Excusing myself from adult conversation

I am learning that it is important to excuse myself from adult conversation in order to be a parent. If Elisabeth is doing something that she should not be doing, I need to address it quickly and directly rather than finishing my conversation first. The result is that she has clear expectations, sees consistent discipline, and doesn't develop bad habits.

In the end, I've found that my adult conversations are actually enriched. I only have to interrupt the conversation once (and briefly, at that), and then Elisabeth experiences the freedom to do things she's allowed to do.