How to Handle Your Toddler’s Constant Need For Attention

You are in a grocery store to get some goodies for your kids at home. From afar, you sighted a preschooler who is doing everything within his capacity to gain his mom’s attention.

From whining to squirming to taking things off the shelf, mum tried fixing all that he scattered, but it all proved abortive. You are lost while giving a stare. Where did you go? Home.

That scene isn’t unique. Your toddler puts up a similar attitude like this, most times resorting to crying to get your attention. 

So, you pitied the mom and proceeded to check out. But in your head, you kept thinking: What can parents do? How can parents solve this problem? 

First, if your child constantly demands your attention, it might be a severe case. I won’t rule out medical issues. Inquiring from medical personnel will mark out the first and practical step. 

But regardless, it is natural for a child to put up that action in a minimal way. However, there are reasons why a child could pick up this attitude. 

• It could be that they lack sufficient positive interactions or are trying to re-engage an adult. 

• They want to be personally addressed. 
• They aren’t interested in being forgotten. 

Parents who are so engrossed in their work, failing to create time for their children, might end up giving the kids the choice to misbehave, making up for the attention they deprive them. 

Regardless of what you might need, children who seek attention have valid needs, and you have to listen. 

To set things straight, here are a few ways to combat the issue intelligently.

Four Ways To Handle Your Toddler’s Constant Need For Attention

1. Give Attention

There’s no better way to address this. Give them attention for appropriate behavior even if they resort to crying to pass the message.

Pat, engage in a conversation, and share an activity. Don’t let the attention remain void; fill it up with these.

Also Read: 15 Best Games For ADHD Kids (With Reviews & Guides)

 2. Don’t Ignore The Child, Ignore the Misbehavior

Don’t scold, yell, or punish your child for his misdeeds. Instead, offer him a timeout, a period of nothing less than one minute.

Then when he’s back, reassure him that he can act or behave well.

And engage him. Just ensure that you make a rational decision as regards consequences. 

3. Always Maintain Consistency

When children see that we mean what we’ve said or told them, they learn.

Has your child sometimes cried because of what she needed, and you’ve told her it wouldn’t be good for her health?

Is the cry recurring again for that need? Do not give in. Maintain your stance; they will learn. 

4. Repeat

Go through these steps until your child gets it. It should be repeated when you’ve figured out that real need is lesser than misbehavior.

Final Thoughts

Unfortunately, it is not often more comfortable for a single parent to apply these patterns of creating a deep and emphatic connection to the child. 

They’ve got lots of obligations, work, and other personal issues. Stress can even make them forget about creating this connection. But interestingly, it is never as if it isn’t possible. 

Many single parents have proven to be up to the task. They have done amazing things that show that they can create deep connections.