Interrupts Guests
Children should not be allowed to interrupt brief visits by your friends. After an initial greeting and some brief attention, your child should not be allowed to crawl on guests or to interrupt the adult conversations. Your friends will appreciate your taking a stand about this.
- First: Clarify your expectation for your child: "Please don't interrupt me when I'm talking to my friend, because it makes it hard for us to talk."
- Second: Get your child involved in something else. For a younger child, distract him with special toys or games. For an older child, tell her she has to find something to do. Tell her you will play with her after your friend leaves.
- Third: If your child persists in interrupting, don't feel guilty about sending her to her room or, if it's near bedtime, to bed. Children should be able to take a back seat to guests.
- Fourth: Don't forget to praise your child for playing quietly when guests are over.
- Finally: Learning to wait is good practice for living in the real world. But keep the length of your visits within your child's tolerance.
If you have other questions about your child's behavior, consult your healthcare provider.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D. FAAP
Last Review: 6/1/2008
Last Revised: 6/1/2000
Copyright 1994-2008 Barton Schmitt, M.D. Parent Advice Messages.
