Interrupt Rule
By: Trish Kuffner, author of The Toddler's Busy Book
Interrupt Rule
Directions
I wish I had come across this idea when my children were younger. Although they've always been polite interrupters, even "Excuse me, Mommy" repeated twenty times can be annoying. Worse still is the adult who breaks off midsentence to turn full attention to the interrupting child.
- When you're talking on the phone or in person with someone, teach your child how to interrupt politely.
- Show her how to place her hand on your arm, shoulder, or leg. This will be her signal that she needs your attention.
- Place your hand over hers as your signal that you understand and will acknowledge her as soon as politely possible.
- Very young children should not be made to wait more than 10 or 15 seconds, but this time can and should grow longer as your child becomes used to this rule.