Handling Interruptions

Have you noticed that whenever the phone rings your children need something… and whatever it is they need, simply cannot wait? You’d think the ringer was wired directly to their need sensor. However, try escaping to some remote corner of the house to make a call and within 30 seconds one of those little detectives will discover your whereabouts and be tugging on your sleeve.

Children want our attention, and seem to want it most desperately when we’re busy with someone else. Attempts to avert their need by telling them; “just a minute”, “not now”, “can’t you see I am busy”, or “we’ll talk about it later” do little to thwart the persistent nature of their unheeded request. So what does a parent do?

First, recognize the true nature of the problem. Even though interruptions may be extremely annoying and perhaps even embarrassing whether they take place while on the phone, while entertaining guests or during a friendly conversation in the church lobby; the real issue is that of respect. When a child is continually permitted to interrupt his parents (or anyone else for that matter) for inconsequential urges or trivial thoughts he is not exercising proper respect.

Respect will esteem others better than self. Respect acts with honor towards another by preferring them; highly regarding them as a person by treating them with courtesy and consideration. Children are not born with these attitudes and will not develop them unless mom and dad demonstrate this in their daily dealings with each other and train their children to do the same.

My wife came home one afternoon and told me of an incident that took place between a young mother and her 4-5 year old child that really impressed her. While Connie was speaking with this mother, her son began to ask his mom a question. The mother extended her hand and the child placed his hand on hers and patiently waited until the two ladies were finished talking. Then his mother looked at him and he was permitted to tell her what he was thinking. This wise mother had been doing some training. She devised a way to handle interruptions and in so doing she taught her young son to show respect.