News Library: Interrupting Child (Pantley)



	When Children Interrupt Practical Solutions and Tips to End the Behaviour by Elizabeth Pantley Quick Support Sign Up

	Elizabeth Pantley articles: When Children Interrupt \| Toilet Training \| Bedwetting \| Positive Thinking for Kids

	Have you every been engrossed in a conversation with a friend when your train of thought is interrupted by a little voice pleading, "Can I please have a cookie?" So you patiently and politely inform your little one, "I’m talking honey, I’ll be with you in a minute." You turn to your friend to continue your conversation only to hear that little voice again, "I want one right now. I’m hungry." You take a deep breath and sigh, "We’ll be having dinner in a little while." Thinking that you’ve now solved the problem you turn to talk to your (somewhat-perturbed- and-I-can’t-say-that-I-blame-her) friend, only to find your own words drowned out by a rather high-pitched voice, "I can’t wait until dinner. I want one nowwww." If you’re a normal parent, and you have normal children, I’m sure that you have lived through this rather annoying but VERY normal - scenario. When I was writing my new book, I interviewed hundreds of parents to find out the most common problems that parents were dealing with. "Interrupting" ranked very high on the list! So, without further ado, here, at last, are some answers: Situation: My husband and I haven’t finished a complete sentence since last July! Our children interrupt our conversations constantly. Even while I’m asking them to wait until we’re done talking they’re busy interrupting my request! Think about it: Many parents admonish kids for interrupting, but in the same breath they respond to the child’s interrupted request! Interrupting is habit forming. Like many annoying behaviors, once kids figure out that they can "get away with it," the behavior will continue. Solution #1: Teach your child how to determine if something warrants an interruption. Children often are so focused on their own needs that they don’t really absorb the fact that they’re being rude. Teach your child to wait for a pause in the conversation and to say, "Excuse me." When she does this, respond positively. If the interruption is of a nature that it can and should wait, politely inform your child of this and then continue talking. Solution #2: Tell your child that if she wants something when you are talking to another adult, she should walk up to you and 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 rather 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. Solution #3: Pause, look your child in the eye, and say, "I’ll be with you in a minute." Then turn your face, body and attention away from your child. Do not engage your child with repeated pleas for her to stop. If your child continues to interrupt, motion to the person you’re talking with to walk away with you. Solution #4: Praise your child for using good manners, remembering to say "excuse me," and for interrupting only for a valid reason. Are you interested in Elizabeth's books Perfect Parenting \| Kid Cooperation Hidden Messages \| No-Cry Sleep Solution All sales of books from the link above help to support this FREE website. Thank you for your support. - - - Sue & Joe How to Nurture Compassion in Your Special Child's World" excerpted from "Special Kids Need Special Parents" A resource for Parents of Children With Special Needs by Judy Lavin With 20 million plus families in the United States having a child with special needs, more children with challenges are being mainstreamed into America's public schools. Unfortunately, too often those without special needs feel uncomfortable around a classmate who seems out-of-sync. What's more, they can translate their discomfort into ugly behaviors, such as verbally demeaning or physically hurting the individual with differences. Helping youngsters become more sensitive is always important. Here are some specific ways to make kids feel more comfortable.		The Discipline Book by William & Martha Sears The Baby Book by William & Martha Sears The Successful Child: What Parents Can Do to Help Kids Turn Out Well by William Sears, Martha Sears, Elizabeth Pantley HomeBiz FREE money tips FREE Crafts FREE Recipes FREE Fix-It Ideas FREE Scholarships & $$$ What is the best way to teach my child?

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	(Excerpted with permission by NTC/Contemporary Publishing Group Inc. from Perfect Parenting, The Dictionary of 1,000 Parenting Tips by Elizabeth Pantley, copyright 1999)