If you wish, you could teach your child to only answer the phone if the incoming call is from a certain number (yours, for instance). Show your child how to see the phone numbers from past calls as an alternative to having them write the numbers down,
Tell them that if they imagine the phone as a “C,” the earpiece is the portion that is curving out and away from the top of the phone. Make sure your child knows how to properly hang up the phone.
Typically, it is possible to switch between calls simply by pressing the “Accept” button or performing the action that enabled them to answer the phone initially.
You could, alternatively, choose to show them an instructional video of people answering the phone.
Do not tell your child to lie, as they might be confused or bungle the lie. Teach your child what to say if they are asked if you are home are not. Tell them not to reveal that they are home alone.
Leave a pen and paper near your home phone to facilitate this process. Teach your child that in the event they do not have pen and paper on hand, they should say to the caller, “Please wait a moment while I fetch pen and paper. ” Tell them that they should then set the phone down (without hanging up) and obtain something to write with before returning to the phone. Encourage your child to read the message back to the person who called so as to avoid any confusion later.
Additionally, command your child to be wary of anyone speaking quickly. Many phone scammers and telemarketers speak quickly to pressure the person on the other end of the line to give away information. Remind your child to never share personal info over the phone with anyone who they do not know. Urge your child to always turn the phone over to you if the caller confuses them.
Allow your child an opportunity to enter phone numbers on their own. Remind them that when they’ve entered a phone number properly, they will hear a ringing sound when they place the phone’s earpiece against their ear.
Tell your child that if the person they wish to speak with answers, they should introduce themselves. If the person who answered is someone who would immediately recognize their voice, they might just say, “Hi, it’s me” in a casual way. Teach your child that if the person who answers would not immediately recognize their voice, they should introduce themselves more fully. For instance, they might say, “Hello, my name is [child’s name],” then communicate their message.
Explain to your child that if nobody answers the phone when they call, or if someone answers who they do not wish to converse with, they can leave a message. For instance, your child might leave a message along the lines of, “Hello. This is [child’s name]. Please return my call when you can. My number is [child’s phone number]. Thank you. ”
Share with your child the situations under which it would be appropriate to place an emergency call – that is, if there is a fire, if their parents or someone else is unconscious, or if an intruder is in the house. Additionally, to prevent confusion, provide them with a few examples of occasions when it would not be appropriate to contact emergency services – that is, when they’ve spilled their juice or when they’ve lost their favorite toy. Ensure that your child has their address and parent’s phone numbers memorized in case there is an emergency.
