This toddler trick is on of both Margolin and Gallant favourite tips — try it on literally anything. Little one doesn't want to leave the playground? Have them set a timer for three minutes. When the timer goes off, time to go! You will be amazed at how fast your kid skips to the car. Toddler doesn't want to transition from playtime to lunch time? Timer! Have them set it for a few minutes, and like magic, they'll happily go eat lunch when the timer goes off.
"OK the feeling, then have them set the timer," Deena said. "This is our favourite trick because it works right away!" It works because you're setting up expectations. There's no meltdown because your toddler has been warned of what exactly is about to happen.