Family Forum / Parenting / Single Parents / December 2004

My mom says I used to be like that - she would just tell me she was tired of
listening to me and to go talk in my room.  And I would.

I don't remember that so I don't think it was too tramatizing for me not to
have everyone hanging on every word.

Give her a timer...say she can talk you this long and then she has to do
somethign else.

Joelle
The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page - St
Augustine
Joelle

Get a timer, and use it! One of my boys was like this, but in smaller
doses. What I did was plan out the next hour or so with him. "Let's
cuddle on the couch for 20 minutes and you can tell me about school
today, then I have to get dinner started. While the potatoes are in
the oven, we can play Uno until the timer goes off.

Be sure that she has 100% of your attention when it's supposed to be
"her" time, and that way you can teach her to respect "your" time or
"reading" time or "quiet" time or whatever as well.

lm

Did this personality begin when the little sister came on board? Maybe
the older one feels the need for competition for attention? Have you
treated the little one more special?

I have heard that such talking should be encouraged, too. I'm not sure
I'd discourage it. Perhaps, make sure there's one-on-one time without
the little sister around so the older one is more satisfied.

Maybe things will iron out when the 2 year old is older and she's
listening to the older sister. I bet they'll make great confidants for
each other.

Karen

It doesn't go away, my boy is 10.  Fortunately he has come to understand the
coffee requirement before he gets going now.  Who's idea was it to teach
these kids how to walk and talk anyways?

Lisa

This sounds like my oldest daughter, she will be 23 this month and she still
amuses herself nicely :)

and this would be how my now 17 yr. old was/is and I think always will be. She
even talks in her sleep ! LOL!

This is a very frustrating challenge I promise you.....I know the exhaustion is
real......have you had the "look" yet as you have listened? Kinda mouth open
eyes wide, and your head bobs up and down ?
As others have already said ...I did find that to have her involved in some
other activities would cut back on some of the babble......

Come time for school a whole new assortment of teachings came into play cause
the babble went with her ! LOL! So we had to overcome the issues that brought
to us. Teachers are great !

My daughter had been suspect for ADHD at 10 years old , ruled out, and now at
17 is being treated for ADHD ? I wonder if this babble trait for some is linked
to this?

I can say after years of constant reminders to wait her turn to talk , and some
games during her earlier years in school that the teachers have used, and then
there was the principal that would play a part in trying to discipline the
behaviour, with detentions etc. She has gained some control .
She doesn't talk with her mouth full anymore ! That was gross :)
Bev
P.S. good luck

My son babbles constantly. More times than not, We simply tell him to go to
his room if he has to talk... his door must be closed. We've had to set some
really strict rules, especially when riding in the car. Along with that
annoying chatter, my son makes sound effects so if he whines or makes a
gasping noise, I find myself having to pull over. We've asked our therapist
what to do about it. I've f ound myself sometimes telling my son that if he
doesn't be quiet, he will find himself losing a priviledge. Sadly, it
doesn't matter. We find ourselves thankful for school. Unfortunately, even
his special ed teacher has found him to be annoying. My son is constantly
chattering. The only time we ever hear anything BUT his voice is when he's
asleep! I'd be very interested to see if there are any other ways to deal
with this. My son is 8...... Unfortunately, I know exactly the frustration
you're feeling.