E.F.
J.,
I do a similar thing, I have them say "excuse me, Mom" and touch my hand. I will either say just a minute, if I can't get to them right a way or if I am talking or in a conversation or I will hold up my pointer finger which tells them to wait a little bit. I also had a daughter that would repeat things over and over, and over and over, even if I was listening. I finally figured out that repeating what she had just said, let her know that in fact I did really just hear and understand what she had said. Sometimes I have to repeat it several different ways, so she gets, that I get it. I try not to repeat exactly what she says, now that she is older, so that I am not condescending. I remember her being about three and we would be somewhere where she needed to be quiet, and not only would she be repeating something, but doing it loudly! I would quickly and quietly repeat what she had said, and tell her we would talk about it later. This really helped for me. It actually is a great skill to have as a habit in good communication/listening. I do it to anyone (even my husband) when I can tell they think I am not understanding or listening. (it works great for when she tries to argue with me too)
Good luck
E.