Attention Seeking Behavior is Connection Seeking Behavior
Dealing with attention seeking can be challenging. Most children gain attention in school or at home in normal, positive ways. However, some children feel that misbehaving is their best way to get your attention – as any attention is better than being ignored.
When a child appears to be attention seeking what they are doing is seeking a connection and validation. When viewed as behaviors that express a child’s need to belong, parents are better equipped to deal with these behaviors positively.
Connection seeking stems from a child’s need to remind you that they exist. In their world they feel they need and deserve more attention than they have been receiving. Renaming from attention seeking to connection seeking allows us to analyze the behavior in a more positive perspective. Provides the opportunity for us to reflect on the reason behind the child’s feeling of need to seek out the connection, love or validation.
Schedule special time with your child like you would with any other commitment. Connection seeking behaviors, wanted and unwanted, are part of parenting. Let’s manage it in a peaceful and positive way, without punishment.
Coach Benjamin Mizrahi. Educator. Learning Specialist. Family Coach. Father. Husband.
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