DC talking to adults at parties

[Iadoretoread]

Hello wise mumsnetters,

Just wanting a bit of advice really- DS (3) seems to quite like talking to adults and showing them toys or books or whatever paraphernalia he has with him. I just wondered how other people play it- on the one hand, I want him to be confident and comfortable etc but on the other, don't want him to be an irritating child who feels he can dominate proceedings or expect adults to give him all their attention when they're trying to have a chat! So do you intervene and shepherd him away, tell him beforehand not to approach people or just leave him to it. Grateful for any thoughts- thank you!

No, let him do it!!! It’s lovely seeing little kids talking to adults and not just shying away behind their parents’ legs. I would just call him over if it’s clear he’s been ambushing one particular adult for ages and move him onto the next 😂

I give them a minute or two depending on how tolerant the adult looks and then say. Isn’t that lovely/ exciting/ charming and move them along.

Talking to adults from a young age shows intelligence, so don’t damper this. Let him be. If this irks your friends, maybe start teaching him how to interrupt politely, ask him questions, involve him in the conversation, then gently redirect him to play or help in some way. even if that means watching them for some time. Just be patient.

as pp says, let them ambush friends and don’t interfere unless it’s clear they are getting irritated.

Paying children attention further develops the brain by establishing connections and feelings of validation. Ignore them at you peril! And be proud you have a smart child.

Let him! My kids are adults now and they both cite one of the advantages they have is they can converse in a social setting with anyone, they attended with us and we hosted lots of events, for various reasons I didn't use sitters much. One of mine now has a job she may be sat next to politicians etc at formal occasions so it's been invaluable to her ( and as a guest it's a lovely break to chat to a little one)

let them ambush friends and don’t interfere unless it’s clear they are getting irritated.

No - this is the way to lose social invitations! Agree with @Badbudgeter - I’d do it the other way round. Let him speak to people (it’s good for his development and most people don’t mind at all for a few minutes), but then move him on unless it’s clear they’re actively enjoying the conversation. People generally don’t, out of politeness, show they’re irritated by a child.