Moms Forum: How do I keep my kids from interrupting?

Posted in Mom Stuff
by besttech

McClatchy-Tribune

Moms Forum spotlights useful discussion taking place on the parenting forums of newspapers around the country.

———

QUESTION: Just wondering how other moms deal with being interrupted by their kids.

— Posted by ktja on sacmomsclub.com

RESPONSES:

— We taught our kids at a young age that when they want to interrupt they are to put their hand on our hand and leave it there. We then will let them know we know they want to talk by holding their hand until a pause in conversation when I can pay attention to them.

— Since I work from home and have to take business calls sometimes, before I answer the phone I say, “I’m getting on the phone, you have to be quiet now.” They know I will tell them when the call is done. But if I don’t warn them, they inevitably come to talk to me right when I pick up the phone. I do the same thing when I am about to make a call; I warn them and remind them of the rule.

— Every time they interrupt they put some change into a jar as a penalty. The amount is usually a nickel, a dime and a quarter — the price going up each time they interrupt. If they go a week without interruption they would be given the money back.