Why does one minute feel long sometimes and short at other times?

When to Ask?:

While waiting somewhere, during a boring moment, or right after your child says something felt very fast or very slow.

How to Ask?:

“I was wondering about something strange… why do you think one minute can feel long sometimes and short at other times?”

Keep in Mind:

You do not need to explain time. Let your child answer from their own experience first. If they seem unsure, you can compare one minute of waiting with one minute of doing something fun.

Follow Up [contrast]:

What kinds of moments make time feel fast for you? What kinds make it feel slow?

Ask kids to:

Finish this question: “Why does time feel…”