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WFMW: Backwards: What Do You Do With Your Kids When You Are On the Phone?
This weeks WFMW is backwards. Instead of giving advice, I get to ask for it. And I can't wait to hear the answers to this one!
Why is it that when your house is quiet, the children are all getting along and there is harmony in the air...why is it that that changes the instant they realize you have placed a phone call? Suddenly, there are arguments, things that are needed right away and injuries that need to be tended to? I have been trying to deal with this problem since my step sons were young...16 years, and still I have no full proof way! I would love to hear how you handle this problem.
And in exchange for your wisdom, I am going to share three contests that I am running on my blog....all for free books and all you have to do is comment! It doesn't get any better than that!
Win High King's Tomb by Kristen Britain - Ends 6 pm November 9th.
Win One of Five Autographed Copies of The Meeting of Anni - Ends November 11th
Win When The Morning Comes by Cindy Woodsmall -Ends November 6 pm 14th
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Okay, I have no answer for this, but I just had to comment b/c when I saw your request on Rocks... I laughed OUT LOUD!
This is every mom's problem and we have all tried countless solutions that never seem to stick or work.
Threatening doesn't do it; locking yourself in the bathroom doesn't work; saving special toys for when mom's on the phone doesn't work for long either. So...I'll check back later to see if anyone came up with the miracle cure for this age old problem, but I'm guessing we'll still be scratching our heads on this forever!!!
Bribery. Keep cash in your pocket for big kids, candy for littles!! Sorry--no known cure known for this one!
Yes, yes, this is a common problem, isn't it? My best advice is to politely apologize to your caller and either put the phone on mute or hang up (telling her that you'll call her back) and then love on those little bottoms. (Or whatever punishment would be given for arguing, fighting, etc.) One or two times of you doing that, should put the fear in them (similar to Dad saying "Don't make me pull the car over!")
Room separation also works. So might a small basket of toys, gadgets or coloring books that are only allowed down when mom is on the phone. Something for them to look forward to doing, instead of fighting with each other.
I agree this is a problem, and it can be so frustrating especially when that is the only outside human contact you've had all day!
Hope this helps. :)
HAHAHA - I'm convinced God has given them a built in volume sensor that MAKES them yell and scream at the exact moment the person you are calling picks up the phone!
I came here looking for some answers, LOL.
Usually they will be quiet if I make them some popcorn.
When my kids were little I put tape on the floor - made a boundary. The kids could not cross and had to whisper. If not, time out. I had chairs in corners and set a timer. If they got up or started talking loud, I added a minute (time out = a minute per age). They could read a book when I was on the phone. I put the TV on sometimes. I stuck to it and it worked.
Well, my child is only 3 mths old, so I don't have to deal with it quite yet (except for the fussing...), but when I was growing up, my mom didn't like it when we interrupted her when she was on the phone. So, if we had a "pressing" request/remark, we would write it down on piece of paper. Of course, that only works if they're at the writing stage...and that doesn't help with the arguing...
I point out of the room and if they don't leave, they get to stand against the wall or sit without moving until I'm off the phone. I don't care what anyone wants or whose hurt, it's all a ploy for attention.
We don't have this problem anymore. Our kids are 6 and 8. They can choose, to spend the time that I am on the phone playing quietly, or to spend that time sitting in the chair in the corner. I don't get worked up either way; they tend to make a choice that is more pleasant for them.