How to Teach a Child to Use the Telephone

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Let your child hold the phone without pushing any buttons

   ((e.g. browser button, 911 unless in case of dire emergency, etc))
2. 2

   Step 2: while you point to the buttons and explain which button does what

   Examples: 'Hello, this is Susie Smith.
   
   May I ask who is calling?' 'Hello, you've reached the Smith residence.' 'Smith residence.'
   
   , Be sure to have him/her memorize something along these lines: 'Hello, this is Susie Smith.
   
   May I speak to Joe?'
3. 3

   Step 3: and tell him/her which buttons s/he should NEVER touch.

4. 4

   Step 4: Let your child answer the phone

5. 5

   Step 5: with a 'script' that you write out for him/her.

6. 6

   Step 6: When your child is comfortable with this

7. 7

   Step 7: and has whatever you want him/her to say memorized

8. 8

   Step 8: let your child begin to answer the phone by him/herself.

9. 9

   Step 9: Let your child begin to call his/her friends/relatives.

10. 10

    Step 10: After your child is comfortable with this

11. 11

    Step 11: and you are comfortable with letting him/her do this

12. 12

    Step 12: you may let him/her answer/make calls whenever!

Detailed Guide

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