Parents naturally cherish their children above all others; giving undivided attention to their toddlers since childbirth. It is perfectly reasonable for parents and caregivers to attend to every stage from tricks to tantrums, yet this often leads the tiny tots to believe that they can demand attention anytime and thus would result to interrupting.
For parents on a constantly busy schedule, whether with house chores or corporate tasks, it is very important to teach toddlers not to interrupt or at least when to interrupt. Below are some quick tips for parents to guide children transition from being interrupting minors to refined grown-ups.
1. Lead By Example
Children are well known for being imitators. Parents also have to evaluate their own interrupting behaviors. An article from Baby Centre shares ways to minimize interruption from toddlers and the top point is to show by example. Parents should help toddlers identify which scenarios can be acceptable for an interruption. Always consider the child's age and needs when giving the possible cases that an interruption can be excused.
2. Time Management
Parents must ensure that enough time will be set aside just for their toddlers every day. If a child's emptiness for attention is appropriately filled in, then this would mean lesser demands for an outburst tantrum for the parents' time and total focus. Having "play time" with the youngsters will help the children understand that parents also need their "parent time."
3. Use A Cue
Nonverbal cues or gestures can be used to communicate with the toddlers during a busy time. According to an article from the website of Child Development Institute, parents can teach "The Squeeze," wherein the toddler can squeeze the parent's hand if the youngster wants to say something. The parent can gently squeeze back the little hand to indicate that attention will be given to the child in a minute.
4. Prepare Activities
Make creative busy boxes or bags to encourage quiet and independent play. Ensure that the materials inside the boxes are safe for play with minimal supervision. To keep the toddlers enticed, the contents of the boxes should also be changed from time to time.
5. Reward The Child
Based on an article from Modern Mom's website, one of the steps to effectively help toddlers stop interrupting is to reward them. Parents are well aware that rewards can increase the chances of repeating good behavior. On another note, giving rewards is another form of attention that the child well deserves after following rules against interrupting.
It may still need some time for parents to hear a tiny voice saying, "Excuse me, I have something to say." The focus is not about changing the behavior overnight, but the goal is to inculcate good behavior and proper manners to the youngsters. Parents cannot diminish interrupting altogether, but parents can help raise a generation of future adults who'll almost always choose not to interrupt, and can also quickly tell when it's fine to interrupt and how to if needed.
