Finn and the Magic Sandbox Timer

Ages 3–5

When Finn and new friend Marco both want the big yellow dump truck, he discovers that a tiny trickling sand timer can turn the hard feeling of waiting into the best game in the whole sandbox.

Children see that patience and turn-taking can feel exciting instead of hard, especially with a fun, fair way to measure the wait, and that even a small wobble of impatience can be breathed through and turned into a game.

Finn loved the sandbox best of all, especially the big yellow dump truck that rumbled and roared. On his wrist swung the little timer his grown-up gave him, just for waiting turns. Today, he could not wait to play.

But when Finn reached the truck, another hand grabbed it too! Marco held tight. "I want it!" he said. "I want it too!" said Finn. Two hands, one truck. Uh-oh.

Finn's cheeks felt hot and his hands felt tight. It was the grumbly, grabby feeling of wanting something RIGHT NOW. Just then, a flash of light winked from his wrist. He took a big breath.

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