Substitute some suitable form of expression for this excessive
tale-bearing. Even an eager interruption of the child, when you discern
the trend of her remarks, is entirely in order. In particular try to
find food for her mental hunger in the novel and sensational matters of
her daily school life. Make immediate offers of help in her school work,
in place of patient attention to tales. Polite ignoring of the child’s
chatter will ultimately induce her to cease; especially if you suggest
your disapproval of her unkind remarks by saying: “I like to hear good
things about people,” or “Haven’t you something pleasant to tell me
today?”