In today’s fast-paced world, where work, packed schedules and endless digital distractions compete for our focus, children sometimes struggle to get the attention they need. Although your child probably won’t say it directly, they often signal it through other behaviors.
“Whether a child admits it or not, parents are the center of a child’s world and children are developmentally designed to crave attention and care from their parents — even teenagers,” said Dr. Brenner Freeman, a psychiatrist with Banner Health.
Here are five key signs to watch for.
Acting out
Children who can’t get positive attention often resort to defiance or rule-breaking. These behaviors might be frustrating, but they often signal your child needs more positive interaction with you. “If your child needs more attention, they will typically engage in attention-seeking behaviors, which may include yelling, whining, or interrupting,” marriage and family therapist Dr. Jay Serle told Parents.com.
Constant clinginess
If your typically independent child suddenly becomes your shadow, following you around the house or interrupting constantly, they might be making a direct bid for more attention. This behavior often indicates they’re not getting enough quality time during regular daily activities, according to Banner Health.
Regression to earlier behaviors
Watch for signs of regression, such as using baby talk or bed-wetting in a previously toilet-trained child. These returns to earlier developmental stages often signal a need for more security and parental connection, UnityPoint Health reports.
Unexplained ailments
Frequent headaches or stomachaches with no clear medical cause might be your child’s way of seeking attention, according to Banner Health.
Withdrawal and isolation
Some children respond to a lack of attention by pulling away. If your usually social child starts spending excessive time alone or seems disengaged from family activities, it may be time to intervene. “Childhood depression and anxiety can be natural consequences of an unhealthy bond with their parents,” Freeman said.
While life’s demands won’t disappear, understanding these signals can help parents prioritize meaningful connections with their children. Simple actions like putting away phones during family time or offering “positive attention” can make a huge difference.
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