Tired of being interrupted by your child?

Children often believe that their belonging and significance are threatened when their parents are focused on something or someone else.  This is normal.  It is important to help them by respectfully dealing with this, rather than getting angry or punishing them.  If the more your child demands, the more you give them good or bad attention, the more your child is learning that demanding gets them what they want.  So you need to set limits and guidelines early.    

 So what can you do to get your kids to stop interrupting you?

 A.  I have told her at least a hundred times to stop interrupting me.

 B.  I told him  that I would be off in five minutes, and when he was younger, gave him my watch and showed him what the numbers would be when the five minutes was up.

 C.  I only spent time with my children when they were home, so there were no interruptions.

 D.  Every time my child was involved with someone else, I would interrupt her, so she would learn what it feels like.

 And here are other suggestions:

-When a friend comes over, say to your child, "I would like to spend five minutes with you without any interruptions from my friend.  Then I would like some uninterrupted time with my friend.  You first, then my friend."

-If your child has been waiting all day to spend time with you when you get home from work, take fifteen minutes with your child.  Dinner can wait.

-Let your child know that you hear them interrupting, but you choose not to respond when you are busy doing something else.  You can use a nonverbal response, like putting a hand on their shoulder while ignoring their demands.

 If you would like to learn more about the Positive Discipline model, and how to raise respectful, resourceful and responsible children, check out our upcoming class schedule at www.positivedisciplinewesternct.org.   Classes fill up, so register early!

Positive Discipline of Western CT promotes and encourages the development of life skills and respectful relationships in families, schools, and businesses in our local communities. We will provide classes to parents, caregivers, educators, and youth development workers, teaching how to raise a child using Positive Discipline skills.