If you’re just coming home from a long day at work, try to
keep phone conversations to a minimum. Your youngsters haven’t seen you all day and they need time
to check in.
When the phone rings, make sure your kids have something to occupy
them, like building a Lego castle or playing a computer game. If they start to whine or complain,
break from your call to say, “I know you don’t like it when I’m on the phone, but sometimes I have
to talk to people for a little while. I’ll be with you soon.”
Don’t feel bad
about using your answering machine to screen calls — it’s a parent’s best friend.