I sometimes find it quite impossible, as the parent of two young children to have an adult conversation. It's not that people aren't around or available to speak to. I live in a cohousing community and am surrounded by friends. It's just that as soon as I answer the phone or get interested in a conversation with a friend on my couch, my children "need" my attention. Perhaps it's because they can't stand to share me, or maybe I seem much more interesting when someone else is talking to me, like the toy that someone else is playing with. I have, on occasion, been followed from room to room and eventually had to lock myself in my bedroom to get away from my five year old, so I can have a rare phone conversation with my best friend on the other side of the country. It's not always quiet on the other side of the door, either. This is a moment when I find it difficult to remain patient and enforce the "no interrupting" rule. I don't want to be continually distracted, but I also don't want to make a scene in front of my friend, which could happen if I choose to ignore my five year old and she proceeds to jump on me and shout my name to get my attention.
I came across a couple of helpful tips from Elizabeth Pantley's book "The No-Cry Discipline Solution" on her website http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth/books/index.html. I especially like "The Squeeze" for my very tactile and impatient little girl......
"Teach “The Squeeze”
Tell your child that if she wants something when you are talking to another adult, she should gently squeeze your arm. You will then squeeze her hand to indicate that you know she is there and will be with her in a minute. At first, respond quickly so your child can see the success of this method. Over time you can wait longer, just give a gentle squeeze every few minutes to remind your child that you remember the request.
Create a busy-box
Put together a box of activities or games that can only be used when you are on the telephone, working at your desk, or talking with an adult. Occasionally refill it with new things or rotate the contents. Be firm about putting them away when you are done. Your child will be look forward to your next conversation, which will be interruption free!"
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