My RAD child has recently has enjoyed asking me interrupting knock knock jokes. I am sure you know them: “Knock, knock.” “Who’s there?” “Interrupting cow.” “Interrupting cow . . . “Moo, moo, moo.”
RAD children love to interrupt adults in conversation. They annoy the heck out of us when they do and we tell them so. Without thinking very much about why they are interrupting, we tell them that it is rude to interrupt and repeatedly tell them not to do it. Does that stop them? In a word, no.
It is time to consider another approach which might be more successful. Take a moment to reframe the issue. Answer the following question. What is positive about interrupting? Your first inclination is probably that obviously there is nothing positive about a child interrupting. Think again.
What did you come up with? Perhaps this. Your interrupting RAD child is attempting to show you enthusiasm, control, and assertiveness. With that in mind, when your child interrupts you, you have the opportunity to let your child know that what they have to say is important and that being respectful is equally important. You can tell them that it is not okay to try to insert themselves into an adult conversation.
Words, as we have learned, are never enough. The powerful action you can take is to redirect the energy of your enthusiastic interrupter to another form of expression. Have your child write down or draw about what it is that is so important. Continue on with your adult conversation and give your child the opportunity to practice patience and learn that they will be listened to by writing or drawing for a minute or two. Then go to your child, sit or stand heart to heart with them, and have them read what they wrote or show you the drawing. Ask a question about what they wrote or drew, listen and validate them. Then return to your conversation.
What careers might an enthusiastic, controlling, assertive adult have? Try these on for size: mediator, sports referee or umpire, or politician. Our job is to nurture our RAD children’s talents while giving them the opportunity to learn and engage in appropriate activity.
How have you dealt with your interrupting RAD child? Have you accomplished what you wanted? What would happen if you tried something new, such as redirecting your child’s energy as described here? Please leave a comment below and let me know your experiences with your interrupting RAD child. I look forward to hearing from you.
