Does Your Child Interrupt?

You’re at the doctor’s office having an important conversation and suddenly your child begins tugging at your arm, “Mommy, mommy, MOOOMMMY!”

We’ve all been there.  You’re talking with an important client, your boss, the doctor, or perhaps just a friend, and you are rudely interrupted by your child jerking on your arm demanding an immediate audience. Interrupting is rude.  It communicates, “I’m more important than that other person you are talking to,” it demonstrations selfishness, a lack of respect for others, and an absence of self-control.

There is a better way. Teach your child how to interrupt your conversation politely.  There is a simple technique which teaches a polite way for a child to let mom know they have a question while at the same time demonstrating patience and honor for others.

When your child needs to interrupt:

1. Teach him to place his hand on your arm, shoulder or side. From your child’s perspective, this silently communicates, “Mom, I realize you’re talking with someone else, but when you get a moment, may I ask you something?”
2. When you feel his hand, take your hand and place it on his, gently squeezing it.  This lets him know that you recognize he is there.
3. Find an appropriate place in your conversation to politely say, “Excuse me,” to the person you are talking with and give the appropriate attention to your child.

This is a win-win.

• This gesture displays that your child has respect for both you and the person with whom you are speaking.
• It helps your child learn how to be patient.
• It communicates to others the standards of respect and honor which you as a family are pursuing.