For most of us, placing a time limit on a task motivates us to accomplish the task within the allotted time. As parents, we can use this to our advantage by encouraging our children in a similar way. When we employ the Countdown technique, our sons and daughters learn that when a direction from mom or dad must be carried out, there are consequences for not doing so within a reasonable amount of time. Conversely, completing unpleasant tasks quickly
allows for more time to do what the child enjoys.