Children live in the moment and are eager to talk, which is why they cut off and find it difficult to wait.
If from an early age children are able to understand what it means to listen to others, it is only from the age of 5 that they manage to respect the rhythm of a conversation. . Physiologically, they find it difficult to put themselves in the other person’s shoes and do not always understand the annoyance they cause when they stop talking.
How to react ?
When your child tries to interrupt the conversation you’re having, don’t give importance to his signs of impatience and give him a wave with your hand to tell him to wait. When you have finished speaking or listening to the person, you can then turn to your child and tell him that you are now listening and that it is his turn to speak.
When you do this it is important to accompany him with your gaze to show him that he now has your full attention. If he really insists on interrupting you afterwards, do not hesitate to explain to him regularly that everyone has the right to speak in turn and that no one likes to be interrupted, not even him.
How to help him wait his turn?
From an early age, even before a year, you can teach him to respect his turn during certain games, such as when you exchange an object for example. Later, when he grows up, and you are in a group, explain to him that you will take a moment to discuss with his grandmother for example and that then you will have time to listen to him.
When you are with the family, at the table for example, you can ask everyone to tell their story in turn to encourage your child to respect everyone’s turn and wait for their own moment.
Find out more: “Interrupting others”, by Joy Berry, Je grandis bien editions.
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