How to Teach a Child to Answer the Phone

Although very young children shouldn't be using the phone without parental supervision, it's a good idea to start early teaching your child how to answer the phone properly. Not only will good habits carry into their teenage and adult years, but it's important in case your child is in an emergency situation where using the phone is a necessity.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Make sure your child is mature enough to use the phone and to understand that the phone isn't a toy. Tell him that he can only answer the phone if you aren't available.
2. Teach your child proper phone greetings. Teach her to say, "Hello" politely and to ask who is calling. She should be instructed to tell the caller that she'll call a parent to the phone and then to do so as soon as possible. If you are unable to come to the phone, she should tell the caller than you'll call back.
3. Be patient. Your child may or may not remember the name of the person. When he is old enough, he should be instructed to immediately write down the name and phone number.
4. Play some pretend games and let your child practice answering the phone. This is a fun and effective way to teach phone manners and will build confidence for the real thing.
5. Help your child practice speaking clearly and directly into the mouthpiece. Many children are shy when they answer the phone and can be difficult to hear. Make sure she uses her "indoor voice" to answer the phone and that she moves her mouth away from the phone before she calls for a parent.