How can I get my 3 year old to be quiet?

Question

When I'm on the phone or talking to someone in person or watching something important he won't be quiet. I tell him to shh, I tell him to watch and listen, I tell him to just be quiet, I tell him to whisper, nothing works. I'm with him alllll the time and when I finally get a chance to talk to an adult person it's very hard because of this. Please help

Answer 1

He doesnt want to share his mommy with anyone. Make it a game...tell him that if he is quiet while you are on the phone you will give him a surprise (or play a game with him or whatever he likes.)

Answer 2

I have the same problem so I put him in his rooma nd shut the door and just try to hurry off the phone so he's not in their a long time. It's sort of a time out. I then let him out and tell him a few times "when Mommy is on the phone don't bother me!"
Sometime I lock myself in a room and have him just cry on the other side, it still is distracting but it's better than having him their in my face yelling into the phone. Hopefully you won't have to do this too much, he'll catch on after about 10 times or so.

Also, maybe if you know you will be on an important phone call put him in front of his favorite show with a snack or let him play with play doh.

Just hang in there it will soon pass and he will be old enough to understand.

Answer 3

Duct tape works wonders.

Seriously, though, you might want to try giving him a certain amount of time to talk: say one minute. Then, when that time is up, he has to be quiet (or find someone else to talk to) until you're not busy. I know kids often feel like adults never listen to him, so you should make sure that you are giving him some time to talk. Also, kids aren't good at sitting and listening, so maybe you should have some activities (puzzles, coloring books, etc) for him to play with while you're busy. That way, he's occupied, but not bored.

Answer 4

I agree, some of these answers are ignorant. As a mom of two I can sympathize with you. I have a 4 1/2 and a 1 1/2. When I get on the phone they do want to chat or want my attention. Try keeping their mind on something else, like cartoons, a movie, coloring, playing with toys in their room. Play dough and legos work good with my kids. They are finally to the point where they are learning. Just teach them and be patient. I do make most of my calls at night though. Good Luch!!!

Answer 5

My 3 year old does the exact same thing, he will be quiet, but as soon as the phone rings, he starts talking. What I did was sit him down and (sternly) explain that during a phone call, it is rude to interrupt and that he must wait for a minute until I am finished on the phone. We also had the same talk about interrupting when mommy is talking to another grown-up. I think it is just the age, so good luck!!

Answer 6

I'll bet it wasn't too long ago you were anxious to hear him start talking and now this. You could try a dog shocking bark collar or perhaps cutting his tongue out. Duct tape around the ol' pie hole would probably work too. But then, these aren't very realistic answers are they? I guess you should just send him to his room and have him close the door while you need quiet time.

Answer 7

sounds like you need a break what about letting his dad take him for the day or grandparents or aunts and uncles there really isn't anything you can do to make him be quiet he is three you can always put a tv show or movie on for him to distract him while your on the phone or tell him to color or play with his toys while watching tv

Answer 8

It is the nature of a three year old to talk your ear off. Some of these answers are shocking. I have 34 month old twins and I simply wait until they are asleep to make important calls...it isn't brain surgery.

Answer 9

Time. Eventually he'll be in Kindergarten.

Consider joining a moms support group. Like http://www.momsclub.org or your neighborhood preschool association.

Answer 10

Give him a toy phone to talk on for his own conversation. Maybe that would work.