<p>Some students think they are the centre of the universe. From the 10-year-old “diva” who demands centre stage at all times to the 17-year-old who takes out his frustrations on teacher, this attention-seeking behaviour can be exhausting for everyone. <br /><br /></p>.<p>The most common reason for a student’s misbehaviour is his need of attention. The student feels inadequate unless he is constantly at the centre of things. Enjoying the attention of others is socially acceptable in some situations. In some instances, however, the need for attention can lead to difficulties. <br /><br />Spotting attention seeking student<br /><br />*Seeks and craves for attention until he or she receives it.<br /><br />* Recognizes no boundaries to his or her attention-seeking behaviour.<br /><br />* Engages in unexpected and unacceptable behaviour amidst others.<br /><br />* Doesn't know when to quit or set limits to his/her behaviour.<br /><br />* Is always desperate to do something and engage in work that brings him/her attention.<br /><br />*Different from the class clown; the person is serious. This child brags and does anything he or she can to show superiority.<br /><br />* Likes to perform in presence of opposite sex.<br /><br />*Makes quick exaggerated responses to stimuli.<br /><br />*Self-centered and inconsiderate of others. Never thinks about the consequences of his/her behaviour on others. <br /><br />*May or may not be a good student academically.<br /><br />Effects of such behaviour<br /><br />* The need for attention distracts others from what is going on and sounds threatening to others.<br /><br />* At school, the teacher may feel that he or she has lost control.<br /><br />* Time is wasted in dealing with the extra show put on.<br />* Competitive situations are set up by peers, which can cause trouble.<br />* Some students may provoke the person in order to disrupt class and create controversies.<br /><br />Reasons for such behaviour<br /><br />There can be a number of reasons for why the individual is engaging in attention seeking behaviour such as:<br /><br />*Low self-esteem: The person is dealing with low self esteem. They inwardly feel that if they do not demand attention that people may ignore them altogether.<br /><br />* Loneliness: Some individuals feel incredibly lonely and they use this behaviour as a means to feel more connected to other people. Even if the individual spends a great deal of time around other individuals they can still experience loneliness.<br /><br />*To feel valuable: The individual needs attention in order to feel like a valuable person. This is because their self worth depends on the evaluations of other people and this is a type of emotional immaturity.<br /><br />* Feeling of inferiority: The individual fears he or she will be lost in the crowd. Therefore, even though he or she is capable and acts superior, this child feels inferior. Above all, when this child doesn't do something extra, he or she never gets any attention.<br /><br /> This makes the child feel worse. Know that this child may not want to do this, but feels it is necessary. Some individuals have issues with jealously. They do not like it when the attention is on other people so they attempt to steal the limelight.<br />n Narcissistic supply: Many individuals who are prone to attention seeking behaviour suffer from a mental health condition known as narcissistic personality disorder. This involves an inflated sense of self importance and feelings of superiority.<br /><br />Overcoming attention seeking behaviour <br /><br />Attention seeking behaviour is an ineffective coping strategy and it can lead to all sorts of undesirable consequences. The individual can overcome this extreme need for attention by:<br /><br />* Increasing self-esteem: The individual needs to stop associating their self worth with the evaluations of other people. Small successes in the beginning lead to bigger successes later on. As the individual begins to face the challenges that come their way in recovery, they will begin to develop emotional maturity. <br /><br />*Proper parenting and mentoring: A major goal of parenting is supplying the attention that kids must have to create their own sense of identity and self-esteem. One of the best ways to attend to a child is to show the child the same respect we would show an adult. <br /><br />*Spend private time with the person: Talk about his or her behavior in a caring way and discuss why this is happening. Capitalize on his or her strengths. Say, "I don't want people thinking badly of you.” Make sure this child knows you love him or her. Remember, this child will do anything to get your respect.<br /><br />*Confrontation: - Make sure this child knows you love him or her. Give the person attention before he or she seeks it. Confront the child privately, with a calm and serious attitude. Never confront him or her in the presence of others. Give the child a look of knowing disapproval, but not rejection. Remember to recognize his or her efforts, and you'll find her/him coming back on track. Use encouragement for all good behavior, privately and publicly. <br /><br /></p>
<p>Some students think they are the centre of the universe. From the 10-year-old “diva” who demands centre stage at all times to the 17-year-old who takes out his frustrations on teacher, this attention-seeking behaviour can be exhausting for everyone. <br /><br /></p>.<p>The most common reason for a student’s misbehaviour is his need of attention. The student feels inadequate unless he is constantly at the centre of things. Enjoying the attention of others is socially acceptable in some situations. In some instances, however, the need for attention can lead to difficulties. <br /><br />Spotting attention seeking student<br /><br />*Seeks and craves for attention until he or she receives it.<br /><br />* Recognizes no boundaries to his or her attention-seeking behaviour.<br /><br />* Engages in unexpected and unacceptable behaviour amidst others.<br /><br />* Doesn't know when to quit or set limits to his/her behaviour.<br /><br />* Is always desperate to do something and engage in work that brings him/her attention.<br /><br />*Different from the class clown; the person is serious. This child brags and does anything he or she can to show superiority.<br /><br />* Likes to perform in presence of opposite sex.<br /><br />*Makes quick exaggerated responses to stimuli.<br /><br />*Self-centered and inconsiderate of others. Never thinks about the consequences of his/her behaviour on others. <br /><br />*May or may not be a good student academically.<br /><br />Effects of such behaviour<br /><br />* The need for attention distracts others from what is going on and sounds threatening to others.<br /><br />* At school, the teacher may feel that he or she has lost control.<br /><br />* Time is wasted in dealing with the extra show put on.<br />* Competitive situations are set up by peers, which can cause trouble.<br />* Some students may provoke the person in order to disrupt class and create controversies.<br /><br />Reasons for such behaviour<br /><br />There can be a number of reasons for why the individual is engaging in attention seeking behaviour such as:<br /><br />*Low self-esteem: The person is dealing with low self esteem. They inwardly feel that if they do not demand attention that people may ignore them altogether.<br /><br />* Loneliness: Some individuals feel incredibly lonely and they use this behaviour as a means to feel more connected to other people. Even if the individual spends a great deal of time around other individuals they can still experience loneliness.<br /><br />*To feel valuable: The individual needs attention in order to feel like a valuable person. This is because their self worth depends on the evaluations of other people and this is a type of emotional immaturity.<br /><br />* Feeling of inferiority: The individual fears he or she will be lost in the crowd. Therefore, even though he or she is capable and acts superior, this child feels inferior. Above all, when this child doesn't do something extra, he or she never gets any attention.<br /><br /> This makes the child feel worse. Know that this child may not want to do this, but feels it is necessary. Some individuals have issues with jealously. They do not like it when the attention is on other people so they attempt to steal the limelight.<br />n Narcissistic supply: Many individuals who are prone to attention seeking behaviour suffer from a mental health condition known as narcissistic personality disorder. This involves an inflated sense of self importance and feelings of superiority.<br /><br />Overcoming attention seeking behaviour <br /><br />Attention seeking behaviour is an ineffective coping strategy and it can lead to all sorts of undesirable consequences. The individual can overcome this extreme need for attention by:<br /><br />* Increasing self-esteem: The individual needs to stop associating their self worth with the evaluations of other people. Small successes in the beginning lead to bigger successes later on. As the individual begins to face the challenges that come their way in recovery, they will begin to develop emotional maturity. <br /><br />*Proper parenting and mentoring: A major goal of parenting is supplying the attention that kids must have to create their own sense of identity and self-esteem. One of the best ways to attend to a child is to show the child the same respect we would show an adult. <br /><br />*Spend private time with the person: Talk about his or her behavior in a caring way and discuss why this is happening. Capitalize on his or her strengths. Say, "I don't want people thinking badly of you.” Make sure this child knows you love him or her. Remember, this child will do anything to get your respect.<br /><br />*Confrontation: - Make sure this child knows you love him or her. Give the person attention before he or she seeks it. Confront the child privately, with a calm and serious attitude. Never confront him or her in the presence of others. Give the child a look of knowing disapproval, but not rejection. Remember to recognize his or her efforts, and you'll find her/him coming back on track. Use encouragement for all good behavior, privately and publicly. <br /><br /></p>