Why Does My Child Interrupt Constantly And What Can I Do About It?
There are reasons our child frequently interrupts us when we’re talking, and it’s not because they’re rude.
If your child interrupts you nonstop, I see you. Many parents google search How to stop a child from interrupting, Why kids interrupt adults, and Positive parenting for interruptions—because let’s be honest… it’s irritating as heck and feels disrespectful. Most kids interrupt not because they’re rude, but because their brains are still developing impulse control and they are impatient. As conscious adults, we don’t interrupt someone when they are speaking and we wait our turn, yet if they talk too long, we might lose our opportunity and train of thought and might forget the point we want to make. This is so true for the young ones. They forget easily, (which sometimes, can be a good thing.)
Young children struggle with waiting, perspective-taking, and timing. When a thought pops into their head, it feels urgent. Their brain development says It’s all about me. Conscious parenting invites us to teach this skill without shaming or yelling, while protecting and guiding family connection and letting us finish a sentence; finish a complete thought.
Instead of snapping, take three deep breaths and use a clear, calm boundary paired with guidance:
“I want to hear you. I’m finishing this conversation. You can touch my arm to let me know you need me and wait, and I’ll respond soon.”
For children ages 3-10, this supports emotional regulation while modeling respectful communication. You’re not ignoring your child—you’re teaching them how to wait, which is an important learned skill.
Instead of yelling, “Can’t you just wait a minute! You’re being so rude!”
Here Are Positive Parenting Action Steps You Can Try Today:
Teach a replacement behavior (arm touch and wait, gentle tap and wait, a note and wait, I hold up my hand means you wait).
Acknowledge effort, not perfection: “You waited—thank you. I’m ready to listen now.”
Practice during calm moments, not only when you’re busy.
Designate a waiting or meeting spot like the kitchen table
A conscious parenting response sounds different:
“I want to hear you. I’m finishing this conversation. You can touch my arm to let me know you need me, I’ll wink at you and listen when I’m done.”
This sets a clear boundary while offering a replacement behavior—one of the most effective positive parenting strategies for young children. We need to substitute a positive behavior for the one we’re trying to swap out.
It’s even harder when each of our children interrupt at the same time. WOAH! This can be so dysregulating for parents. They want what they want and need to be heard in that moment, and you are in the middle of something that needs your attention. Of course teaching our child to wait is more effective with when we are calm and self regulated.
In positive parenting, we demonstrate how we behave when we wait, and we put in a boundary and hold it.
“I’m talking on the phone now. You can wait for me at the counter and I’ll be there right after and I’ll listen to each of you, one at a time. Hold what you want to say in your head and wait.”
Why This Works
Children need to know two things at the same time:
I matter.
There is a limit and a boundary
When parents calmly name both, kids feel safer and are more likely to cooperate. Over time, this approach strengthens emotional regulation and teaches respectful communication skills—without shame or power struggles.
What Parents Can Do:
Teach the skill ahead of time. During calm moments, practice what to do instead of interrupting.
Respond consistently. The boundary only works we’re consistent.
Notice effort, not perfection. Try: “You waited—that was hard, and you did it.”
Shorten wait times for younger kids. A three-year-old may only manage 30 seconds at first—and that’s developmentally appropriate. We slightly increase the time with older, bigger kids.
