DD likes to talk

[MrsBeaver]

A lot. She's 4.2 and an only child and likes to talk and talk and talk. That's usually fine with me but at her watching week at ballet today I felt that she talked over another child and spoke loudly, responding even to the teacher's rhetorical questions. Most of the other children were not talking so am not sure why my DD had to speak - not sure if she was just excited as mummy and daddy were watching.

She also chatted to her swimming teacher about a non- swimming thing in the middle of the swimming lesson too.

I'm not sure how to quieten her down as it just seems to be her nature. I was painfully shy as a child so am not sure how I've raised a chatterbox and I wouldn't want to stifle her too much as it is good she has so much confidence.

She has also seen a speech therapist because her pronunciation is sometimes unclear so I feel bad if I stop her from practicing her speech!

Do I need to tell her to speak only when spoken to??? Yikes.

[MrsMushroom]

No! Don't tell her that. Some kids talk a lot...they just do and any teacher will know this. I teach acting to children and there are always some who are just chatterboxes and have a lot to say.

The main thing is only to teach her not to interrupt or talk over others...this is a skill which should begin to come in about now...but probably won't be properly set until she's about 5 or so. Later with some...they just go on and on and it takes longer.

Just begin to say "Wait your turn to speak" whenever you are present and she interrupts.

Play verbal games which involve turn taking such as I Spy and word association games.

[wannabedomesticgoddess]

DD1 never stops talking. She tells everyone she meets whatever is in her head at that exact moment. She interrupts all the time.

I have been telling her about not interrupting for a while now, but she just says "excuse me" and then ploughs on regardless of who is listening :o. Shes 3.9 so Im not too worried yet. But it can be frustrating!

[MrsBeaver]

Thank you kind people, I've calmed down a bit about it today. I'll talk to her about taking turns to talk and how we can learn by listening to other people.

She actually focuses well in classes but just likes to speak at any opportunity too...