Most parents will have noticed that merely picking up the phone to answer, or make a phone call, will result in the almost immediate appearance of their preschooler at their side, demanding attention for one reason or another. This reaction is normal, and not so different from that of a grownup. After all, how do you feel when you are standing, or sitting, waiting for someone to finish a call they’ve taken in your presence?
The best advice is to avoid the issue by avoiding lengthy conversations on the phone when your child is present. Try to schedule all but the most important calls for times when your child is at day care, asleep, or occupied with another member of the family.
If you receive a call while your child is around, tell the caller that you will have to phone back, after your child has gone to sleep. If you absolutely have to spend a few minutes on the phone, explain to your child that mummy has to speak to someone about something important for a few minutes. Give your child a toy or book to occupy him or her, and make sure that you keep the call short.
If you have one, an answering machine can be your best friend, and you shouldn’t feel bad about using it to screen calls.
The best advice is to avoid the issue by avoiding lengthy conversations on the phone when your child is present. Try to schedule all but the most important calls for times when your child is at day care, asleep, or occupied with another member of the family.
If you receive a call while your child is around, tell the caller that you will have to phone back, after your child has gone to sleep. If you absolutely have to spend a few minutes on the phone, explain to your child that mummy has to speak to someone about something important for a few minutes. Give your child a toy or book to occupy him or her, and make sure that you keep the call short.
If you have one, an answering machine can be your best friend, and you shouldn’t feel bad about using it to screen calls.
