There comes a time in every parent’s life when having a serious chat at home feels like an Olympic sport, complete with constant interruptions from a pint-sized individual who believes their thoughts are of utmost importance.
These delightful interruptions usually manifest in various forms: an elaborate pitch about the latest must-have toy (“Have you heard of glitter goo?”), a gentle nudge for me to buy it (“Mom, I just know you’d love glitter goo!”), a bizarre fact about world records involving strange contests (“Did you know someone once ate a shoe?”), or an urgent plea for help in the bathroom (“MOM, I NEED YOU!”).
My responses to these unsolicited interruptions fluctuate depending on the gravity of the conversation I was engaged in, how compelling I find the topic of glitter goo, and my overall level of annoyance. I’ve attempted, on numerous occasions (and not just when I’m feeling a bit frazzled), to explain to these little beings that the universe, including their mother’s full attention, does not revolve around them. Interrupting without a true emergency is simply bad manners.
It often goes something like this:
“Are you on fire?”
“No.”
“Is someone else near you on fire?”
“No.”
“Are you bleeding or is anyone critically injured?”
“No.”
“Then you can wait until I’m done talking.”
Yet, the interruptions persist. Often, while I’m on a phone call, they’ll burst into the room, mouths ready to spill their urgent news. I’ve resorted to the universal gesture for ‘one moment please’—a finger raised in the air. Once a sign of “Give me a sec,” it has now morphed, complete with a furrowed brow and pursed lips, into a warning: “If you utter another word about glitter goo or yet another iPad app, I’ll make it my mission to ruin your day, including dessert denial.”
Alas, even my most fearsome glare has little effect against their overwhelming urge to share their latest thoughts: “My dragon just leveled up!” “I think my pinky toe is asleep!” “Is there candy on my face?” “Jake just bumped into me on purpose!”
Time is likely the only remedy for this delightful chaos. I know there will come a day when my little ones will no longer rush to me with their immediate concerns. I won’t be their first stop for sharing all those “pressing” matters. Sure, the topics will change, and glitter goo will be replaced with teenage drama, but I’ll be lucky to hear from them every couple of weeks—if they remember. (Cue the sad violin music.)
So, while I might grumble about these interruptions and strive to teach them a bit of politeness, I’ll also try to remember that their interests, no matter how trivial they seem, are indeed worth my attention—even glitter goo.
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Summary:
Parenting brings its fair share of interruptions, especially when small voices demand attention for their latest obsessions. While it can be frustrating, embracing these moments is part of the adventure. Eventually, children grow, and these interruptions will fade, but in the meantime, parents learn to navigate the chaos with humor and patience.