Lots of children want their parent's attention right when the parent is
trying to do something else, like talking on the phone. It can be very
frustrating. The best thing to do to help prevent this by giving your
child lots and lots of positive attention when you're not busy and
then you and he will feel better about the necessary times of ignoring.
Having special time every day is a great way to give children positive
attention. Special time means spending about 10 to 15 minutes by the
clock playing with your child and giving him/her your full attention
and then when an alarm or egg timer goes off you say - 'I am sorry
special time is over'. I have a handout about it and can send the
information to your CHADIS MemoryBook Care Portal. Young kids also
benefit from playing 'bye, bye - home now' pretend games like between
peek a boo and hide and seek. This way they get more relaxed about
you not being right there.
Before a phone call you can tell your child you are going to be busy and
that you will not respond to him/her unless it is urgent. Every 3
minutes or so turn and praise your child for waiting. If your child
bothers you once you are busy, respond by ignoring him/her. Do not
talk to him/her or make eye contact. Your child will likely get louder
at first, but will eventually learn you really aren't going to respond
until you are not busy. You may want to try this out by talking on the
phone to an understanding friend before you try ignoring your child
while on an important call! Also remember to give your child lots
and lots of attention when you are not busy. I also have a handout
about ignoring and can send it to your CHADIS MemoryBook Care Portal.