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Top parenting stories this week
Attention-seeking Toddlers
Does your child often demand your attention? Here’s how to cope with those constant interruptions.
by: Elizabeth Pantley
In This Article
Attention Seeking
- Teach your children how to tell if something is important enough to warrant an interruption.
- Don’t answer your toddler’s question when she interrupts–this only reinforces the habit.
- Teach your child to gently squeeze your arm if she wants your attention when you’re talking to someone else.
- Put together a box of activities or games specifically for when you’re busy and can’t be interrupted.
- Praise your toddler for using good manners, such as saying “excuse me” when she wants your attention.
t can be frustrating when your child constantly interrupts you, but attention-seeking is a common toddler trait. Here’s how to teach them when it’s okay to interrupt–and how to do it politely.
1. Teach when interruptions are appropriate
Toddlers interrupt their parents because it guarantees a response. Chances are your child has learned that you’re willing to stop whatever you’re doing to answer them if they interrupt you.
The first thing to do is to teach your children how to decide if something is important enough to warrant an interruption. Toddlers have a hard time deciphering when interruptions are justified, so discuss examples of when it’s okay to interrupt, such as when someone is at the door, or if a sibling is hurt.
