How to Stop a Child From Interrupting Phone Calls

A ringing phone is like a homing device for your child. Even if he played quietly by himself a moment before, the minute you start a phone conversation, he is ready to chat. As a parent, you're used to little privacy, but your child needs to learn how to respect boundaries. The way you handle the interruptions influences how your child acts during future phone calls. By using simple yet effective techniques, you help your child learn to stay quiet when you're on the phone.

Things You'll Need

  • Activity or toy

Instructions

    • 1

      Set rules about how to handle phone calls. Tell your child she cannot interrupt you while you are on the phone unless it is an emergency. Give examples of urgent situations that warrant an interruption, such as someone at the door or an injury. Explain to her that you need to focus on the person you are talking to on the phone and you cannot do that with interruptions.

    • 2

      Create a signal for your child to use when he needs your attention. An example is putting a hand on your arm. This helps you recognize your child's need for your attention while teaching your child to wait patiently. Your child knows you are aware of the need and you are able to finish your phone call or pause to address the need.

    • 3

      Start your child on an activity if you're expecting a phone call. Choose an activity she doesn't do often or a toy that isn't used a lot, to make it more appealing and reduce the likelihood of an interruption.

    • 4

      Ignore an interruption that is not an emergency if your child fails to use the established signal. Give your child a look that tells him he is ignoring the rules you set. If he continues interrupting, tell him one time he needs to wait. Say, "I am on the phone right now and cannot talk to you until I am finished. Please wait quietly." If you stop your phone conversation and allow your child to talk to you, that reinforces his interruptions and won't stop them in the future.

    • 5

      Reinforce your child's behavior when she doesn't interrupt. If she stops herself from interrupting when she notices you are on the phone, give her a thumbs-up sign and a smile to let her know you noticed. After you finish the call, give her specific praise. Say, "I'm so proud of the way you stopped yourself from interrupting me. You saw that I was on the phone and you gave me time to finish the conversation. Thank you!"

    • 6

      Watch how you handle interruptions in your interactions. If you constantly interrupt other people, your child learns to do the same. Practice waiting for an appropriate time to interject what you have to say.

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