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Archived Articles
Dealing with Constant Phone Interruptions
Do your children seem to need you the most when you're on the
phone? Are they constantly interrupting your
conversations. If this is the case, don't worry any longer
because you're about to find simple solutions for your problem.
Create a Phone Toy Box
Go to the store and buy two special toys that you know you're
child will like. Buy toys that take a while to play with such
as puzzles, blocks, things you connect, crafts that you can do over
and over again, etc... Get a plastic bin that the toys can fit
into. Write, Phone Toy Box, on the outside of the plastic bin
with a permanent marker. Place the two toys inside the
bin. Sit your child down and pull out the box. Let your
child know that you got him some special toys and that he can only
play with these toys while you're on the phone. Let him know
that when you're having a conversation, he's to play quietly and not
interrupt you. Tell him that if he's especially good that he
can continue playing with the toys after you've gotten off the
phone, but if he interrupts you while you're talking that you'll put
his phone toy box away when the call is over.
Remind your Child of the Rules
Before making a phone call, get your child's Phone Toy Box down
and let him know that you'll be on the phone and he can play with
his special toys until you're done. Remind him that he's not
to interrupt and if he listens he can continue playing with the toys
even after you're off the call. Then make your call and chat
in peace.
Silent Phone Signals that Stop your Child from Interrupting
Sit down with your child. Explain that when you're on a
phone call he's not to interrupt you. Let him know that he's
to go and play while you're talking. Tell him that if he
forgets and comes to interrupt that you will hold your pointer
finger up over your mouth in the SHHHH position and that is his
remind to not interrupt and go play until the call in
finished. If your child is old enough to write, let him know
that he can write down his comment or question and you'll read it,
but not to interrupt by talking to you while you're on the
phone. Teach your child to do mime to get his point across if
he wants to show you something or point something out. This
way the person on the other end won't be interrupted as well.
Remind him of the Rules Often
Before making each call, remind your child of the rules.
The more you remind him, the less he'll interrupt and you'll find
that talking on the phone can once again be a peaceful
experience.
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