Managing Interrupting
Interrupting usually happens when children can’t control their urge to talk. But unless it’s an emergency, it’s important to help your child learn to wait. Letting others finish what they’re saying or doing is part of positive communication and helps children get along with others.

The way you manage interrupting will depend on your child’s age and stage of development. For example, younger children and children with additional needs might find it hard to understand that they should say ‘Excuse me’ and wait for you to respond. Pre-schoolers might be able to cope only with a quick ‘Just a minute’ before you give them your attention. School-age children should be able to wait for longer.

These general tips for managing interruptions will help most children:

• Let your child know when it’s OK to interrupt immediately. For example, if something dangerous or urgent is happening, they should be allowed to interrupt.
• Teach your child to put their hand on your arm if they need to say something while you’re talking. Then you can put your other hand on top of theirs to let them know that you’ve understood.
• At school, most adult conversations are very brief. Children can be taught to wait until the conversation is over before approaching a teacher. 
• In the classroom, they simply need to say, ‘Excuse me, Mrs Cole.’ And then wait for eye contact or a response before they continue to ask their question or make conversation.

When your child gets older and you know they can wait, you can try some or all of these ideas to manage interruptions:

• Remind your child of your family rule about interrupting. Then continue your conversation until your child says ‘Excuse me’ or uses the nonverbal cue.
• When your child says ‘Excuse me’, try to reward your child with your attention quickly. Your child will see that if they do the right thing, they get what they want.
• Praise your child when they say ‘Excuse me’ and wait for you to give them your attention. This encourages your child to keep speaking this way. For example, ‘You waited until I finished my call before you asked for help with your doll. Well done!’
• If you have an important call or activity that really can’t be interrupted, try distracting your child with some special toys or an interesting activity.

From raisingchildren.net.au