My son even enjoys helping me set the time by turning the dial and watching the red expand, though you better believe I move it to a high shelf where it can be seen and not touched once it's set. As long as I encourage him to check in to see how much time he has left and give him some control over small things — sure, you can invite a couple of your dinosaurs to the dinner table! — he doesn't freak out nearly as much as he used to. As strange as it sounds, there's something about putting the responsibility on an inanimate object instead of me to end the fun that helps ease the power struggle.