Time Timer

App review by Dana Anderson, Common Sense Media
Time Timer Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 7+

Easy, customizable timing in a handy tool.

iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android Paid Productivity
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Parents say

age 13+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this app.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Time Timer is an extraordinarily easy-to-use, customizable timer app to help kids or adults with productivity, efficiency, and focus. Simply select a mode (depending upon the amount of time needed and how focused the person needs to be on the timer), then type in a name for the timer's purpose, set the settings, and the timer is ready to go. Up to four timers can be saved at once.

Community Reviews

JenLanam
JenLanam Adult
February 5, 2013
age 13+

Good self-discipline tool for those who are ALREADY self-disciplined

Okay, this is what I picture (with the names changed to protect the distracted): Mom: Hey, Johnny, here's my phone to time you doing your homework! You can try to get your homework done in 30 minutes and beat the clock! Johnny: Cool! Thanks, Mom! (20 minutes later) Mom: Johnny, how's that homework coming? Did the timer help you manage your time? Johnny: Uh, well, I just thought I'd take a little break from my homework and play Angry Birds on your phone. I guess I got a little distracted. Mom: Darn that colorful Time Timer! I'm thinking that if your child is easily distracted and tends to dawdle, the Time Timer would be good in theory but not in practice. If your child is very self-disciplined, they might be able to resist the allure of the shiny phone with the timer, but then they wouldn't really need it. (If you can lock everything BUT the Time Timer, it might work. But then again, my kids would probably spend the 30 minutes playing with the timer settings.
See all 1 parent review

What’s It About?

Simply tap "Add Timer" to create a new timer (check that awake mode is on in your device's settings so the timer doesn't shut off), then a stopwatch-style timer appears. Swipe around to set the desired time, name the timer, and adjust the mode and settings. There are many options including sound of the timer when it's complete, number of plays, and color.

Is It Any Good?

Has your kid ever grumbled when asked to do something, then changed their response to excitement when you add, "I'll time you"? Now you can time them doing all sorts of things -- homework, reading, time-outs between siblings, bedtime routine -- with this practical, useful tool that can help adults and kids with time management. Once users create their timer(s), the app runs very smoothly. It's quite self-explanatory, and there are a number of prompts for new users. Just make sure your device's settings are on "awake" mode, so it doesn't enter sleep mode and that battery life isn't low, which could cause it to shut down. If you or your kid needs help staying on task, TIME TIMER could become one of those essential apps you use multiple times a day.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Encourage your kids to use Time Timer during study sessions to help them stay focused and take breaks at appropriate intervals (15 to 30 minutes is often recommended).

  • To model behavior, consider using this app yourself during tasks that you find less than fun or in which you need to become more efficient.

App Details

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