Wash your hands”. Download your free printable PDF below:
FREE PRINTABLE — Sand Timer Labels
I love the way these turned out. My kids were actually excited to brush their teeth! I just keep our timer on our bathroom counter.
Whenever my kids wash their hands or brush their teeth, they flip the timer. If your timer only lasts 30 seconds, you can have your kids flip the timer one or two times while they brush their teeth.
Plus, this timer is a great gift that the tooth fairy can give your kids when they lose a tooth. Or it can double as a great gift for toddlers when they potty train.
Hope you enjoyed this post! Leave your comments below and let me know what you thought.
Related link: Free tooth fairy lost teeth chart and badge
