When Children Interrupt

It is very frustrating when your child constantly interrupts adult conversations. As exasperating as you find it, trust that the other person you are speaking with finds it even more tiresome.

Children place themselves at the centre of their little universe and expect everyone else to do the same. Interrupting an adult conversation is your child’s way of attempting to gain attention when the focus is no longer about him. If this behaviour is not immediately nipped in the bud, expect the interrupting to escalate and get worse over time.

Dealing With the Child Who Interrupts

• If you have a friend over for a visit, let your child know ahead of time that this is your time to visit with your friend and your child is to be playing without you. There is absolutely nothing wrong with you having adult time that does not fully include your child.
• When your child does attempt to sabotage your conversation, stop him the moment he interrupts. Do not try to ignore him as he will only become louder and more persistent. Do not actually respond to whatever he asking for, but firmly tell him he is interrupting and you will be with him when you are finished.
• Allow yourself or the other speaker to finish their thought flow, then ask your child what it is he needs. If it is something that can wait, tell him that. If it is pertinent, deal with it and return to your conversation, reminding your child that he is not to interrupt any more.
• If your child continues to interrupt the conversation with non essential issues, ask him to leave the room. If he resists, physically remove him yourself, sending him to another room in the house where he can amuse himself, such as his bedroom or playroom.
• Afterwards, explain to your child that interrupting is rude and unacceptable. Teach him to say “excuse me” or to place a hand on your arm to indicate he needs your attention, but let him know that loudly saying “excuse me!” a hundred times does not count as politely interrupting.
• When your child does excuse himself appropriately, indicate you have heard him with a non verbal cue such as a hand on his shoulder. When it is appropriate to pause the conversation, respond to your child.
• Help your child understand what is considered important enough to interrupt a conversation and what is not. He will need constant reminders on this so be patient.

Interrupting Phone Conversations

If you are on the telephone, remember that your child can not actually see the other person speaking so he will freely interrupt your conversation. Hold up a hand to indicate that he needs to wait, and again, when there is an appropriate time in the conversation, find out what your child needs.

If you know ahead of time that you will be making a phone call, tell your child that you need to be on the phone for a certain amount of time – does he need anything before you get on? Then tell him that he is not to interrupt you while you are on the phone.

Not to Interrupt Can be Hard to Learn

Children take a long time to grasp the idea of not interrupting. It is very difficult for them to understand that they are not at the centre of everything that is going on. To a child, all his needs are important at all times. Remember that interrupting is considered rude behaviour and others trying to have a conversation with you will rightfully become very annoyed when your child interrupts.

Interrupting is something that you need to be constantly firm about in order for your child to appreciate the concept. With persistence and consistence on your part, your child will come to understand that interrupting is unacceptable and he will be well on his way to becoming a respectful young person!

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