Manners guides
Waiting your turn to talk
A simple signal that helps kids stop interrupting and become good listeners.
Ages 4 to 12
Interrupting is normal for young children. From about age 4 or 5 they can learn a simple signal, like a hand on your arm, and wait for a pause before speaking.
Try this week with your kids
Noki suggests a first week of quests and rewards for your kids. You change what you like before you start.
Why it matters
Waiting to speak shows respect and helps kids listen. It makes family conversations calmer and helps at school.
What to expect by age
- Ages 3 to 4
- Learn the hand-on-arm signal with lots of reminders.
- Ages 5 to 6
- Use the signal and wait for a pause.
- Say 'excuse me'.
- Ages 7 to 8
- Wait without the signal and listen to the end.
- Ages 9 to 10
- Ask a question about what the other person said.
- Ages 11 to 12
- Take part in group discussions and let everyone speak.
Ways to practice
- Teach the hand-on-arm signal and answer quickly when they use it.
- Use a 'talking object' at dinner: whoever holds it speaks.
- Praise them when they wait.
Common mistakes
Making kids wait too long after they use the signal.
Try instead: Acknowledge them with a touch and answer at the next pause.
Adults interrupting kids.
Try instead: Let them finish too. They copy what they see.
