Kids and Work!

momofcruz · #1 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007, 06:08 PM

Sometimes I just wish the kids would be quiet !
It never fails, As soon as the phone rings they turn into big mouths!
Screaming, Fighting everything and I cant even hear but as soon as i hang up they are quiet! I just want to scream!!!!!!!

ArtistMom · #2 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007, 08:24 PM

I have a great tip for you. A lady told me that when her kids were little she kept a special shoebox that had toys in it that the kids could ONLY play with when she was on the phone...so when the phone rang, she brought out that box and they were excited to play with the things in the box that they didn't see very often, and they knew to hurry up and enjoy, because when the phone call is over, the box is put away again. (brilliant, brilliant I say!) ... but have I done this yet? Um...nope. But I have good intentions LOL

Audrey · #3 (**permalink**) 01-15-2007, 07:31 PM

Darla,

Was I the lady that suggested that? I've been providing that tip for years now. It worked for me through two kids. They would literally beg me for their special toy box. They knew they had to wait until I was on the phone.

Balancing spending time with the kids is also really important. They have to know that they will receive some of your time each and every day.

Childavenue · #4 (**permalink**) 01-18-2007, 06:20 PM

Great Advice Audrey. I think it's important to spend quality time with them and in exchange they should be able to keep quiet while you're on the phone. The Shoebox is a great idea.

What sort of things did you put into the box to keep them interested?

Audrey · #5 (**permalink**) 01-19-2007, 08:16 AM

Leah,

One of the things we had in the box was a toy from Discovery Toys called Think it Through. Both of my kids loved that toy and they have puzzles for kids from a young age up to an older age.

We put mostly manipulatives in the box so that I knew the kids would be entertained for the 15 minutes I was on the phone. If they were really engrossed, I'd go for another phone call.

It's funny...today, my youngest daughter is 16 and she still wants my attention every time I'm on the phone LOL.

Kethry · #6 (**permalink**) 01-19-2007, 12:00 PM

I love the shoebox idea, what a great tip! I have a very active 3 year old who has actually stood in front of me and demanded I stop talking on the phone and come play with him. lol I'm going to try the "special box" idea!

hbixler03 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-20-2007, 09:17 PM

I feel your pain!!!! It is like they know exactly what to do to push those buttons. I go through the same thing. Glad to now I am not the only!

Audrey · #8 (**permalink**) 01-21-2007, 09:24 AM

Kethry,

Oh my goodness, you sell toys. Take a few and put them in the box. Rotate new toys into the box. If you buy a new demo toy, put it in the box. Make it so the kids want that box. As I said, I put mostly manipulatives in the box as those did not require any of my involvement.

ArtistMom · #9 (**permalink**) 01-22-2007, 12:05 PM

Audrey, it was a lady who works for BellSouth! I was really surprised!

Childavenue · #10 (**permalink**) 01-25-2007, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kethry

I have a very active 3 year old who has actually stood in front of me and demanded I stop talking on the phone and come play with him. lol I'm going to try the "special box" idea!

Last night an old friend of mine called, I hadn't talked to her in 7 years. My 5 year old son comes in the room and says "Get off the phone now!". He was saying in jokingly, but I was so embarrassed.