What can I say when a child talks over grandparents out of excitement? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children often interrupt other people not out of rudeness, but simply out of excitement. When a grandparent is sharing a story or offering some advice, your child may suddenly burst in with their own thought, eager to be heard. While their intention is usually innocent, the behaviour can feel disrespectful, particularly to elders who value attentive listening. The goal is to coach your child in respectful conversation habits that honour their elders while still validating their own enthusiasm. 

Explain Why Listening to Elders Matters 

You can begin by telling your child, “When our grandparents are talking, it is important that we listen to them first. They deserve our extra respect because of their age and the wisdom they carry.” By framing the act of listening as a form of honour, not just as a matter of good manners, you can help to elevate it into something more meaningful for your child. 

Teach Gentle Phrases for Holding a Thought 

Give your child short and simple scripts that they can use when they feel the urge to jump into a conversation. For example: 

• ‘I have something I would like to share after you finish.’ 

• ‘Can I please tell you my part of the story when you are done?’ 

• ‘I am feeling excited, too. May I add something in a moment?’ 

These phrases allow them to hold on to their thought without interrupting the flow of the conversation. 

Use a Visual Cue for Gentle Reminders 

It can be helpful to agree on a non-verbal signal, such as placing a hand gently on their shoulder, to remind your child to wait for their turn. This avoids the need for a public correction and helps them to practise self-regulation without feeling scolded in front of their grandparents. 

Redirect in the Moment with Kindness 

If your child does interrupt, you can pause the conversation and say gently, “Hold on for just a moment; let us let Grandma finish her story first. Then you can share your part.” After their grandparent has finished speaking, you can encourage them by saying, “Now it is your turn. What was it that you wanted to say?” 

Reinforce Positive and Patient Efforts 

Whenever you notice your child waiting respectfully for their turn, it is important to highlight it later. You could say, “I noticed how you held back your story while Grandpa was speaking earlier. That was very respectful and patient of you.” This positive reinforcement helps your child to see the act of waiting as a strength, not as a form of suppression. 

A Mini-Dialogue Example 

Child: ‘And then I—’ (cutting off their grandparent) 

Parent: ‘Let us just pause for a moment and hear Grandma finish her thought. Then you can share.’ 

Child: ‘Okay.’ (waits patiently) 

Parent: ‘Thank you for waiting. Now, what was it that you wanted to add?’ 

Child: ‘I just wanted to say that I have tried that game, too!’ 

Parent: ‘That was perfect timing. Your comment made the story even better.’ 

This balanced approach affirms your child’s voice while also showing deep respect for their elders. In short, the key is not to silence their excitement, but to channel it into respectful waiting and turn-taking. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places a great deal of emphasis on the importance of honouring elders as a sign of humility, good character, and a rightly guided heart. 

Respect for Elders Is a Command of Faith 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Israa (17), Verses 23: 

‘And your Sustainer has decreed that you do not worship anyone except Him Alone; And (treat) parents favourably; whether one of them or both of them reach old age in your lifetime; then do not say to either of them ‘Uff’ (an expression of disrespectful frustration) and do not admonish them; and talk to them with kind words.’ 

This verse shows that even the smallest words of impatience are prohibited when we are dealing with our elders, and that respectful speech towards them is directly commanded. Teaching this to our children helps to reinforce the idea that listening patiently to their grandparents is a part of their worship and their obedience to Allah. 

The Prophet’s Teaching on Honouring Elders 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 1919, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young ones and respect our elders.’ 

This beautiful Hadith connects kindness across the generations, reminding us to show mercy to the young and respect to the old. Parents can use this to explain to their children, “When you wait for your grandparents to finish speaking, you are living by the teaching of the Prophet ﷺ and are showing respect in a way that Allah loves.” 

By rooting this simple correction in both practical scripts and profound spiritual guidance, your children can learn that honouring their grandparents is not just a matter of family etiquette but is also a beautiful act of faith.