A note about your child doing things to make you angry

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'. See more information in 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.