Updated: March 4, 2021
Originally Published: Aug. 11, 2010
I’ve reached a point in my parenting journey where having an adult conversation at home feels nearly impossible without a pint-sized interrupter who seems to believe that their thoughts or requests are far more pressing than anything I’m discussing.
These interruptions manifest in various forms: a lengthy recounting of a recent TV commercial about a must-have item (“Have you heard of glitter slime?”), a subtle push for me to buy that item (“I really think you’d like glitter slime, Mom”), a bizarre fact about an unusual world record (“Did you know the longest hair ever measured over 18 feet?”), or an urgent plea for assistance in the bathroom (“CAN YOU HELP ME WIPE!?”).
My response to these disruptions fluctuates depending on how significant the conversation at hand is, my willingness to engage in discussions about glitter slime or strange hair records, and how frustrated I feel at being interrupted yet again. I’ve attempted to explain to my little ones—multiple times—that the universe (including their mother’s undivided attention) does not center around them. I often ask, “Is there an emergency?”
“Are you on fire?”
“No.”
“Is anyone nearby on fire?”
“No.”
“Are you hurt or is someone else critically injured?”
“No.”
“Then, please wait until I’m done talking.”
Despite this, they remain undeterred. When I’m on a phone call, they burst into the room, mouths open to speak, and I resort to the universal ‘wait’ gesture—a finger raised in the air. What once signified “Hold on a moment” now, when accompanied by an intense glare, means “If you interrupt me one more time today about something trivial like an app you want, I will make it my mission to ruin your happiness for the rest of the day, including dessert deprivation.”
Yet, even my fiercest glare doesn’t seem to compete with their relentless urge to share every fleeting thought. “My dragon just reached level six!” “I think my left foot is tingly!” “Is there food on my face?” “Sam just stepped on my toe on purpose!”
Ultimately, the only real solution may be time. I know one day they won’t rush to me with their every thought. I won’t be the go-to person for sharing these immediate concerns, though I’ll likely hear about them during our sporadic phone calls that they make out of guilt. (Cue the violins.)
For now, even if I grumble about the interruptions and continue to teach them some etiquette, I’ll try to remember that their interests—like glitter slime—should be valued, too.
And honestly, what’s more important than listening to a child’s imaginative world? You can find more about parenting challenges in our related post on navigating family conversations.
In the grand scheme of parenting, interruptions are just a part of the journey. As we navigate these moments, it’s vital to embrace the chaos, especially when it involves something as whimsical as glitter slime. You can also find valuable insights on home insemination and parenting at resources like Make A Mom and UCSF Fertility Center.
Summary:
Parenthood is filled with interruptions, particularly during conversations, as children often feel their thoughts are urgent. While these moments can be frustrating, it’s important to embrace the chaos and recognize that their interests matter, even if they revolve around glitter slime or bizarre facts. Over time, these interruptions will lessen, but for now, they are part of the delightful journey of parenting.