Wash Cloth for Telephone Space Around Toddlers
By Mrs. Burgo from Newcastle, NSW
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RE: Wash Cloth for Telephone Space Around Toddlers
I personally think this is a great Idea, Wish I had thought of it when my kids were young. The only time they have to hang on you is while your trying to answer an important call. Did this parent say they were just chatting away with their friends. Sometimes we have important things to do while our children are awake. my kids and granson all stopped napping at or before 4. Its unrealistic that you can't answer the phone until they are in bed. Grow up people! I think this is much better than having to interrupt a conversation to scold the child for being a pest. and generally that's whats going on they just see your attention is elsewhere so they have to cling to you. If a child really needs you they will let you know, give this Mom some credit. If her kid is hurt she knows the difference.
Post by willsmaw
RE: Wash Cloth for Telephone Space Around Toddlers
Oooh, that's sneaky - I love it! And Shirleyamh is absolutely right: there comes a time when you have to let your child play by himself, and come to you for help, or to show off, or whatever and often, when that stage is reached, the kid will still come running at the ring of the phone or the sound of your voice.
As for instilling good manners, that's what this is doing, even if it's going about it a little oddly. If your child is typical, you're teaching him that he doesn't want to interrupt you on the phone...and isn't that better than scolding?
Post by lieast
RE: Wash Cloth for Telephone Space Around Toddlers
I agree with getting a washcloth. I also think that a parent should have been installing rules with the child all along so the child knows right from wrong. If you have to watch your child every waking moment than your not a good parent.Your house should not be so unsafe anyway. Lock your cabinets, use safety gates, put harmful things out or reach. Teach your children!
Post by shirleyamh
RE: Wash Cloth for Telephone Space Around Toddlers
Sometimes people get calls and need to talk on the phone. My father was very ill when my children were toddlers and there was no way I was going to call him back when they took a nap. Children are precious and we just need to make sure their environment is safe and they have something to entertain them for a moment so you can make a call.
Post by wacky camper
RE: Wash Cloth for Telephone Space Around Toddlers
Oh, oh! As a child advocate, I need to say that if a toddler is up and about, the mother's attention should be directed to the toddler and not the telephone or anything else. It takes an instant for a toddler to get seriously hurt or worse if you take your eyes off of him. Sometimes it seems like there is no Mommy time, but please wait until the toddler is napping to make your calls. If someone calls while toddler is up, please tell them you will call them back. You would be heartbroken if something happened to your precious toddler while you were spending time on the phone. Toddlers are so funny and cute. Enjoy them because they grow so fast.
Post by Stngray
RE: Wash Cloth for Telephone Space Around Toddlers
Well, I know I shouldn't but I just have to. What ever happened to just teaching a child respect? This teaches the child nothing except to stay away from Mom when she's on the phone cause if it does not, they'll get a washcloth in the face. It teaches the child nothing of respect. But, I will agree with the fact that if the child is awake, the mothers attention should be on the child, and she could wait until the child is sleeping to make her all important phone calls. Todays society knows nothing about parenting. They're to busy trying to be the child's best friend. Being a friend is fine, but be a parent first!
I'm a retired cop, and have raised 5 children who know exactly what respect is about.
Post by 01indianbob
RE: Wash Cloth for Telephone Space Around Toddlers
Moms do need a time and space break every now and then. I think this is a super idea, which I will pass on the my daughter and daughter in law. Every mom knows almost instinctively if their child is in real need. Mostly its all about them, when mom tries to do anything else. What gets me, is my daughter will pick up the baby if she's fussing and then the baby starts pushing all the buttons on the phone. Makes for an interesting conversation. ;.).
Post by merlene
RE: Wash Cloth for Telephone Space Around Toddlers
My toddler is actually a touch OCD about cleaning, so it would not work on her. She has to help with the dishes, laundry, and cleans my living room for me. She's not even two and a half! So, in my situation, I ask her to bring me something or I ask if she will clean something for me. It is an alternative that keeps her quiet and I can keep my eyes on her with no problems!
Post by assvamp
RE: Wash Cloth for Telephone Space Around Toddlers
This is great.
Post by joanie47
RE: Wash Cloth for Telephone Space Around Toddlers
I think this is a fantastic idea. My kids always seemed to know when I was expecting an important call.
To the people charging neglect, Moms have a way of knowing if their child really has an emergency or not.
The child would learn very quickly to not interrupt you on the phone. They aren't stupid and they hate having their faces washed.
When I was around age 8 and up I would intentionally wait for my Mom to get on the phone so I could ask her to do something she wouldn't really have approved had I had her full attention.
I'm in my late 40's and I have noticed that parents nowadays often allow their children to interrupt them when they are talking. We are teaching my granddaughter that if adults are speaking she must wait until a break in the conversation before she speaks (if it's not emergency). She's 6 and she knows the difference. It has to do with teaching children respect. Ok, I'll step down off my soapbox now LOL.
Sandy
Post by Sandy/Pittsburgh
RE: Wash Cloth for Telephone Space Around Toddlers
I don't think it is neglect. The phone rings all day and not everyone knows what your childs sleep schedule is. Mine stopped naps at 2 1/2. This is brilliant. If the child does have really big problem then they will let you know. Other then that the parent should never leave a little one un-attened, must stay in the same room.
Post by wacky camper
RE: Wash Cloth for Telephone Space Around Toddlers
I have a real problem with this advice. What if the child really needs something? You just push them away with a wet cloth?--sounds like child abuse/neglect to me. If you have a toddler--your full attention needs to be on them. Phone calls should be made during naptime or when they are sleeping for the night. I would never do this to a poor child who needed my attention.
Post by teddygirl
RE: Wash Cloth for Telephone Space Around Toddlers
Yes, NSW is New South Wales (I have a pen pal who lives there).
Post by Maryeileen
RE: Wash Cloth for Telephone Space Around Toddlers
Is NSW New South Wales?
Post by pigeon toes
RE: Wash Cloth for Telephone Space Around Toddlers
I think that is so funny, that really tickled me.
I don't have children myself so no use to me but I will pass on this tip to my friends who have.
Genuis idea. Necessity is the mother of Invention indeed!
Monique :)
Post by Monique63
RE: Wash Cloth for Telephone Space Around Toddlers
I love it! Thanks.
Post by mulberry204
RE: Wash Cloth for Telephone Space Around Toddlers
Pure Genius! I have a 4 year old that is on me the minute the phone rings. I think my method will have to involve a washcloth and a bowl of peas.
Post By Max (Guest Post)
RE: Wash Cloth for Telephone Space Around Toddlers
I LOVE this... watch out babymugs!
Post By Katy (Guest Post)
RE: Wash Cloth for Telephone Space around Toddlers
This tip is fabulous! I never thought of that when my kids are young. They're 18 and 15 now, but I think it might still work. When I'm on the phone these days, they are worse at interrupting me than when they were toddlers, but I'm going to try the wash cloth idea anyway. It may just be the repellant I need! I'll be armed and dangerous.
Post By Enter your name. (Guest Post)
RE: Wash Cloth for Telephone Space around Toddlers
HA HA HA that is awesome, I am totally gonna use that!
Post By BigMomma (Guest Post)
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