Gone are the days when “children should be seen and not heard.” I’m not saying that was right, but I realized a long time ago that letting my kids interrupt adult conversations is a disservice to them.
Moms especially will turn from whatever adult they are talking to and answer a child’s inquiry, or “mom, look what I made” exclamation. I have been guilty of this myself, but I have seen the light and changed my ways.
Growing up in the real world
I had to learn not to demand instant help, and not to interrupt others on my own. There were two owners at the first job I had after college, and I used to interrupt them and almost demand that they helped me with my immediate problems when they were busy doing their own jobs. They weren’t having any of it. They never lectured me, they just didn’t respond immediately to my requests.
I was shadowing a trainer at another job and she had to ask a coworker for something. She was so nice when she asked him, and not demanding. It was beautiful to watch, and I learned a lot from that.
What’s to become of them?
What is going to happen to our kids we when they get into the workforce? They are going to have a rude awakening if they interrupt their coworkers mid-sentence, or God forbid they interrupt their boss.
Do your kids a favor, and don’t allow them to interrupt adult conversations. Teach them to say “excuse me,” or as my beloved son’s kindergarten teacher taught her classes: to gently lay their little hand on her shoulder if they had a question for her. Beautiful.
Tips and tricks:
Say to the adult you are speaking with, excuse me, and then address the wee one vying for your attention.
Set your child up with something while you and another adult talk.
Hold up your hand to signal to your child that you are waiting until the person you are speaking with has finished their sentence, and then you will address them.
Explain during a quiet moment with your child how to rest their hand on your shoulder or leg if they would like to tell you something.
Make it a game. This same kindergarten teacher taught her classrooms some simple sign language, yes and no, and may I go to the bathroom. That way the children could communicate with her without yelling.
Teach them in quiet moments, that interrupting is rude, and that you aren’t going to allow it.
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