The constant clamor for attention by your child can, of course, get quite overwhelming for you as a parent. However, you’re not the only parent who’s experiencing this problem! The continual need for attention by children is a common issue in most families. And while this might not look like a problem to many, those who face it would agree that the constant attention-seeking behavior of kids can often end up disrupting and distracting the parents right to the core, affecting their personal as well as professional life.

Certainly, as a parent, giving your child your undivided attention is important. However, just as everything should have a limit, there should also be an upper limit to this. Remember, if you do not impose firm limits on how much attention you’re giving your child, your child may find it difficult to overcome this distressing habit.

Why do kids indulge in attention-seeking tactics?

Studies report that children resort to attention-seeking tactics when they feel the urge to connect with their parents, or they feel they are not being paid enough attention by the parents. This might also happen when the child wants to be the center of attention in the house and wants to be a part of every single activity or discussion that’s going on.

If not handled well and aptly in time, such attention-seeking tactics take up the form of major behavioral issues. So, what should you do? One of the best ways to get the attention-seeking behavior of kids in control is to offer genuine appreciation to your kids whenever they deserve them.

At Dayawati Modi Academy, one of the best CBSE schools in Meerut, we reckon that appreciation is one of the most powerful inspirational tools for kids. It helps by not only motivating the kids but also making them responsive to your appreciative comments. It makes them feel involved and noticed. They come to believe that they are getting the necessary love, care, and attention, and thereby do not find any need to indulge in any sort of unhealthy attention-seeking behavior.

Why should you stick to well-deserved appreciation?

By appreciating your child, you’re letting them know that you approve of their behavior. In the process, you’ll notice that they will keep repeating their behavior to keep experiencing the dizzy feeling that comes with your approval.

This means that if you keep appreciating them for every little thing they do, be it their basic responsibilities like doing their homework, taking a bath, etc., they will begin to seek your appreciation every single time they do something. This would only add up to their attention-seeking behavior even more. However, when you shower them with your appreciation when they truly deserve it, they will gradually get to understand that you are noticing the hard work they are putting into getting things done. They will feel more valued and respected then.

What’s the right way to appreciate?

• Make it meaningful

Keep the appreciation real by relating it to a particular behavioral trait of your child for it to be effective.

• Get emotional

Simply by saying something appreciative or simply smiling, hugging, or kissing them, you should show your child that their behavior had had an emotional impact on you.

• Keep it genuine

Beware of displaying fake sincerity around your child; they’re smart enough to quickly know whether you genuinely mean it or not.

• Show it in different ways

Rather than always showing your appreciation in the same way, try keeping it different as per the situation and your child’s preferences. Depending on whether your kid prefers public or private acknowledgment, you can decide how to appreciate them.

In case you think your child does not like public acknowledgment, make sure that instead of skipping the appreciation part, you make it personal for them. For instance, you can write a note to show your appreciation for something special that they’ve done to privately acknowledge their thoughtfulness.

Concluding

The benefits of showing well-deserved appreciation to your child for their good behavior are manifold. In fact, we, at Dayawati Modi Academy, ranked among the best CBSE schools in Meerut, believe that by being an appreciative parent, the task of maintaining a happy, healthy family atmosphere becomes much easier for you. Moreover, you can also enrich your and your child’s mood by complimenting them for their good work. Remember, the positive behavior that you are showcasing to your kids is the one that is going to be passed down to all your family generations. So, why not stick to it for your children and their upcoming generations to enjoy its benefits!