To deal with an attention-seeking child, explain why they can’t always have attention, set aside special one-on-one time, reward good behavior, and ignore bad behavior. It’s important to listen to the child and incorporate their interests into the special time. Ignoring bad behavior and not giving in to requests can help reduce attention-seeking behavior.
Depending on the child, a simple explanation of why he or she cannot consistently have the attention of a parent or caregiver can work wonders when dealing with an attention-seeking child. Special one-on-one time should also be set aside for that child, and he may even be allowed to participate in homework with the person he wants attention from. Good behavior, such as allowing a parent to feel comfortable, should be rewarded, and tantrums and other types of bad behavior should be ignored if possible.
Most children seek attention. They often especially crave attention from their parents, whether it’s positive or negative attention. An attention-seeking child with a behavior disorder, however, may demand excessive attention and may appear to be dependent on attention.
Explaining to a child that their behavior sometimes makes things more difficult is often the first step when dealing with an attention-seeking child. During this conversation, it is important for parents to listen to what the child has to say. She may feel that her parents aren’t spending enough time with her. A parent can then explain that he is not always able to stand by him, as he has important responsibilities.
Making special time for your attention-seeking child can also help. This time should be specifically centered around the child. For example, he should be allowed to choose what to do during this time. A parent and child might start a nightly bedtime ritual, for example, or a board game after school. The adult should always be consistent with this time and always consider it when creating his program.
Sometimes, a parent may incorporate time for an attention-seeking child into their daily routine. He may be allowed to help with certain tasks, or even just join his parents in a leisure activity. Some parents may allow their child to help prepare dinner, for example, or to go for an evening walk after dinner.
As with any child, the good behavior of an attention-seeking child can be rewarded. This reward should be positive, like coins in a piggy bank. For example, when an attention-seeking child allows his parents to take an important phone call, or even an uninterrupted shower, he may be allowed to put coins in the piggy bank. He can then use this money to buy a small toy or other treat.
Bad behavior, on the other hand, should be ignored whenever possible. For an attention-seeking child, any attention, good or bad, is often reward enough. When the child throws a tantrum, for example, he is rewarded with attention when his mother yells at him.
When dealing with attention-seeking behaviors, such as tantrums or nagging, most parents are usually advised to ignore them. An adult can respond in a calm voice that she will talk to the child when he has calmed down. Giving in to her requests will often only reinforce attention-seeking behavior.
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