Most children have rules to follow at home-but when a parent gets on the telephone, they misbehave because there are no specific rules for that time. Does this sound familiar? There are several ways to keep misbehavior from occurring when you're on the phone.
Do you interrupt your telephone conversations to find out what your child wants? Do you yell at your child as he misbehaves? In doing so, you tell your child that it's okay to be rude when you're on the telephone, and that conversation can be interrupted.
Establish a new rule. Unless your child has obviously hurt himself, ignore him until you are finished talking on the telephone.
When it's impossible to ignore his actions, excuse yourself and physically put your child in his room with a brief explanation that when you are finished, he may rejoin you.
Announce ahead of time that you are going to use the telephone and explain what behavior is expected of your child. "You may not climb on counters, touch the CD or TV, or yank on the telephone cord." Then be sure to tell her what she may do. "You may look at a book, color a picture, do a puzzle or play quietly in your room."
Make it clear that your child is to leave you alone until you are finished and that you will then be happy to listen to her needs.
Back up those rules with consequences to be faced. Children have to rest rules-it's part of their growth process. When you make the announcement that you are going to use the telephone, also mention the consequences if the telephone rules are broken.
An effective consequence is the loss of privileges. Television viewing is a privilege, so is playing with a friend or having a special snack. Whatever the privilege, it has to be something that has meaning to your child, so that taking it away for misbehavior shows you mean what you say.
For toddlers it helps to have a special toy or play item that is used only when you ae on the telephone. Take it out when you announce your plans to use the telephone and put it away when you are finished.
Always praise good behavior.
Having these rules gives your child an understanding of what behavior is and is not acceptable when you're on the telephone. Follow these rules consistently and misbehavior will eventually stop being a problem.
Debbie Wilburn is County Agent/Family and Consumer Science Agent with the Hall (770)535-8290 and the Forsyth (770)887-2418 County Extension Service.
Tuesday
August 5th, 2025
2:43AM
