Updated: March 4, 2021
Originally Published: August 11, 2010
As I navigate this particular phase of parenthood, I’ve found it increasingly challenging to engage in adult conversations within my own home. The interruptions often come from a small individual who believes that whatever they wish to express is significantly more pressing than any dialogue I am currently involved in.
These disruptions often manifest as lengthy narratives about a recent commercial featuring a must-have toy (“Have you ever heard of moon dough?”), subtle nudges to persuade me into purchasing said item (“I think YOU would really enjoy moon dough, Mom”), trivial facts about bizarre Guinness world records (“Did you know that the longest fingernails ever recorded were three feet long?”), or urgent cries for assistance in the restroom (“CAN YOU HELP ME WIPE!?”).
My responses to these interruptions fluctuate based on the importance of the conversation at hand, my willingness to engage in discussions about topics like moon dough or unkempt fingernails, and my general annoyance at the interruptions.
Numerous times—whether in a state of irritation or not—I have attempted to explain to these little ones that the universe (including their mother’s undivided attention) does not solely revolve around them. Interrupting someone without a legitimate reason is, indeed, impolite. I have had this dialogue repeatedly:
“Are you on fire?”
“No.”
“Is someone else near you on fire?”
“No.”
“Are you bleeding or is anyone else critically injured?”
“No.”
“Then you can wait until I’m finished talking.”
Yet, they persist. During phone conversations, they often burst into the room, ready to speak, prompting me to raise my index finger as a universal signal for ‘one moment.’ Initially, this gesture meant ‘Just a minute,’ but now, when accompanied by a disapproving glare, it conveys, “If you interrupt me one more time today with something trivial, especially regarding an app you want on your iPad, I will make it my mission to ruin your day, including withholding dessert.”
Unfortunately, even my most intense frown is no match for that urgent impulse to unleash a torrent of seemingly random thoughts. “My video game character just leveled up!” “I think my right arm has gone numb!” “Do I have chocolate on my face?” “Max stepped on my foot on purpose!”
Ultimately, I understand that time may be the only true remedy for my predicament. There will come a day when they no longer rush to share their immediate concerns with me; I won’t be the preferred recipient of their news. While the topics will evolve and likely diverge from the likes of moon dough, I’ll be fortunate to hear about them during our occasional phone calls—those that I suspect are motivated by guilt. (Cue the violins.)
So, for the moment, in spite of my discomfort with being interrupted, I will strive to remember that what is significant to them deserves my attention too—even if it involves moon dough.
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Summary:
Parenting brings unique challenges, especially when it comes to interruptions from young children. The author candidly shares their experiences of being frequently interrupted during adult conversations and reflects on the importance of patience and understanding in these moments. Time is noted as the best remedy, as the nature of these interactions will inevitably change as children grow.
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