742 CREATIVE CONSEQUENCE, USING TIMER, TAMES NON STOP QUESTIONS :)

I get this frequently from participants in my class:  

I know an inquisitive mind is a mind open to learning but my kids drive me crazy with non stop questions ... What can I do to adjust my attitude and save my sanity without discouraging the curious state of a child's active, young mind  ... 

First of all, upon reflecting back to those years when my sanity was at stake, I can't help but smile ... Secondly, I wonder how three, rambunctious, inquisitive minds transformed into a trio of full grown men in less time than it took their mom to blink twice :)  Thirdly, here is what turned my attitude from irritated and on edge to congenially self-controlled: 

I'd carry a small timer in my purse, and when the inquisition drove me close to crazy, I'd pull it out and tell the boys they could each ask me one more question, and then, I'd be out of answers for five minutes.  After fielding one question from each little motor mouth, I'd turn the timer to five minutes and hand it to whomever's turn it was to hold it—somehow, they always remembered whose turn it was to do whatever.  Then, cautioning them of my brain's need for time out from over load, I'd remind them to direct all questions and conversation to each other until the timer went brrrring.  Though two year olds may not get this timer stuff right away, three year olds become savvy, quickly, and as siblings tend to learn from watching each other, this positively focused, creative, non-punitive consequence worked nicely for all concerned.  As a bonus, listening to my kids answering each other's questions was often hysterical, and laughter serves as a natural brain energizer :) 

Another timer-sanity-saving suggestion during tantrums to follow :)