Yep, you read it right. This is a “how-to” for teaching kids to interrupt.
We moms love to talk, and sometimes it is hard to get a word in edgewise. A little guy that has to go to the bathroom needs a polite way to cut into the conversation. Here’s how!
Teach you little ones that when they need to interrupt, they should approach your side (not stand between you and the person you are talking to, but off to the side). Then, without speaking, just put their hand on your forearm and wait silently and patiently. No tapping. This signal tells you that your child needs to speak to you. When you can courteously find a break in the conversation, say “excuse me, please” to the person you are talking to, and turn towards your child. Now (and only now), he can interrupt.
It is such a delight to see little ones who have been trained to interrupt in this very polite way. I know we have all felt a bit put off when we are deep in conversation and the person we are talking with abruptly gives their full attention to a loudly, interrupting child. It teaches the children not to respect others, neither their mother nor others present. It perpetrates the notion that the child is the “center of the universe”, and all things should rotate around him, at his demand.
If the mother chooses to ignore a loudly interrupting child, the situation gets more out of hand, as conversation is impossible, and it is uneasy to watch the mom being yelled at, tapped, bugged, etc. as she seemingly is oblivious to her children. Not much respect shown for the children, in this case.
Once you teach your children how to interrupt, you’ll be amazed at how polite and well-mannered others think your children are!
To your child-raising success!
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