I saw a close friend use this strategy, and I decided to implement it right away. What do kids do when they need to ask you a question and you are in another conversation? They need a strategy. You need a strategy, or you will go insane. What I now do is when our child needs my attention, and I am in another conversation (on the phone or in person) they come up to me and put their hand on my leg. I then put my hand on their hand to indicate, “I know you need my attention, and I’ll find a good time to stop the conversation and attend to your needs.” Then, I do just that. I teach them to be patient and wait until I can find an appropriate time to pause. I try to teach things like this through role play and game before the moment. So, we all get our pretend phones out and take turns playing out this strategy.
I too use this strategy with my boys. It has come in very handy numerous times. I need to review it again and I love the idea of role play with pretend phones. Awesome idea to reinforce the strategy!
When I saw my friend use it I was amazed at the results. It’s so nice when it works the way it should. We are constantly training it to. It is amazing how you think you have something down, and then you realize you need to revisit it.
Ohh good idea – I will be trying this out!
Thank you so much. I hope it works, and you will have to let me know.
I absolutely love this tip! I have been implementing this with my 4 yr old, and he has been doing great! What a good way to teach respect, and a calm and peaceful way for you to also attend to your child’s needs respectfully and joyfully! thanks for this blog, I came to you because a good friend of mine is also in the Creative Moms contest, and your blog was just above hers. So glad God led me here! He is doing great work through you and this blog. Praise Him!