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Everyone Needs Attention

Introduction:

This week, we’ll explore how attention-seeking behavior is a natural way for children to express
their need for connection. By understanding this need and responding with empathy, we can help
children communicate their emotions more effectively.

Task 1: Understanding Attention-Seeking Behavior

1. Reflect on a moment when your child sought your attention through inconvenient behavior (e.g.,
asking for something they didn’t really want).

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What do you think they were really asking for?

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​2. How can you encourage your child to ask for attention directly instead of acting out in inconvenient ways?
Turn it into a game if possible.

Task 2: Translating Behavior into Feelings

1. Think of a moment when your child’s behavior felt manipulative or intentionally frustrating.
What might they have been feeling or needing in that moment?


2. How can you help your child express these feelings more clearly, rather than acting out?
Try to put their emotions into words.


Task 3: Responding with Kindness Rather than Judgment


1. How do you typically respond when your child throws a tantrum or refuses to cooperate?
Could you respond with more empathy instead of reacting with frustration?


2. What phrases or strategies can you use to acknowledge their feelings and guide them toward
better behavior?


For example, “I know you feel upset, let’s figure it out together.”

Final Reflection

1. How has this lesson changed your perspective on your child’s attention-seeking behavior?

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2. What steps will you take to help your child communicate their need for attention in a more
positive way?

Progress Tracker

Use this section to evaluate your progress in understanding and responding to your child’s need for
attention.

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Quantitative Tracking

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1. How often did you notice and respond to the feelings behind your child’s attention-seeking
behavior this week?
On a scale of 1-5 (1 = Rarely, 5 = Frequently):
( ) 1
( ) 2
( ) 3
( ) 4
( ) 5
2. How often were you able to help your child put their feelings into words instead of acting out?
On a scale of 1-5 (1 = Rarely, 5 = Frequently):
( ) 1
( ) 2
( ) 3
( ) 4
( ) 5

3. How confident do you feel about responding with empathy rather than judgment when your child
seeks attention?
On a scale of 1-5 (1 = Not confident, 5 = Very confident):
( ) 1
( ) 2
( ) 3
( ) 4
( ) 5

Qualitative Tracking

1. What was the most important insight you gained from reflecting on your child’s attention-seeking
behavior this week?


2. How did focusing on their emotions change the way you responded to their behavior?

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