Even at just 3 years old Mallory had a clear idea of how she could attract attention from her parents. When she wanted a treat before dinner, she’d complain and hold onto the pant leg of her father as the cook cooked. She would continue until her father accepted her request and gave her the treat. Of course, at this point, she was ready to do anything to get her to quit.
If she wasn’t ready to get up she would play around in the house as her parents pursued her. Then, they’d stop and allowed her to stay up for an hour later.
When Mallory was begging to go to a film and her parents said not to, she would scream until she was able to get her way.
What is it that children of all ages seek to be noticed in ways that could be so irritating? Why do we, as parents allow them to be so easy?
There are many reasons children need attention. They’re frustrated, exhausted hungry, or simply seeking some quality interaction with their family members. However, the reasons why your child behaves like this aren’t nearly as important as understanding how they react to situations that cause them to do so.
Remember that this behavior of seeking attention is normal. Children aged 3 to 7-year old age range can’t discern between wants and needs. They are often unable to figure out how to communicate themselves without being irritating. It’s a development issue. For these children, the best way of communication is to show interest-seeking behavior, typically often and loudly!
But don’t despair. These behaviors can be managed, and your child’s behavior will improve if you adhere to these rules and guidelines the following time your child complains or tries to attract your attention.
Do Be Empathetic
For kids who are just starting out, you can approach the issue of annoying behavior with compassion. Empathy doesn’t mean you are completely in tune with the child’s behavior. Instead, it’s a sign you are aware that the behavior is an indication of developmental impermanence.
Yes, it’s difficult to generate compassion and empathy when your child is being in a snarky manner. However, once you know the child’s developmental stage and their developmental stage, you’ll know what they’re and are not able to handle, and you’ll be able to respond appropriately.
Do You Learn to Dismiss Your Child if it is necessary
Sometimes you have to turn your back on the child whenever they nag you with their demands for attention. That’s not to suggest that you must be apathetic to your child’s desire for attention. However, it’s okay to inform children that whining won’t give them what they want. Also, you will only talk to them when they are able to be calm and calm.
Do explain to your child What is an emergency?
Discuss with your child the distinction between (1) an emergency situation (where your urgent attention is required) as well as (2) something your child is interested in but not urgent. For example, if your water is running over the top of the sink or a child has recently escaped from through the doorway, these are real emergencies and you must pay attention immediately. But if your child is attempting to play a video to you, and you’re talking on your phone, it’s in no way an issue. They are able to sit and wait to be able to get your attention at this moment.
This is a great tip to Have a strategy in place which allows your child to be able to signal when something is crucial. The creation of a catchy catchphrase to use in a real situation (for instance, “code red”) will help your child distinguish between a genuine emergency and just needing to get your attention.
Do you follow the rules for Your Child?
One of the most effective ways to stop attention-seeking behavior in the first place is to let your child know what you expect from them and the behaviors they should stay clear of.
It is possible to do this by making an outline of rules. Ask them to help you design it, then put it on their eyes (the refrigerator is an ideal location). Although your kid can’t read, studying the chart will help them remember the established rules.
Here are some examples of what you can put on the chart that include no whining, screaming, and no fleeing in the event of being called. In addition to each rule, you should list the consequences. For instance, if you are sitting on your own for 5 minutes, then go to bed an hour earlier or forfeit the time you spend on electronics.
Of course, your child may be a bit disruptive at times, and that is what happens. But if the rules are posted where your child is able to see them, you are able to be able to point out and say,
“Sorry, there is no screaming on the list of rules. Tonight, no TV .”
Do be consistent with the consequences.
The most difficult obstacle for parents when trying to stop attention-seeking behavior is the fact that they do not always enforce the consequences for children who act out. Parents are often overwhelmed, annoyed, or simply would like their child to remain peaceful. They’re burnt out and allow themselves to be apathetic rather than enforcing the rules by imposing consistent punishments.
Although giving in when you’re feeling exhausted is perfectly normal, however, don’t be fooled by it the child you’re with is making notes every time you give in to their demands. The next time they are in need of something, they’ll increase their efforts to find it.
Do you give your child healthy Attention?
You must ensure that you give your child the right amount of focus. Attention doesn’t necessarily mean meeting all your child’s needs at all times. It’s more about having a conversation with them regularly and with love every day.
Healthy attention can be found from time spent with your children, reading as a family, having meals together and chatting about the day’s activities, doing schoolwork or homework activities with them, as well as maintaining a consistent time for bed.
Each day will be unique in the amount of time you are able to devote to your child. Your hectic schedule will determine how much time you spend, so you must be honest about the amount of attention you can give your child.
Take a breather when you feel guilty for not being generous enough. Nobody wins when you scold yourself for not fitting everything into.
Do not yell at your child.
It’s tempting to limit the emotional response of your child’s level, particularly when whining continues to rage or you’re tired and at a trough at a.
Make sure you have a strategy to remove yourself from the scenario when you fear that you could be pyrotechnics.
If your child isn’t able to stop the habit of seeking attention If they continue to be arousing, tell them:
“I require a time-out right now because you’ll never stop complaining. I’ll see you in 5 mins .”
After that, go to your peaceful area and do some relaxing as well as deep breathing until you feel relaxed enough to be able to manage your child.
Don’t make your child feel Shameful
The responsibilities of children working, family, and the rest of life can leave many parents stressed and exhausted. This is why it is tempting to try to coerce our children into good behavior by transferring our problems (an excessive boss, an unpleasant encounter with a neighbor, an argument with a parent) on them.
However, the problems adults have shouldn’t be shared with children. Children already experience enough anxiety and stress of their own, so it’s unfair to load them with your worries also. It’s fine for feeling exhausted, but it’s best to not dwell on the gruesome details. Tell your child:
“I’ve been busy all day and I’m suffering from a headache. Therefore, I’d ask you to stop complaining, or else you’ll have to be alone for the rest of the day. .”
Don’t think there’s something That’s Not Right With Your Child
Many parents are misled into thinking that their child’s attention-seeking behavior indicates that there’s an issue that is more serious and are in a state of panic.
In fact, the majority of children are likely to act out at times in their development, and that’s fine. However, it doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with the child. As parents, you need to expect this behavior throughout childhood and deal with it with effective punishments to ensure that, in time your child is taught to behave in a manner that is appropriate when they’re upset or seek attention.
If you’re following these guidelines and you are still concerned or your child’s behavior is causing concern, or if they are acting in ways that pose danger for themselves or anyone else, you should contact your pediatrician right away. Do not ignore your parents’ warnings whenever you notice something that isn’t to be right.
Don’t be a harem over your child
It’s not necessary to be present at all times your child is in need of something. Don’t be afraid or feel guilty that your child might feel unloved by you if you don’t always show your appreciation for the need for attention. Remember that a key the most important thing you can do is inform your child that not all their needs will be addressed. If you’re always on-call when your child is in need of something, they won’t learn the value of patience as well as how important it is to wait for their turn or the knowledge that they’re not the center of the universe.
Parents who are constantly watching their children are at risk of fostering the need for attention, and children may be able to continue to exhibit these behaviors in adulthood.
Conclusion
Attention-seeking behavior is often annoying which parents find difficult to deal with. It can even make it difficult to enjoy parenting in the end. Remember it’s a normal stage in developing a child’s growth If you adhere to these guidelines and your child’s behavior will improve, and you’ll be able to feel more at ease being a parent.
