Every kid wants attention, so they sometimes do something to get it. Some parents spent just seven minutes per day with their children, and if they have brothers or sisters in the picture, the middle ones are sometimes overlooked. Feeling left out leads to attention-seeking behavior in kids. Continue to read to find out what it is and how to deal with it.
What is Attention-Seeking Behavior in Kids?
Have you ever faced issues like your child lying down in the middle of the street to get a toy or creating a park scene among other siblings by stealing ice cream or bullying other children? These are examples of behavior that seeks attention, and it sometimes goes too extreme to the stage where you get glares and glimpses from outsiders as well as from other parents.
Other indications of negative attention-seeking behavior in kids are –
- Fake illnesses to spend some time
- Causes damage to others and tries to play a hero
- Play the victim by rising the proportion of simple daily issues
- Create too much drama at home or in public places
- Create issues that lead one parent to deal with the other
- Showing that they’re super busy and finishing everything on time or before.
Types Of Attention Seeking Behaviors In Kids
There are different kinds of attention-seeking behavior. However, there are ways of approval and rewards that come with adult attention just like there are behaviors. The following are mentioned.
1. Positive Attention
If you see your child doing something good, give them some encouraging words, or improve the behavior with positive rewards. That is what we call positive attention. In short, a pat on their back, a gentle embrace, sweet words, and little smiley doodles or notes in their notebook always works.
2. Negative Attention
Negative emphasis is like a vicious circle. You lose your coolness and scold your child. They do it again, and again, and again, and again. You’re getting the gist. To gain further attention. Invariably, you get extremely upset at every turn of the way because kids do mishaps and mischief to nab a few of your time. This is also an example of a child’s attention-seeking behavior.
3. No Attention
No attention is given when your child does something good when you don’t pay any attention. For example, two siblings, who are usually messy or destructive in behavior, sit softly at home watching TV together. Parents do not respond to this positive change and move on with their work. This is an example of not paying any attention to kids.
Dealing With Attention Seeking Behaviour in Kids
Here are some tips on how to deal with or stop child-seeking behavior.
1. Ignore Bad Conduct
There is no allowance for bad conduct. Make his whines and tantrums known by your ignorance. He will understand that in time, and gradually change his actions for the better.
2. Offer Options
If they don’t want to do less enjoyable jobs, by supplying them with options make them more doable. What dress do you want to wear, for example, or what dessert do you want for dinner, etc.
3. Give Positive Attention
Help your kids lend a hand with your kitchen duties or compliment them for spending time quietly like watching TV or drawing by themselves. Tell them to practice if they have talents and praise them for their efforts.
Do’s And Don’t When Dealing With Attention-Seeking Behavior In Kids
Do’s –
1. Build a Rules List – List the house rules and impacts of each break. That could be 10 minutes cut off from their usual screen time for screaming, and it could be going to bed early and so on to make a mess. Create and hang this chart in your child’s eyes at a place that they can see and visit regularly. No matter what, adhere to this chart and you will find them changing their behavior.
2. Giving Attention Thoughtfully – This is not to suggest that the rules cut your attention off. Gather to talk, read stories before bedtime, and do the small things that bring love into your child’s everyday life but continue to follow the rules and be strict when breaking them. They’re just going to take things seriously if you’re honest and serious from your end.
Don’ts –
1. Scream – It’s normal to feel upset or irritated, but never hurt your kids by yelling or losing mental control from the edge. Whenever you feel like you’re going to lose your cool, feel free to walk away and take a rest. Don’t be scared to tell your kid that you’re going to take a rest because you’re not in a position to accommodate their crying right now, and you’re going to be back in a few minutes because they’re going to be silent. Do deep breathing practice and meditate for a few minutes each day to be relaxed and focused.
2. Perhaps It’s Clinical Disorder- Most parents conclude that their children’s temper tantrums are related to ADHD or other psychiatric conditions. Don’t believe it is. Often it’s completely natural for kids to yell and cry when they’re at the point of their life’s development. However, if your child is cutting off or acting out dangerous situations or causing harm, then seek help from a pediatrician.
Emotional Concerns Behind The Attention-Seeking Behaviour In Kids
Emotional issues or causes of attention-seeking behavior in kids are
- Your child may have trouble making friends at school
- Feels ignored because the parents are busy working too much
- Does not get much attention from home
- Previous experiences or a trauma
How Much Attention is Sufficient for Your Kid?
How much attention your child needs depends on the personality, conduct, and daily activities of your child. Your child may be pleased with the attention they get at home but maybe disappointed in schools. In this situation, you will wish to talk to the school counselor or the teachers involved and allow them the opportunity to address concerns and promote group discussion.
It is strongly recommended that you give your child 100% of his attention at home at least some time of the day. The explanation behind this is that if you’re not paying attention to your kids, they may inevitably cause temper tantrums or cause a scene to fit in in other settings.
Just use the tips above and keep those ideas in mind to draw exposure to the actions of kids in school and home, and we’re sure you’ll see some good changes early. And recall the magic word, the time.
Also Read: Causes Of Mental Disorders In Kids
