How to identify and handle an attention-seeking child

Children usually crave their parent's attention and approval, which is completely normal behaviour. It only becomes problematic when they need it all the time and starts misbehaving when they are ignored. Some kids are charmers and gain their parent's sympathy by making tragedies out of trivial concerns, while others cry and stomp their feet to get what they want. This desire to stay in the limelight increases as the days pass and may become concerning for the parents. There are some strong reasons why children behave the way they do. To overcome their attention-seeking behaviour as a parent you need to understand them first and take the necessary steps accordingly. Here are some signs that indicate that you have an attention-seeking child and how you should deal with them.

A melodramatic child often uses emotions to manipulate their parent's mind. You may always find them overreacting or reacting in a disproportionate intensity to the situation. Like "they will say that their teacher hates them" or "they want food in a specific colour plate”. And when their needs are not fulfilled, they will start crying or throwing things everywhere.

Kids also sometimes fake their illness to prevent their parents from going out and spend more time with them. You will notice that most of the time when you say that you are going out, they will start crying saying their head or stomach is hurting.

Kids are generally curious and they ask a lot of questions almost about everything. But you will know the difference when they will be generally asking questions due to curiosity or just to gain your attention. In the latter case, kids make up some weird scenarios and will ask your questions related to that just to get your response.

Not all kids misbehave when they want attention from you, some are charmers and can get your attention even by doing cute little things like wearing weird clothes. But this behaviour might not seem cute to parents or anyone when they are in the middle of important work.

Crying or shouting are common behaviours craving for your attention. The attention-seeking child might misbehave or might finish their work on time or might not finish their food, just to get a response from you. They know well what makes you angry and how to respond to their behaviour.

Kids do all these things just to get your attention, so you must not neglect them always. But when the situation starts getting out of hand you need to take appropriate steps to control them.

Don’t reward their bad behaviour: Instead of shouting or punishing them, learn to ignore their bad behaviour at times.

Set rules and make sure your kids follow them: Write all the important things that they need to follow when they are at home like no screaming or completing their work on time and place the instructions in front of their eyes.

Reward them for their good behaviour: It is important to appreciate the good behaviour of your kids. So, whenever they help you reward them for that.

Do not lash out: Do not lash out at them when they behave this way. Stay calm and make them understand your point.