A boundary signal: half-closed door means the parent is working, knock and wait. Open door means come in freely. This single signal, taught once and applied with absolute consistency, reduces interruptions significantly within a week, and reduces the child's anxiety about the parent's location, because the signal tells them clearly. It does not require an activity, only a clear rule and consistent follow-through.

How to do it

1'Half-closed door means I'm working — knock and wait. Open door, come in anytime.' Demonstrate both positions. Show, then say.
2Apply it consistently. Every single time. There are no exceptions or the signal breaks.
3When they knock: open the door, listen briefly, redirect if possible, close the door again.

Variations

Korb-Tür: If they knock and you redirect them, they should return to play. If they won't, the boundary isn't yet solid. Teach it again later when they're calmer.
Ausstieg: When you open the door, listen briefly, then close it. The ritual of closing matters more than the length of the conversation.

💡 Parent tip

The signal only works with absolute consistency. One 'I said half-closed but come in anyway' breaks the system. The child's compliance is directly proportional to the predictability of your response.

What your child develops

Respecting boundaries — a predictable signal teaches that the parent's time has form without repeated explanation
Tolerance for deferred attention — children learn to manage short waiting periods when the system is clear and fair
Self-management — knowing the signal lets the child make their own go/no-go decision without asking