or she is talking to the kid instead of me ... I know she has limited time as a mom, but this bugs me. Would it bug you? Should I tell her to call me later? What is the polite thing to do?
2006-10-02 08:54:49 · 18 answers · asked by J.Z. 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
When I have said things like, "it sounds like you are busy ... I'll let you go" ... she'll say "no! I need adult conversation!!!"
So I know she needs/wants to talk with me, but why do I have to hear the kids yelling around, too??
2006-10-02 11:52:03 · update #1
Well with kids you know she's tired and you know she wants to talk to an adult. Just grin and bear it. Bad days just tell her you can't talk and make something up.
2006-10-02 09:02:22 · answer #1 · answered by heidischu2002 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When she starts being distracted by the kids or they're making a lot of noise, politely say "Wow, it sounds like you're really busy with the kids right now. Why don't you call me back when things have settled down a little?" If she's smart, she'll take the hint. If not, keep making polite comments like "I'm sorry. I couldn't hear you over the noise in the background." Hopefully, she'll get the hint and call you when she can devote her complete attention to your conversation.
2006-10-02 16:49:14 · answer #2 · answered by brainy_blonde 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
First of all, how loud are the kids being that you can hear them being loud on the telephone? That's just ridiculous. Kids should not be shouting, never, ever. I don't think it would kill her to take the phone into another room - I'm really loud on the phone so I go into the bathroom so I don't disturb my husband. You should just say, "It sounds crazy there - I can't hear a thing. Why don't you call be back later. I'm busy now anyway. Bye." And then hang up.
2006-10-02 16:41:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Just ask her to call you back later when the kids settle down. You could do the "what? can't hear you, what?" thing. Or you could ask if you could come over, and either help her out with the kids, or bundle them up and take them to the park. If you live withing easy driving range, of course.
It may be either unconsciously, or consciously, she is putting up the white I surrender flag, by letting you hear the turmoil in her household. Ask her, She's your relative. Or she just figures you are her relative, you will understand.
Or call the Nanny show, and get her to come and help. LOL
2006-10-02 16:08:27 · answer #4 · answered by riversconfluence 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
This behavior is very rude. And it doesn't end when the kids grow up, either! Then it's the cell phone as they walk through Wal-Mart! Or using a blue-douche while they are driving! I've come to the place in my life where I "have another call coming in - I'll have to call you back" I can't deal with it any more.
2006-10-02 19:14:51 · answer #5 · answered by barbie 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
When this happens to me, all I hope for is that she says "excuse me one sec" instead of just talking to them while close to the phone. It makes it so hard to think. I sometimes say, "well it sounds like your kid/kids need you, how about if I call later?". This sends a strong message to her that it is uncomfortable to chat with so many distractions. But if she is a single mom then you might just have to put up with it.
2006-10-02 16:01:48 · answer #6 · answered by Sierra 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I HAVE a six year old and of course she waits for me to get on the phone to hit me questions, but still I have to tell her to be polite sometimes ( she she does)!I know EXACTLY what you mean. My friend has 2 children and UGH its SOOOOOO annoying. She'll yellll and screamin the mean whileI'm like mid sentence and shes never says anything to htem. thats sucks. Just tell her you'll call her back later!
2006-10-02 16:06:16 · answer #7 · answered by peacfulwar 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I had this problem before...but it was with my GF...either way, its annoying! What I did, was ask her to call me when she had a moment where the kids weren't screaming or all that background noise was not around. If she didn't get around to it, that was fine because anything was better than all that NOISE!
So be polite and just ask HER to call YOU back when things 'quiet down'...
2006-10-02 15:58:43 · answer #8 · answered by Tryp 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Say, "I can hear your kids needing your attention, so I'll let you go. Call me when they've gone to school or are down for a nap."Just use a polite tone of voice.
2006-10-02 16:32:20 · answer #9 · answered by Violet Pearl 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The polite thing to say is "Oh, I see that you are busy. Why don't I call you back later." or "Oh, I hear that the kids are needing you, call me back later."
2006-10-02 18:03:34 · answer #10 · answered by ♪♫♪justpassingby♪♫♪ 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋