How do I get my daughter to stop dialing 9-1-1?

Question

My 3-year-old's new thing to do is call 911 whenever nobody's around to watch her. She's also been calling the cops on me and my wife whenever we ask her to pick up toys or finish her food. so far ive been arrested eight times. SHE"S RUINING MY LIFE!

Answer 1

Do not tell her that daddy will be punished if she calls 911 when it is not an emergency because when told to pick up toys she will want to punish you.

OK, what is needed is to replace her reaction of telephoning 911 when told to do something she doesn`t want to do (maybe with punching a pillow??) with something safe she can react with.

Once this reaction is replaced, then you can teach her the proper uses of 911 to instill the safety and emergency info she needs to know.

Explain in the simplest of terms what exactly 911 is for.
Give examples. If you smell smoke...If mommy or daddy are lying on the floor and will not wake up....etc. etc..

Play out these examples with a pretend phone. Just like you do when practicing your fire escape routes in you house. Talking is one thing, but at this age sometimes words and actions do not mesh well, and by acting out, (and also walking out the fire escape plans as well as talking what to do in a fire too) will help her understand EXACTLY what 911 is for.

I wouldn`t attempt all this in one session, nor would I recommend the replacement technique and the 911 info session at the same time too, otherwise it may confuse her.

3 years old is young though. Maybe by moving the phone out of reach until she better comrehends the results of her actions might be best for now.

Good luck!!
And I hope there are no more flashing red lights in your future!

Answer 2

Obviously its a serious thing, while the cops are arresting you for being a parent (asking your child to clean up) They are not getting the real criminals. Sorry but it did make me laugh though. Atleast when you have a serious problem she knows how to call. I agree with one of the other answerers. Getting a police officer to talk to her about the importance of only doing it in an emergency. I do think its harsh that you say shes ruining your life, you should have been on top of this after the first time. She is 3 you and your wife are the adults

Answer 3

I agree with the whole moving the telephone thing. Another alternative is actually contacting a police officer yourself and explaining the situation. Most dont mind handling a problems like this. Maybe you can get him to talk her out of doing it, and what 911 is really meant to be used for. When I was around 5 or 6, I did the same thing too. I stopped after the police officer had a talk with me about it. He scared the crap outta me, and I never did it again. I still remember that to this day. Try it...its better than getting arrested 10 more times.

Answer 4

Here are a few tips my cousin did the same thing when she was this age once and this is how they stopped her!!!!!!!

1)take her to the police station and have police tell her how wrong it is to call the police for no reason have them write down reasons why she should call the police and have them let her know that 911 is no joke.
2)if you see her grabbing for the phone take her and put her in the corner for awhile.

(note: since she is three yers old she should have adult supervision at all times there shouldnt be any time for her to get on the phone if your watching.)

3)put the phone out of reach tape the cords that connect to the phone to the wall and put the phone on a cabnet


I hope that helped!!!!

Answer 5

I had a sibling opnce who called 911 because my other sibling wouldnt let him play with his yoyo. Well the police officer came to the house and talked to him without even being asked. It scared the crap out of him and he hasnt done it since. Although i have to wonder why a 3 year old is being left alone and why are you being arrested? I couldnt imagine them arresting you just for the 3 year old using the phone? whats really going on?

Answer 6

First of all, you should sit down with your daughter and explain to her why it's bad to do that. Reinforce it with punishments, or taking away things that she likes. It will be hard for her to understand though, because she's still young. But what gets me is, do you keep the phone out of reach from her? It shouldn't be too hard since she's young and probably small. It'll take extra effort, but just do small things like move the phone to a higher place and make sure she can't climb up to get it. I'm pretty sure it's just a phase and she'll eventually stop. If not, go see a children psychologist

Answer 7

Tell her that 911 is only for real emergencies, like if the house is on fire, or if Mama or Daddy has an accident, or a burglar is trying to break in, etc. Getting a play phone is also a good idea. You could also tell her the story of the boy who cried wolf. Maybe three is too young to understand that one, though.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

(laughs loudly..) sorry but this is really funny.. but must be a nightmare for you at the same time.. maybe put phones way out of her reach? or get a phone where you can 'lock' the keypads.. or just discipline her - associate her using the phone with something bad.. i.e put her in a 'naughty' corner when she touches the phone. good luck : )

Answer 10

So who the smart 1 in the family ????? Arrested 8 times for what ??? stupidy ???