How To Stop the Constant Interruptions

Is your child constantly interrupting you? You could be talking to a friend on the phone, replying to an important e-mail, or having a conversation with your spouse, and suddenly your child chimes in with a question or request. Believe it or not, the reason behind these interruptions is that they want your attention and, when they interrupt, they’re guaranteed to get it. The good news is that children can be taught that other people besides themselves have needs to be addressed. Below are some tools to help you teach your child how to be mindful of other’s needs and put an end to constant interruptions.

Don’t respond to their request
Scolding the child for interrupting, but still answering their question, only teaches them that it’s okay to interrupt since their need was met.

Teach your child to be polite
Explain to your child to wait for a pause in the conversation and say, “Excuse me.” Offer praise when your child executes this tactic. If the interruption is about something that should wait, politely inform your child of this.

Use your manners as well
Sometimes parents respond to their child’s poor behavior so quickly that they themselves come off as rude. Lead by example and use your own good manners to model appropriate communication skills. Remember to pause, make eye contact, and calmly assure them you will be with them in a minute.

Teach your child what warrants an interruption
Your child is most likely unaware of what’s important enough to justify interrupting you. Talk to them about opportunities which are cause for an interruption: an injured sibling, a knock on the door, etc.

Build a busy-box
Create a box of activities or games that are to only be used when you are doing something that needs your attention like working at your desk or speaking with another adult. Add new items once in a while or have a few boxes you can rotate from time to time. Be firm about putting them away when you are done. Your child will be look forward to your next conversation which will be interruption free!

Implement “The Squeeze”
Teach your child that if she wants something while you are talking to another adult, she should gently squeeze your arm. You respond by squeezing her hand which indicates that you know she needs your attention and you will be with her in a minute. At first, respond quickly so your child can see the success of “the squeeze.” Over time you can wait longer; just give a gentle squeeze every few minutes to remind your child that you remember the request.

Be proactive
Let your child know what to expect before someone comes over or you make a phone call. “I’m going to make a phone call. I’ll be a few minutes so let’s get out your busy box to play with while I’m on the phone.”

Always give praise when deserved
Children love being “caught” doing the right thing. Encourage them to continue their good behavior by praising them for saying “excuse me,” interrupting only when necessary, and for using good manners.

This excerpt is from The No-Cry Discipline Solution by Elizabeth Pantley