Signs Your Kid Is Starved for Attention: 10 Warning Behaviors to Look Out For

So, you've noticed that your child is acting out or exhibiting strange behaviors. You may be wondering: Is my child just being a kid, or is there something else going on?

As a parent, it's normal to be concerned about how your little one is doing, especially if their behavior has changed all of a sudden. It's worth looking into further to see if there's an underlying cause. One possible cause of out-of-character behavior can be attributed to attention-seeking.

In this article, we'll outline the signs and symptoms of an attention-starved child so that you can identify any indicators early on and address them appropriately. Read on to learn more about when to look out for these warning behaviors and get advice on how best to respond.

Constantly Seeking Reassurance

One potential sign that your kid may need a bit more attention is if they're constantly asking for reassurance. Your child might tell you how much they appreciate your words of support, or how much it means to them when you give them a hug. It could even manifest in small things like inquiries about what you think of their artwork or a compliment from another person.

This kind of behavior may seem like it's harmless, but it can really add up over time. If your kid is constantly needing reassurance and affirmation, it could indicate an underlying need for more attention, even without them realizing it. Try to take these moments as opportunities to provide extra love and comfort— be sure to tell them how proud you are of the progress they have made and show appreciation for all their efforts.

Excessive Crying or Tantrums

A child who throws tantrums or cries often could be trying to get your attention. Even though it may be easier to indulge the behavior or give in to their request, try to enforce a distraction strategy. Redirect their attention to something else and show them you're present by paying attention and comforting them.

Try also to keep track of when your child is more likely to act out, like before bedtime or when they are hungry. Setting a regular routine can help alleviate this, in addition to addressing any of their underlying emotional needs. Sometimes children act out simply because they need more time with their parents, so make sure you are setting aside quality time together each day.

Difficulty Entertaining Themselves

If you find your child cannot seem to entertain themselves and are constantly asking for attention, this could be a sign that they are starved for attention. Kids typically can come up with exciting, imaginative activities to do on their own, but this is missing in a child starved for attention. While some kids may start off with the best of intentions of playing, it quickly devolves into them asking for help or constantly coming to you because they don’t know what else to do.

Some other behaviors that could indicate your child is starved for attention include:

Asking too many questions

Seeking excessive praise or reassurance

Becoming overly emotional when you’re away

Pestering their siblings or friends

Trouble Making Friends

One of the potentially more subtle signs your kid is starved for attention is having trouble making friends. If your child is having trouble connecting with other children, it may be a sign they need more of your focused one-on-one time.

For some kids, the issue may be that they don't know how to make friends. If your child isn't used to receiving social attention and hasn't had a chance to practice those skills yet, they may not know how to reciprocate.

Building Social Skills

It's important to create activities and opportunities that teach them how to interact with peers in healthy ways. You can take your kid for playdates with other children and model proactive conversation starters and listening skills. You can also help them join an afterschool or community group that has similar interests so they can have a safe space to build social confidence.

At home, you can set aside time for family fun and play together as much as possible. This will help your child learn how it feels when someone shows interest in them and provides the space needed for them to practice giving affection back while still being part of the family dynamic.

Struggles With Separation Anxiety

Signs of separation anxiety in your child may appear when they have difficulty separating from you or other loved ones. If they seem afraid to be apart from you (even for short periods of time) and become anxious, clingy, or sad when it's time to part ways, this could be a sign that they are feeling starved for attention.

You may also observe that your child has difficulty leaving familiar places or routines—for example, they may become clingy when it's time to leave the park, after school, or even their bedroom. Other behaviors related to separation anxiety include crying or tantrums during drop offs and pick-ups from school and activities.

If you're worried about how your child is handling the separation process, take note of how long it takes for them to calm down after parting ways with you. It's also worth keeping an eye out for any regression in toilet training and other development markers caused by stress and anxiety that may be related to being away from family members.

It can also be helpful to set up a regular “goodbye routine” when leaving your child somewhere new so that both of you feel less anxious—this could include measures like giving them something comforting (like a special toy or blanket) to help them remember that reuniting is inevitable.

Poor Performance in School

It's understandable for your kid to have a bad day sometimes, but if poor school performance is a recurring issue, it may be time to look for signs of attention deficit. Kids who feel neglected or undervalued may struggle to concentrate in class, resulting in failing grades and disrupted classes.

You can see this in their:

Tests scores—if your child used to do well and then suddenly drops off, it could be a sign of not being able to focus

Homework assignments—if they are constantly turning in incomplete or rushed work, it could suggest that they're not putting their full effort into it

Attitude towards learning—if your child has lost all interest in learning or seems disengaged, it could be an indication of feeling neglected

Being attentive to these warning signs can help you take the necessary steps to ensure your kid is getting the attention they need. Reaching out to teachers and other important figures in their life can help you get a better picture of what is going on and how best to address the issue.

Difficulty Setting Healthy Boundaries

It can be hard to tell if your child is struggling to set healthy boundaries with friends and family. But if your kid is having difficulty setting limits, it is usually a sign that they may not be getting enough attention from you.

Here are some of the warning signs:

Having trouble saying no or asking for help

Not understanding the concept of personal space

Becoming too reliant on others for direction

Feeling guilty if they don't comply with someone else's wishes

Not being able to articulate their own desires and needs

Feeling angry, upset, or frustrated when someone won't do as they ask

If you notice any of these behaviors in your child, it could be an indication that they are feeling neglected or overlooked. It's important to take action and make sure your child is getting the attention and love they need. Try spending more quality time together and make sure they know you are there to support them in whatever they do. Also, make sure you set clear boundaries with your child so that both of you understand what acceptable behavior looks like.

Lying or Stealing for Attention

One sign that your kid might be feeling neglected is if they start doing things to get your attention-- even if it's negative attention. This can include lying or stealing for attention.

It's natural for kids to test boundaries and push their limits, but when it becomes excessive, it may be a telling sign that something is wrong. Lying or stealing are serious offenses that should not be ignored, because it means your child is trying to do something desperate to get your attention and feel noticed.

Try talking openly with your child and finding out why they believe they have to resort to these tactics in order to gain attention. It could be any number of reasons like feeling neglected or lonely, or simply not feeling heard or valued. Talk through the situation together, and see how you can work together towards meaningful solutions that make your child feel seen and heard in a positive way.

Physical Ailments With No Known Cause

Do you ever notice your kid starting to complain of physical ailments with no clear cause? Unexplained headaches and stomach aches may be a sign that your child is feeling emotionally neglected and desperately wants attention. Kids naturally look to their parents for acknowledgement and validation, so if they don’t get it, they may start to act out in odd or unexpected ways.

It can often be difficult for kids to express feelings of frustration, anxiety and sadness verbally. If a child thinks their voice isn’t being heard, they might find other outlets for communication — including physical symptoms with no known cause.

You can take steps to help your child feel heard by:

• Assuring them periodically that you love them

• Making time each day for meaningful conversations

• Asking them questions about their lives, opinions and activities

• Listening nonjudgmentally to their answers

Risky or Reckless Behaviors

You should be on the lookout for any reckless or risky behaviors your child might be engaging in. These could be anything from engaging in dangerous activities like driving too fast, drinking, or using drugs – to simply behavior that's out of the ordinary for them.

These behaviors could be a sign that your child is looking to fill a void and they're not sure how else to do it. If you suspect that your child is engaging in risky or reckless behavior, it's important to take action and try to address the underlying cause as soon as possible.

Warning signs

Some of the warning signs that your child might be engaging in risky behavior include:

• Frequent changes in friends

• Unexplained absences from home

• Excessive risk-taking and thrill-seeking

• Breaking rules and authority figures, such as those put forth by parents and school officials.

• Spending time with individuals who are already engaged in these kinds of activities.

It's important to recognize these behaviors and then take steps towards addressing their underlying causes before things get worse.

Conclusion

It's important for parents to pay close attention to their child's behavior. If you notice any of the warning signs of a child who is starved for attention, like demanding for attention, becoming clingy, or acting out in aggressive or destructive ways, it is best to take action and begin to address the problem.

By taking steps to give your child more attention, you can ensure they feel secure and valued. Make sure you spend quality time together, helping them with their activities, listening to their worries, and praising their accomplishments. Not only will this foster a stronger bond between you and your child, but it will also give them the attention they need and deserve.