Telephone etiquette is an important thing kids of all ages need to learn. Many of us know what it’s like to dial a number only to have the phone picked up by a toddler babbling or breathing into the phone. However, teaching your kids telephone etiquette can give you the confidence of knowing your kids can properly answer the phone and relay a message.
The following are some tips for parents as their children are learning telephone etiquette:
Make sure your child is old enough.
Each child differs in their language capabilities, but most kids can start learning phone etiquette at around three to five years of age. Some things you want to be sure you child knows is making sure he or she is capable of using an “inside” voice, knowing what to say and not to say, and being able to respond appropriately in different situations. Your child should also understand that the phone is not a toy.
Go over the basics
Some of the basic things your child should know when answering the phone are:
Greeting. Your child should learn to answer the phone with a simple greeting like, “Hello?” When the caller asks for you, the child should respond with, “Who is this, please?” “May I ask who’s calling?” or something similar. (Younger children will most likely say “Who is this?” but you can work up to “please” as they get older.)
What to say if you can’t come to the phone. If your child tells you who is on the phone and you can’t get to the phone, teach them to say, “(S)he can’t come to the phone now. Can I take a message?” “Can you call back in X minutes?” or “She will call you right back.”
Speak in a regular voice. Some kids don’t understand they don’t need to scream into the phone. Likewise, some get shy and speak quietly or nod their heads instead of responding verbally. Teach them to speak clearly into the phone in a normal voice so the caller understands what they are saying.
Set some limits
It is fun for kids to be able to answer the phone like a grown-up, but at first you may want to set some limits. For example, if you are expecting a professional or important call, let your child know that when the phone rings, you need to answer it.
Practice
The best way to learn telephone etiquette is to practice. You can practice by turning it into a game, or by calling your house phone on your cell phone and letting your child answer while you role play. And as with anything, the more you do it, the better you become, so give your child the opportunity to practice, especially if it’s your spouse or a family member calling.
Be patient.
Your child will not have it down the very first time he or she tries, but be patient. You may want to stand by the phone the first few times and help your child by prompting what to say. The more you allow your child to practice and become better, the more confident you will be that he or she is capable of answering the phone by himself.
Learning telephone etiquette is a skill that will take time and require patience and encouragement on your part as a parent.
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