Show kids how to stop every few sentences and look to see how others in the conversation are reacting.
Quick tip 2
Have them write it down.
Have them write it down.
When kids feel the urge to say something, encourage them to jot it down and bring it up later.
Quick tip 3
Use a “secret code.”
Use a “secret code.”
Agree on a sign, like scratching your head or clearing your throat, to let kids know when they’ve been talking too long or are going off topic.
Quick tip 4
Role-play conversations.
Role-play conversations.
Practice active listening. Talk about something, then have them ask questions about what you’ve been talking about.
Quick tip 5
Be patient.
Be patient.
It takes time, effort, and lots of practice for kids to get into the habit of using these strategies.
Lots of kids love to talk, especially young kids. If they’re excited about something, they might go on and on until somebody says it’s time to give it a rest. As they get older, kids typically realize that on their own. They notice that they’re talking too much, and they stop.
Being a talker isn’t always a bad thing. Talkative kids can be charming, funny, and interesting. But when their conversation is endless or happens at the wrong time and place, it can turn people off — especially other kids.
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There are lots of reasons kids talk too much. They may just be passionate about a topic and want to share every single detail about it.
Kids may also talk nonstop if they’re stressed out. They may not know how to calm themselves, so they talk and talk. Shy kids might get anxious in social situations. But instead of holding back and staying quiet, they might actually talk a lot.
Some kids have trouble with social skills in general. They have a hard time picking up on social cues like body language and facial expressions. So they may not notice how other people are reacting to their talking.
Trouble with self-control can also be a factor. Some kids are impulsive and have a hard time putting on the brakes. They may struggle to stop themselves even if they know they’re talking too much.
Dive deeper
Nonstop talking isn’t just about the amount of time kids take up in a conversation or how long they go on about the same subject. It’s also about when and where they talk, and what they say.
Kids who have a hard time holding themselves back from talking may:
Talk at an inappropriate time or place
Talk over or interrupt people, like teachers
Take over the conversation
Offend or annoy people by saying the first thing that pops into their head
Their nonstop talking can also draw a lot of negative feedback. Other kids may tease them or leave them out. And adults may think nonstop talkers are being rude and call them out on it.
These behaviors can be signs of ADHD. If you’re concerned, learn about specific ADHD signs.
Self-control is a complex skill. In fact, it’s part of a group of skills that allow kids to manage their thoughts, actions, and emotions so they can get things done. (Experts call this executive function.)
Without self-control, kids may talk nonstop or interrupt a lot. They might also:
Help kids acknowledge the issue, and give them things to say about the behavior. For example: “I interrupted you. Sorry about that. Sometimes I get carried away.” And then, “What were you about to say?”
Remember that it can be hard on kids’ self-esteem to get negative reactions from people. If that’s happening, showing empathy can make a big difference. That includes teaching with empathy in the classroom.
It also helps to praise kids in a way that builds self-esteem. Point out when they managed to stop talking before it became too much. The more specific you can be with your praise, the more motivated kids will be to keep working at it.
Practice “stop, look, and listen.”
