‘Tis the Season to be jolly for ALL!!! We will be engaging in many “Adult” conversations during the holidays; sharing & updating family and friends about present and past times. Let’s create an ongoing HAPPY atmosphere with re-directing our children’s interruptions by respecting others and waiting their turns to speak and/or participate in activities. You can teach/share with them how to pay more attention to other people's needs, as well as their own by utilizing the following suggestions to help stop the endless interruptions.
Read about manners. Find several books on the subject then read them together. Discuss afterwards what your child learned from the story and how they will handle a similar situation in their life the next time it occurs
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Give lessons and examples. Teach your children how to determine when interruptions are appropriate. Discuss examples of when it's OK to interrupt, such as when someone is at the door or if a sibling is hurt.
Teach proper manners. Explain to your child how to wait for a pause in the conversation and to say, "Excuse me." Please encourage your children when they remember to do this.
Don't answer the question. Many parents reprimand children for interrupting, but in the same breath respond to the child's interrupted request, which just reinforces the habit.
Mind your manners. Your child is very likely to learn not to interrupt if they hear you, your spouse, or their siblings practicing good habits and respecting each other. Our actions have a strong influence on children, so be a GREAT role model and ask permission to speak before speaking, and apologize when you inadvertently interrupt.
Teach "the nice squeeze." Tell your child that if she wants something when you are talking to another adult, she should gently squeeze your arm. You will then squeeze her hand to indicate that you know she is there and will be with her in a minute. At first, respond quickly so your child can see the success of this method. Over time you can wait longer. Just give a gentle squeeze every few minutes to remind your child that you remember the request.
Create a fun (re-direct) box. Put together a box of activities or games that can only be used when you are on the telephone, working at your desk or talking with an adult. Occasionally refill it with new things or rotate the contents. Be firm about putting them away when you are done. Your child will look forward to your next conversation, which will be interruption-free!
Plan ahead. Before you make a phone call or have a visitor, let your child know what to expect. For instance you could say, "I'm going to make a phone call. I'll be a while, so let's get your fun box ready to use while I'm on the phone."
Constantly Praise Them. Catching your child doing the right thing can be the best lesson of all. Praise your child for using good manners, for remembering to say "excuse me & thank you," and for interrupting only for a valid reason.
